Football History

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Steve Owen's career in professional football spanned nearly three decades, leaving an indelible mark on the New York Giants and the game itself. He carved out a successful path as a player before transitioning into a legendary coach, forever etching his name in Giants' lore.

Steve Owen not only starred while playing the game, he absorbed the lessons he learned on the field, put them into practice, and even innovated concepts of the gridiron when he got into coaching.

Steve Owen, born on April 21, 1898, in Cleo Springs, Oklahoma, was ambitious and resilient. His journey to success was not without its challenges. After completing high school, he continued his education at Philips University in Enid, OK. He worked on a cattle ranch to support himself, demonstrating his determination and work ethic. However, his pursuit of higher learning was interrupted when he served in the US Army during World War I.

Steve Owen's journey in professional football began in the early 1920s when the game was still finding its shape. After the War, he signed on with the NFL's Kansas City Cowboys in 1924, who played all their games on the road. The lineman earned a salary of $50 per contest for his labor.

At a relatively short 5'10" for a lineman, Owen's exceptional strength, intelligence, and fierce competitive spirit compensated for his stature. These unique qualities and his leadership skills set him apart from his peers.

His journey took him to several teams. After finding being a full-time road warrior quite the grind, the 26-year-old spent the 1925 season with the Waterbury-Hartford Blues, an independent team in Connecticut. The Blues had ambitions to join the NFL, and after Steve helped the team achieve a record of 10-2, including two narrow victories over the NFL's Rochester Jeffersons, Hartford would earn a League franchise in 1926. Steve was also signed to play for the Cleveland Bulldogs for one game that season.

That solitary game with the struggling Bulldogs would be a springboard to his eventual pigskin roost. Steve played briefly with the Cleveland Bulldogs before being sold to the New York Giants in 1926 for $500. The legendary Dr. Harry March had seen Owen play a year earlier at a meager salary of $100 a game, which barely covered the expenses of barnstorming across Florida with the Cowboys. Yet, his exceptional defensive skills couldn't be ignored.

Owen truly blossomed with the Giants, becoming a key cog in their 1927 champ "on-ship run. His leadership on and off the field earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches.

By 1931, Owen had transitioned into a player-coach role with the Giants, marking the start of a coaching dynasty that would span over two decades. His approach to the game was characterized by a strong emphasis on defense and fundamental football, a stark contrast to the more flamboyant offensive schemes of the time. This defensive focus, known as "Stout Steve's System," shaped the Giants' play and left a lasting" impacSteve'se game i "self, revolutionizingGiants'y team approach to defense.

Despite initial skepticism, Owen's methods proved to be game-changers. He led the Giants to eight Eastern titles and two NFL championships (1934 and 1938). His innovative tactics, such as the A-formation that revolutionized running plays and the umbrella defense designed to counter emerging passing attacks, significantly impacted the game's evolution. Owen's ability to adapt and innovate, combined with his unwavering fundamentals, reshaped the game, leaving a lasting legacy.

Steve Owen's impact extended beyond his tactical brilliance. He fostered a culture of Owen's focus and teamwork within the Giants organization, a testament to his leadership and character. He was known for his loyalty to his players and staff, instilling a sense of family within the team. This loyalty extended beyond the playing field, as Owen famously coached with the Giants for 24 seasons on a handshake agreement – a testament to his mutual respect and the Mara family, who owned the team.

The innovator took chances, too, with little things he learned and quick decisions. In the 1934 championship game (now known as the "sneaker game"), he found himself on a frozen field. In a stroke of genius, the New York Giants switched to sneakers in the second half, gaining traction and defeating the Chicago Bears 30-13. This innovative move forever changed the game, as NFL teams always wear rubber-soled shoes on icy fields.

Under the leadership of Coach Owen, the Giants would also claim the NFL title in 1938.

As a coach, Owen had a career win/loss record of 155-108-17 as his teams won eight division titles and two NFL Championships. The G-men under his watch were in eight of the first 14 NFL Title games! Coach Owen's innovations to the game were outstanding, and he is credited with the A-foOwen'sn offense. The umbrella defense, where he dropped four defensive backs to cover the deep field partly to neutralize the powerful Cleveland Browns passing attack after they joined the NFL in the early 1950s. He even participated in implementing the two-platoon system of personnel with specialists in offense and defense. Steve Owen was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966.

Steve Owen retired from coaching in 1953, leaving a legacy far beyond wins and championships. He was pivotal in establishing the New York Giants as a perennial contender, laying the foundation for future success. More importantly, Owen's dedication to defense, his emphasis on fundamentals, and his innovative Owen'ss significantly impacted the game's evolution. He is a testament that leadership, intelligence, and a deep understanding of the game can overcome physical limitations. Steve Owen, the "Rock of New York," remains a towering figure in the Giants' history and an innovator in "the annals of professional football Giants.'

Ken Strong's career was a spectacle of unparalleled versatility and dominance, spanning college and professional leagues. His record-breaking college days and championship performance with the New York Giants left an indelible mark on the game, earning him a place in both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. His journey wasn't just about football; it was a testament to the power of human potential.

Born August 6, 1906, in West Haven, Connecticut, was Elmer Kenneth "Ken" Strong. His journey to greatness began in high school, where he shone brightly. His exceptional talent was evident with two All-Connecticut selections and his instrumental role in elevating West Haven High to prominence. This was just the start of a career that would leave an indelible mark on American football.

It is reported that his NYU coach Chic Meehan's idea of making games more entertaining for home fans somewhat backfired spectacularly due to Strong. The coach had planned a celebratory cannon blast for every score by his squad but hadn't anticipated the offensive juggernaut that was Ken Strong Jr. Strong, a tireless fullback, racked up points so quickly that the cannoneers struggled to keep up, their gunpowder reserves dwindling under the relentless barrage of touchdowns.

As a college fullback, Ken led the nation in scoring in 1928, amassing a staggering 162 points and over 2,000 rushing yards. His exploits earned him comparisons to the legendary "Red" Grange, a testament to his exceptional speed and power.

This dominance continued in the professional ranks. Many assumed that the NYU connection would place the youngster directly into the Giants fold, but instead, Strong signed with the Staten Island Stapletons in 1929 and played with that club for four seasons until they folded in 1932. Ironically, the Stapes got their NFL charter from Mara and then held the rights to the coveted Ken Strong for all four years of their NFL franchise existence wearing the Number 2 jersey. Tim Mara finally would get his man after financial woes shuttered the doors of the Staten Island squad.

1933, Ken moved across the boroughs to sign a contract with the New York Football Giants. It is as if Giant Strong made his biggest impact on NFL football. Eight of his thirteen seasons in pro ball were recorded with the G-men, helping the franchise secure an NFL title and individually appearing on three All-Pro rosters.

Ken Strong's talent was not confined to a single position. He was a master of versatility, excelling as a halfback, fullback, defensive back, and kicker. This was a rare feat in an era of more specialized roles, and it made him a formidable opponent. His kicking skills, in particular, were legendary. Red Cagle, a College Football Hall of Famer, praised Strong's all-around ability in 1937, saying, "Strong...can do everything. He's a great punter, placekicker, pass thrower, and how he could carry his 198 pounds!" This ability to excel in multiple positions made him a constant threat, keeping opposing teams on their toes.

Strong's accolades speak volumes. He was a four-time All-Pro selection, leading the NFL in scoring during the 1934 season. This year, he also etched his name in history. In the iconic 1934 NFL Championship Game, played on an ice-covered field, Strong's versatility proved pivotal. The iconic contest is remembered in NFL lore as the Sneaker Game because the Giants wore tennis shoes to get better footing on the ice-covered field at the Polo Grounds. Their opponents, the Chicago Bears of George Halas, were heavily favored. In a surprising upset against the undefeated Chicago Bears, the Giants relied on gym shoes and Strong's kicking prowess. He contributed a remarkable 17 points - two touchdowns, two extra points, and a field goal - a record that stood for nearly 30 years. This performance solidified his reputation as a clutch player who could rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.

In a surprise move, Strong jumped to the second edition of the American Football League in 1936 and played for the New York Yankees. When he returned to the Giants in 1939 (after a season of being banished to the Jersey City minor league Giants), he wore #30 instead of his usual #50. He was just a kicking specialist for the remainder of his career. 

Ken Strong's influence on the game extended far beyond his brilliance on the field. His success as a multi-talented player sparked a more flexible approach to player roles. In an era where specialization was becoming increasingly prominent, Strong's versatility was a beacon of innovation, inspiring coaches to consider players with diverse skill sets. His legacy is a powerful reminder of the role adaptability plays in shaping the future of football, a contribution that continues to be appreciated in the sport today.

Even injuries and a brief retirement couldn't keep Ken Strong away from the game he loved. The player shortages during World War II presented an opportunity for the Giants to entice him back in 1944, this time primarily as a kicking specialist. Strong's experience and reliability were invaluable, even at an advanced age for the sport. He continued to play until 1947, displaying remarkable longevity and dedication to the game. He retired from professional football after that '47 season at age 41, leaving a legacy that would endure.

Ken Strong's career transcended statistics and accolades. He embodied the spirit of a true competitor, showcasing dominance and adaptability. His versatility and impact on the game's strategic evolution solidify his place among football's all-time greats. Strong's legacy reminds us of the beauty of a multifaceted player who could change the course of a game with a powerful run, a clutch kick, or a well-timed tackle.

-Basic Bio of Ken Strong

Born August 6, 1906, in West Haven, Connecticut was Halfback/placekicker Elmer Kenneth "Ken" Strong. According to a Yahoo.com article Ken was an All-American at NYU from 1926 through the 1928 season and later was one of the NFL’s early stars. Strong once scored two touchdowns, two extra points, and a field goal in one game to lead the New York Giants to victory in the 1934 NFL Championship Game, remembered in NFL lore as the Sneaker Game because the Giants wore sneakers to get better footing on the ice-covered field at the Polo Grounds. Besides playing with the Giants from 1933 through 1935 and later in the 1940's per the article, Ken also signed with Staten Island Stapletons in 1929 through 1932, the AFL's New York Yankees for the seasons of 1936-37. Ken Strong was a five-time First-team All-Pro as well as a member of the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team. He is the second player in NFL history to devote an entire season to placekicking. Strong’s  jersey No. 50 was retired by the Giants in 1947. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967 and into the Giants Ring of Honor in 2010.

Ed Widseth (1910-1998) wasn't just a football player; he was a force of nature. He carved his legacy on two battlefields: the snow-covered gridiron of the University of Minnesota and the professional trenches of the New York Giants, leaving behind a trail of accolades and memories etched in both college and NFL history.

Dominating the North (1934-1936):

His journey began in the heart of Minnesota, where he earned the nickname "Big Ed" for his imposing 6'2", 220-pound frame. At the University of Minnesota, he became a pillar of their legendary "Golden Gophers" dynasty, anchoring the offensive line and earning All-American honors for three consecutive years. Under coach Bernie Bierman, Widseth helped lead the Gophers to three national championships, losing only once in 24 games during his tenure. His relentless power and strategic blocking paved the way for legendary teammates like Johnny "Red" Grange and Bud Wilkinson, creating an iconic era of Minnesota football.

A Giant Among Giants (1937-1940):

Following his collegiate triumph, Widseth was drafted fourth overall by the New York Giants, instantly proving his skills in the professional ranks. He earned All-NFL recognition three times in his four-year career, becoming a mainstay on the Giants' offensive line. His tenacity and technique earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike, solidifying his reputation as one of the best linemen of his generation.

Beyond the Numbers:

Widseth's impact transcended statistics. He was a leader on and off the field, earning the admiration of coaches and fans for his unwavering work ethic and sportsmanship. He was a pioneer for Minnesota athletes in the NFL, paving the way for future generations to showcase their talents on the national stage.

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Jerry Tubbs, a name synonymous with both defensive dominance and coaching longevity, carved his legacy across eras on the gridiron. His journey stretched from All-American center at Oklahoma to a formidable linebacker in the NFL, ending with a remarkable 23-year coaching career with the Dallas Cowboys.

On the field, Tubbs was a force. At Oklahoma, he anchored the offensive line, earning unanimous All-America honors and playing key roles in all 31 wins across his varsity years. His versatility shone as he shifted to linebacker in the pros, playing for the Chicago Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and eventually, the Dallas Cowboys. Though injuries shortened his playing career, he left a mark with his tenacity and leadership.

But Tubbs' true impact came as a coach. Joining the Cowboys in 1961, he honed his defensive mind under Tom Landry, eventually becoming the team's linebackers coach for a staggering 22 years. His aggressive schemes and emphasis on fundamentals helped forge the "Doomsday Defense," one of the most dominant units in NFL history.

Tubbs' influence extended beyond the Cowboys. He mentored countless future Hall of Famers, earning a reputation as a master technician and motivator. His dedication to the game earned him the respect of players, coaches, and fans alike.