Football History

Born May 27, 1868, in Chicago, Illinois, was Knowlton Ames was the Princeton University fullback from 1886 to 1889. This man had some moves in the open field according to the National Football Foundation.

One of his opponents from rival Yale, the very famous Pudge Heffelfinger once said of Knowlton, "He was clever at spinning, changing direction and faking the tackler. It was fatal to go for his knees or legs. They wouldn't be there." It was skills like these that landed Ames in the inaugural All-America team of 1889. Ames and the rest of the Princeton crew are credited with being the first team to create and run the "power sweep." A true football innovator, Ames was perhaps the first player to execute a fake punt and he also developed a unique running style which enabled him to duck tacklers. His speed and elusiveness resulted in many spectacular long runs. He was a true spotlight star as demonstrated in one game where he returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown, returned another kick 50 yards and ran 105 yards from scrimmage that was of course on one of that era’s 110 yard fields. Ames still holds nearly all the Princeton scoring records over 130 years after he set the milestones. In his career, "Snake" scored 730 points, 62 touchdowns and 176 points after touchdowns. In a single game against Pennsylvania he scored 60 points. Ames was a member of Princeton teams that compiled a 35-3-1 record in his four varsity seasons. Knowlton Ames’ collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1969.

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The New England Historical Society has a great excerpt on the history of Hobey Baker and his days at Princeton.

Princeton University's football program boasts a rich history, intricately woven with the evolution of American football itself. While contemporary Princeton football thrives in the Ivy League, its true glory days lie nestled in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period marked by national dominance and pioneering spirit.

The story begins in 1869, when Princeton, along with Rutgers University, participated in what is considered the first-ever intercollegiate football game. Back then, the sport resembled rugby more than the modern game, but it ignited a passion that would define Princeton athletics. Under the guidance of visionary coaches like William “Pop” Cowperthwaite, Princeton embraced a more open, passing-oriented style, a stark contrast to the brutal, run-heavy approach prevalent at the time. This innovative strategy, coupled with exceptional athletes like John Poe and Henry Clews, propelled Princeton to national prominence.

From 1869 to 1906, Princeton established itself as a college football powerhouse. The Tigers secured a staggering 27 national championships (though the official designation of national champions in the early years can be debated). This era witnessed legendary rivalries with Yale, Harvard, and Army, contests that drew massive crowds and captivated the nation. Heroes emerged from the gridiron, such as Hobey Baker, a dazzling halfback whose skills revolutionized the running back position.

However, the landscape of college football was changing. As the sport gained popularity, a shift towards a more physical, run-oriented style favored larger schools with deeper rosters. Additionally, the formation of the NCAA in 1906 ushered in a new era of standardization that favored larger programs. Princeton, with its commitment to academics and its smaller student body, faced growing challenges in maintaining its dominance.

Despite the changing tides, Princeton continued to produce exceptional talent. The 1950s saw another glimpse of glory with the emergence of Dick Kazmaier, the last Ivy League player to win the Heisman Trophy. Under the leadership of Coach Charlie Caldwell, the 1950 Tigers captured their 28th and most recent national championship, a testament to the program's enduring legacy.

While Princeton's national dominance waned in the later 20th century, its impact on the sport remains undeniable. Their innovative tactics, emphasis on scholarship, and dedication to sportsmanship helped shape college football into the national phenomenon it is today. Today, Princeton continues to compete fiercely within the Ivy League, consistently challenging for championships and nurturing future generations of talented athletes.

Princeton's football glory days echo in the annals of college football history. It's a story of innovation, exceptional athletes, and unwavering school spirit, a testament to the enduring power of the "Roaring Tigers."

The Poe brothers, six in total, etched their names into Princeton football history, dominating the gridiron from 1882 to 1901. While they all shared the family name and a talent for the game, each brother brought unique contributions and personalities to the field. Here's a glimpse into their individual stories:

1. Samuel Johnson Poe (Class of 1884):

Played halfback from 1882-1883, serving as team captain in his senior year.
Described as a "powerful runner and sure tackler," he helped establish the Poe family's presence on the team.

2. Edgar Allan Poe (Class of 1891):

The most famous of the brothers, though not necessarily for football.

Played all-around back from 1887-1890, captaining the team in his junior and senior years.

Not quite as athletic as his siblings, he made up for it with his strategic mind and leadership, earning All-American honors.

3. John Prentiss Poe Jr. (Class of 1895):

Played halfback in 1891-1892, showing promise but leaving school due to academic reasons.
Returned later to coach, leaving a lasting impact on the program's development.

4. Neilson (Net) Poe (Class of 1897):

Played in the backfield from 1895-1896, showcasing speed and agility.
Followed in his brother's footsteps, returning to coach later in his career.

5. Arthur Poe (Class of 1900):

Became an All-American end in 1899 and 1900, known for his remarkable leaping ability and clutch catches.
Scored the winning touchdown in consecutive years against rival Yale, solidifying his place in Princeton lore.

6. Gresham Poe (Class of 1902):

Primarily a substitute quarterback from 1901-1902, though nearly led a comeback against Yale in 1901.

Played professionally for a brief period and later coached at the University of Virginia.
The Poe brothers, despite varying levels of individual fame and playing styles, collectively embodied a spirit of dedication, grit, and athleticism that helped shape Princeton football's early legacy. Their contributions transcended the playing field, with several returning to coach and leaving a lasting impact on the program's development. While Edgar Allan Poe may be the most well-known member of the family, the other Poe brothers deserve recognition for their unique talents and contributions to the gridiron, solidifying their place as a remarkable dynasty in Princeton football history.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, John "Jac" Weller embodied the spirit of athletic excellence etched in the bedrock of American college football. He wasn't just a player; he was a force of nature, a man whose leadership and dominance on the gridiron earned him a place among the game's true legends. His legacy, however, extends far beyond the statistics and trophies, revealing a story of resilience, grit, and a dedication to excellence that transcended the playing field.

Weller's impact began at The Hun School, where his raw talent caught the eye of Princeton University coach Fritz Crisler. Crisler, a pioneer of innovative coaching techniques, recognized a different kind of athlete in Weller - a leader, a strategist, and above all, a player whose intelligence matched his physical prowess. Crisler made a bold statement, assigning Weller the coveted number 99, reserved for Princeton's best. And Weller lived up to it.

From 1933 to 1935, Weller became the cornerstone of a dominant Princeton team. He wasn't just a lineman; he was an enigma, playing both guard and tackle with a versatility that baffled opponents. His strength was immense, his technique flawless, and his leadership inspiring. His teammates dubbed him "The Rock," a testament to his unwavering presence on the field.

The numbers speak for themselves - 25 wins, a single defeat, and two national championships. But to truly understand Weller's impact, one must look beyond the stats. He was the anchor of a ferocious defense, shutting down running backs and quarterbacks alike. He was the mastermind behind intricate blocking schemes, creating space for Princeton's offense to flourish. He was the rallying point, the quiet, determined voice that urged his teammates to greatness.

His career wasn't without challenges. In 1934, at the peak of his dominance, Princeton suffered its only loss in two years to rival Yale. Weller later called it the “blackest day of my athletic career,” highlighting his unwavering commitment to victory and his fierce competitive spirit. But even in defeat, he led with grace and determination, ensuring his team’s rebound in the following season.

Beyond the gridiron, Weller's story continues. He became a successful businessman, a prolific author, and a devoted family man. But his love for football never waned. He remained a staunch supporter of Princeton, his spirit forever woven into the fabric of the program.

Princeton University, a cornerstone of American higher education, has also been a dominant force in the history of college football. While the concept of a formal national championship in college football didn't emerge until the early 20th century, Princeton's dominance in the late 19th and early 20th centuries is undeniable.

The late 19th century marked the golden age of Princeton football. The team, often referred to as the Orange and Black, amassed a record of success that is unparalleled in the sport's history. Coaches like William Reid and Pop Warner led teams that were virtually unbeatable. Although there was no official national championship at the time, Princeton's consistent dominance and the caliber of opponents they defeated have led many historians to consider this era as their unofficial championship years.

The early 20th century saw a continuation of Princeton's football prowess. The team consistently ranked among the nation's elite, competing against the likes of Harvard, Yale, and Penn in what was known as the Ivy League rivalry. While the competition intensified, Princeton continued to produce exceptional talent and achieve remarkable victories.

It's important to note that determining an exact number of national championships for Princeton, or any team from that era, is challenging due to the lack of a formal selection process. However, based on the team's performance, strength of schedule, and overall dominance, it's widely accepted that Princeton laid claim to multiple national championships, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

While the landscape of college football has changed dramatically since Princeton's heyday, the program's rich history continues to inspire and influence the sport. The tradition of excellence established by these early teams has left an enduring legacy and serves as a reminder of Princeton's unparalleled contributions to the game.

While there is no definitive list of national championships awarded to Princeton during this era, the team's consistent dominance and the respect they commanded among their peers solidify their place as one of college football's all-time great programs.

The Tigers themselves claim 28 National titles: (1869, 1870, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1889, 1893, 1894, 1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1906, 1911, 1920, 1922, 1933, 1935, 1950)

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The history of American football is inextricably linked to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

It was on the hallowed grounds of this New Jersey institution that the first intercollegiate football game was contested on November 6, 1869. A contest against the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), this pioneering matchup laid the foundation for the gridiron spectacle that has captivated millions for over a century.  

While the game bore little resemblance to the modern sport, with rules derived from rugby and soccer, it marked the genesis of a tradition. If we saw it today, it would be called a soccer game with more than double the amount of participants on the field. The Rutgers players, distinguished by scarlet turbans and handkerchiefs, sparked a legacy that would evolve into the iconic Scarlet Knights. The name itself, a nod to the distinctive color adopted by the team, has become synonymous with college football's storied past.  

From those humble beginnings, Rutgers football has traversed a long and often challenging path. The program has weathered the storms of time, experiencing periods of triumph and adversity. Yet, the enduring spirit of the Scarlet Knights has remained constant. As the birthplace of college football, Rutgers carries a unique responsibility to honor its heritage while striving for excellence in the modern era.  

Today, the Scarlet Knights continue to compete on the national stage, their history serving as a constant source of inspiration. While challenges persist, the program's foundation, laid on that historic November day in 1869, remains as solid as ever.

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When most hear the name of Edgar Allen Poe, the author of great literary works, poetry and 19th-century macabre probably come to mind. In football, a famous poet related to a family member by the same name was one heck of a QB for Princeton.

Historian and collector Jeff Payne joins us once again to share some pieces he has collected connected with College Football's first All-American Quarterback.

This is a podcast about Edgar Allan Poe, who was a quarterback for Princeton and the first All-American quarterback in college football history. The host of Pigskin Dispatch, Darin Hayes, is interviewing Jeff Payne, a collector and historian of football memorabilia.

Edgar Allan Poe was related to the famous poet Edgar Allan Poe, but they were not the same person. The football player Edgar Allan Poe's great-uncle was the poet Edgar Allan Poe.

Edgar Allan Poe played for Princeton in the late 1800s and was a very successful player. He led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship in 1889. He was also the first quarterback to be named an All-American.

After his football career, Edgar Allan Poe went on to become a lawyer, like his father. He also served as the Attorney General of Maryland.

Jeff Payne owns a cabinet card of Edgar Allan Poe from the late 1800s, among other items related to the early athlete. He also showed a trade card of Edgar Allan Poe that called him "the hero of the hour and the darling of the ladies."

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Football Archaeology's Tim Brown tells the tale of Princeton Tigers' baseball star who had a tremendously successful day on the gridiron against a rival.

Sanford Brownell "Sammy" White (1888-1964) wasn't just a Princeton Tiger – he was a multi-sport legend who left an indelible mark on the university's athletic history. His versatility shone across football, baseball, and even basketball, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and innovation.

Gridiron Gladiator:

White's football exploits are perhaps the most celebrated. In 1911, he single-handedly propelled the Tigers towards the eastern college football championship. His incredible performance against Harvard included:
Scoring seven of the eight points for Princeton.

He repeated some equally remarkable Johnny on the Spot plays a few weeks later in a 6-6 Tigers win over rival Yale.

All-American Selector at the time, Walter Camp, probably saw only these two contests in person, and with that information, White was selected as a consensus All-American.

Baseball Champion:

White wasn't just a gridiron warrior; he was also a talented baseball player.

He led the Tigers to a baseball championship in 1911, serving as team captain and showcasing his skills as a batter and pitcher.

Beyond the Diamond and Gridiron:

White's athletic prowess extended beyond football and baseball. He also played basketball at Princeton and later went on to coach in several sports, including football at Haverford College.

He was a pioneer in the field of athletic administration, serving as Princeton's Director of Athletics and contributing to the development of intercollegiate athletics in the United States.

A Multifaceted Legacy:

White's impact wasn't just about victories and statistics. He was known for:

His athleticism and intelligence: White combined strength and speed with strategic thinking, making him a formidable competitor in any sport.

His leadership: He was a natural leader, inspiring his teammates to achieve their best.

His sportsmanship: White was known for his fair play and integrity, earning the respect of opponents and fans alike.

-Transcribed Sammy White Glory Moment Conversation with Timothy Brown

Hello, my football friends; this is Darin Hayes of PigskinDispatch.com. Welcome once again to The Pig Pen, your portal to positive football history. And welcome to another edition where we get to go back in time and talk about some good old days of football. And Timothy P. Brown of Football Archaeology is joining us to tell us about one of his recent tidbits on a very popular item, or maybe not so popular.

We'll find out here in a second to learn something. Tim, welcome back to The Pig Pen. Darren, thank you.

Yeah, looking forward to chatting about a Mr. White. Yeah, you have a tidbit from August of this past year titled Sammy White's Moments of Glory. So what would you like to tell us? I assume this isn't the Sammy White who played in the NFL in the '70s.

No, different person, different person. This guy played about 60 years earlier.

-The Football Archaeology of Sammy White

So this was Princeton's Sammy White, who, if you go to Princeton's football website and look for persons of glory who played for Princeton, will still be one of the guys mentioned.

He's really considered one of the top guys, not for his career, but for what he did in a couple of games. So the background on this is that Princeton, there was always the Princeton, Harvard, and Yale triangle with Penn off to the side most of the time. But from time to time, those teams would get mad at one another and disagree for this or for that reason.

And then they just wouldn't play. I mean, they didn't have a scheduling conference at the time. And the Ivy Conference didn't exist until 54, I believe it was.

So anyways, Harvard and Princeton schedule a game for 1911, but they hadn't played for 11 years prior to that due to one of those, somebody got mad at the other. So while there were key events or big events that happened on the field that day, other events happened up in the air. And one was just a hot air balloon travel by the field during the game, which is kind of cool.

But more importantly, that day, a guy named Robert Collier, who was the publisher of Collier's Weekly, the magazine, was an aviation enthusiast, and he got an airplane. So he took his photographer, a guy named Hare, his last name, I think it's Robert Hare. But anyway, he takes him up in the airplane, and they fly past the football field, and Hare takes pictures of the game being played down there on Princeton's field.

So that proves or the pictures that he took that day proved to be the first aerial images of a football game being played. So just one of those little nuggets in a tidbit. So kind of interesting.

Yeah. Anyways, in the game, Princeton's 5-0-2 and Harvard's 5-0 were the best. So, two good teams.

And Sammy White plays for Princeton and he's a senior that year. He didn't even play football as a sophomore. He was a substitute as a junior.

In the spring of his junior season, he was the baseball captain. So, you know, he's a fine athlete. He just wasn't that great of a football player.

But as a senior, he starts at the left end. And in the first seven games, when they went 5-0-2, he didn't really do anything special. He was just kind of there and he continued starting.

But again, nothing really special. So, in the Princeton-Harvard game during the second quarter, Harvard gets the ball down to the 10-yard line, and then Princeton kind of stops him. And yeah, this is 1911.

So it's, you know, three downs instead of four downs at the time. So, on third down, Harvard attempts a field goal, but it's blocked. And White happens to be in the right place at the right time.

He picks up the ball and heads the other way and ends up, you know, running the ball right through the goalposts, putting it down for a touchdown. And because he ran it right through the goalposts, they were able to kick the extra point attempt from straight out from the goalposts, from the middle of the field, you know, and they make it. So it's 6-0 because of five-point touchdown time, one point extra point.

So then in the third quarter, White, as an end, is the gunner on a punt. You know, nice long punt. It goes into the end zone.

White tackles the Harvard player for safety and makes it to nothing. And then later on, Harvard scores a touchdown. They convert.

So it's 8-6, and that's the end of the game. So here's this White who hasn't done a darn thing all year long, scores a touchdown, tackles a guy for safety to give Princeton seven of their eight points in the game, and the difference, you know, in terms of beating Harvard. So that's all great.

Then they beat Dartmouth the next week in a tough game. And then they finish, Princeton finishes their season playing Yale on a bloody, not a bloody field, on a muddy field. And they hadn't beaten Yale since 1903.

So, so, you know, they're playing the game. And then at one point, Yale, you know, pitches a lateral, and it goes a little wild, and it just so happens Sammy White is standing there, picks it up, boom heads down the field. And he's getting chased by a guy who finally kind of catches up to him at about the five-yard line, you know, leaps for him to tackle.

And it's on, they're on this really muddy field. So while he gets tackled at about the five, they both slide into the end zone for a touchdown because at the time, you know, forward, they had forward progress, but you actually had to stop the guy. It didn't, you know, he's sliding on the ground, or if he's crawling on the ground, that still was forward progress.

So anyways, he does that, he slides all the way into the end zone. They convert. So again, they take a six, and nothing leads.

Yale ends up kicking a field goal later on in the game, and Princeton wins six to three. So here's this guy who really hadn't done squat. I mean, hey, he's starting for Princeton.

So he's, you know, fine enough athlete, he's been their baseball captain. So, but, you know, he wasn't that good, but he was in the right place at the right time, two or three times in two of the biggest games of the year and on the national championship team, at least, you know, retrospectively or retroactively. So White becomes, White gets named to the first team, the American team.

You know, now, did he deserve it? You know, he makes the biggest plays in the biggest games, but otherwise, he is just an average player. So it's just one of those, it's an interesting, you know, I mean, it's an interesting thing about just generally, but, you know, it's one of those where, you know, did he deserve to be an all-American? Probably not, but he was. And so because of that, and because he helped them win the national championship, he's considered, you know, one of the studs in Princeton's football history.

Sinclair, when you think about that for a little bit, though, I mean, who's deciding the all-America team in 1911, Walter Camp? Well, at that point, it's a guy named Mr. Camp. Yeah.

So, it was probably the two games that he probably saw Princeton play Yale, and it was definitely him, probably the Harvard game. So that's probably the two games that he saw and said, Hey, this guy's going out of his mind. So not only was he on the spot, but he also had the right games to perform those.

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, you know, again, back then, there was no film, right? There's no film to watch.

You can't catch the Washington game on television. You know, you can really only go on reputation, what you're hearing from coaches you trust and correspondents that you trust, and what you see with your own eyes. So, you know, Camp saw what he saw and heard what he heard.

And so Mr. White's an all-American. Well, he, uh, lives on in, uh, you know, famously here in legendary and, uh, maybe there are some better players than him on his own team, even that didn't get the credit. And we kind of forgotten them, but, uh, Hey, it's sure fun to talk about them here, you know, a hundred and some years later.

So that's pretty cool. He did. He had a teammate named Hope Colby Baker, who is pretty famous.

So he's the guy who kicked the extra points in each of those situations. So, you know, now he's known more for hockey than he is for football, but you know, yeah. He was a hell of a football player, too.

Yeah. Well, great stuff, Tim. We always appreciate, uh, these tidbits that you come up with and finding these little inkling stories or facts and, and figures and pieces of equipment.

And we really enjoy those. And you share this with, with the, you know, the public each and every day. Maybe you could share with our listeners here, how they too can partake in your tidbits.

Yeah, uh, real simple. Just go to footballarchaeology.com, provide your email address, and you'll get an email every night at seven o'clock Eastern with the tidbit; read them then, or let them pile up, um, until you're ready to read them. Alternatively, you can follow me on on Twitter, on, uh, Substack, on Substack app, or on, uh, threads, all of, all of them under the name Football Archaeology.

So whatever suits your needs. All right. Well, Timothy P. Brown, footballarchaeology.com. We thank you very much for sharing this great story of Sammy White and, uh, bringing his story to our modern times in our modern years.

And, uh, we would love to hear another great story from you next week. Very good. Look forward to it.

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In the shadow of professional football's bright lights, college gridiron history holds a treasure trove of legendary players. One such player is Jim McCormick, a name synonymous with dominance during his time at Princeton University. This essay delves into the remarkable career of Jim McCormick, a fullback who redefined expectations and solidified his place as a Princeton legend.

-Early Promise and a Stellar Career

Born in 1884, Jim McCormick's athletic prowess emerged early. Playing for Princeton from 1904 to 1907, he established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His exceptional size, strength, and agility made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. McCormick's leadership qualities were equally impressive, earning him the captaincy of the team in his senior year.

-Repeat All-American Honors

A true testament to his talent, Jim McCormick achieved the rare feat of becoming a two-time All-American at a time when the honor was bestowed upon a select few players nationally. His dominance on the field and leadership off it solidified his reputation as one of the most decorated players in Princeton football history.

While statistics from this era are limited, historical accounts paint a vivid picture of McCormick's impact. He wasn't just a powerful runner; his agility and elusiveness made him a threat in the passing game as well. Defensively, his tackling prowess and ability to read plays further solidified his reputation as a complete player.

-A Legacy of Excellence

Jim McCormick's impact on Princeton football extends beyond his individual accolades. He was part of a golden era for the program, helping the Tigers secure multiple undefeated seasons and solidify their place as a national powerhouse. His leadership and dedication inspired future generations of Princeton football players.

-More Than Just a College Star:

While Jim McCormick didn't pursue a professional football career, his impact on the game is undeniable. He served as a head coach at Princeton for a brief period, further contributing to the program's legacy. His story reminds us of the rich history of college football and the exceptional talent that often thrives outside the professional spotlight.

Jim McCormick, the Princeton Tigers' fullback in the early 20th century, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame by the National Football Foundation.