Football History

Born August 1, 1978 - Immokalee, Florida - Edgerrin James, the Pro Football Hall of Fame running back of the Indianapolis Colts and later the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks.

Edgerrin attended and played football for the Miami Hurricanes enjoying a stellar collegiate career. It was when he was picked up by the Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft that this young runner really found his groove though according to the ProFootballHOF.com. Edge earned NFL Rookie of the year honors in 1999 when he rushed for 1553 yards leading all runner in the League!

He accomplished winning the NFL rushing title again in 2000 with 1709 yards on the ground matching his TDs scored in 1999 at 13 times crossing the wide field stripe.

In fact during his 11 year career James blasted past the 1000 yard rushing mark an amazing 7 times edging past 1500 in four of those! FOr his career he recorded 12246 yards rushing with 80 scores, played in four Pro Bowls and was honored to be on the All-2000's NFL team. Let's not forget that he also hauled in 433 catches many from HOF QBs Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner for an additional 3364 yards of offense.

Born December 5, 1957 - White Plains, New York - The University of Syracuse legendary wide receiver Art Monk was born. Monk played at Syracuse from 1976 through 1979 and won the Lambert Trophy for being the top college player in the East according to his bio on footballfoundation.org.

Art Monk, a name synonymous with consistency and reliability in the NFL, crafted a Hall of Fame career defined by his understated brilliance. A product of his environment, Monk's journey from a relatively unheralded high school player to a record-breaking wide receiver is a testament to his unwavering dedication.

Possessing exceptional route-running skills and a knack for finding open spaces, Monk excelled in the Washington Redskins offense. His partnership with quarterback Joe Theismann formed one of the most potent passing combinations of the era. Monk's ability to consistently make tough catches and move the chains earned him the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. His longevity and durability were equally impressive, as he maintained a high level of play throughout his career. While not the flashiest receiver, Monk's impact on the game was undeniable, and his contributions to the Redskins franchise solidified his status as a true football legend.

His great athleticism earned him First-Team All-America honors for the 1979 season. Art Monk entered into the prestigious College Football Hall of Fame in 2012. After he left Syracuse Art was a first round pick by the Washington Redskins in the 1980 NFL Draft. He played 16 seasons in the NFL in Washington as well as with the New York Jets and as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Pro Football Hall of Fame states that his career catches were counted at 940 and that he played 183 straight games where he caught at least one pass. Monk was an All-Pro twice and was voted into three Pro Bowls. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Art Monk in 2008.

Born May 22, 1940, in Lexington, Nebraska, was Mick Tingelhoff is an NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Center who played for the Minnesota Vikings for 17 seasons.

He was selected in the Hall of Fame in the 2015 class. Mick played his college football at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and did not become the starter there until his senior season.

The Hall of Famer also went undrafted and signed with the Vikings as a free agent in 1962 and became the starter as a rookie! His hard work earned him the right to play in six consecutive Pro Bowls in the late 1960s. After the 1969 season, Mr. Tingelhoff was voted as the NFL's Top Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Born May 8, 1957, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was Bill Cowher the North Carolina State defender who played a bit in the Pros. Cowher was not known for his time as a player but what he did from the sidelines after he hung up his helmet.

At the age of 34 years old he took over the reigns of the Pittsburgh Steelers from legend Chuck Noll and kept the Steel City franchise in contention for much of his 15 years as the head coach. From 1980 to 1984 he was a linebacker for both the Browns and the Eagles according to Steelers.com.  He then served as an assistant coach at various positions for the Brown and the Chiefs until the Rooney Family hired him as the face of their franchise in early 1992.

His brilliant coaching career with the Black and Gold is highlighted by what the Pro Football Hall of Fame describes as occurred during the 2004 and 2005 seasons. Cowher guided an injury-plagued team to a franchise record 15 wins that season. His 2005 team became the first team ever to win nine road games and the first sixth-seeded team in NFL history to win a Super Bowl. The amazing playoff run was capped by 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL. The Pro Football Hall of Fame gave Coach Bill Cowher the honor of enshrinement into their Canton, Ohio Museum in 2020. 

Born June 8, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a Pro Football Hall of Fame Defensive Back for the Green Bay Packers. Herb ended his career with the Dallas Cowboys.

Prior to being picked by the Packers in the first round of the 1961 NFL Draft as an offensive halfback, Adderly had played collegiately for Michigan State. In his rookie season facing the fact that the Pack already had two great backs in Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung, the Green Bay coaches flipped him over to the defensive side of the ball as an emergency fill in for an injured corner Hank Gremminger and Adderly thrived as a cornerback.

Adderly accounted for 48 interceptions in his career and did some damage returning them as he averaged 21.8 yards per pick for a total of 1046 yards. Herb played in five NFL title games, and four Super Bowls! One of his biggest moments as a pro was a 60 yard pick six in Super Bowl II. The ball-hawking back also made it into five Pro Bowl games, as he was also an All-Pro in five different seasons. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Herb Adderly in 1980 to their Canton, Ohio museum.

Born October 31, 1897, in Mansfield, Ohio - Wilbur better known as Pete Henry, was a 3 year All-American tackle from Washington and Jefferson College. He was perhaps the largest lineman of his era as he stood 5-foot-11-inches tall and weighed in at a solid 245 pounds. Pete signed to play with the Canton Bulldogs coincidently on the same day that the NFL’s precursor the American Professional Football Association formed in Ralph Hay’s Hupmobile Showroom in Canton. The good natured Henry off the field was replaced by a focused beast on the gridiron. Pete’s most notable season had to be in 1923 with the Bulldogs according to the National Football Foundation's website. Henry booted a 94 yard punt, blocked a punt, scored a touchdown and kicked nine field goals via drop kick , oh and by the way the Canton Bulldogs won their second consecutive NFL Championship that year due in part to his great play. In the NFL for a total of 8 seasons not only with Canton but was a member of the Pottsville Maroons and the New York Giants too. Pete Henry was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Pete in 1963’s class of inductees.

Joseph Paul Schmidt wasn't just a linebacker; he was a pillar of defensive dominance, an immovable object in the heart of the Detroit Lions' most formidable defenses. For thirteen seasons, his name echoed through the gridiron, sending shivers down offenses and inspiring unwavering confidence in his teammates.

Emerging from a Pittsburgh steel town, Schmidt brought that same unyielding tenacity to the football field. Drafted by the Lions in 1953, he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His physical presence, clocking in at 6'2" and 220 pounds of pure muscle, was matched only by his football IQ. He diagnosed plays with lightning speed, disrupting running lanes and leaving quarterbacks scrambling for protection.

But Schmidt wasn't just a bruiser. He was an artist of tackling, wrapping up ball carriers with textbook technique and precision. His relentless pursuit of the football earned him the nickname "The Lion Tamer," a fitting title for the player who seemed to control the chaos of the game with his calm yet determined presence.

His impact transcended individual statistics. He was a captain nine times, his leadership radiating from the huddle onto the field. He was the quarterback of the defense, calling plays and directing his teammates with a quiet confidence that demanded respect. His work ethic was legendary, inspiring younger players and pushing even the veterans to their limits.

Schmidt's career wasn't without challenges. Injuries and the changing landscape of the game ultimately shortened his time on the field. Yet, his legacy extends far beyond his playing days. He earned two Super Bowl appearances with the Lions, ten All-Pro selections, and induction into the Football Hall of Fame.

But his true testament lies in the memories he etched in the minds of Detroit fans. The bone-crunching tackles, the game-saving interceptions, the unwavering leadership – these are the echoes of Joe Schmidt's greatness, resonating through the stands of Ford Field long after his retirement. He wasn't just a football player; he was a symbol of Detroit's toughness, heart, and unyielding resilience.

When we speak of the iconic players who wore the Honolulu blue, Joe Schmidt's name stands tall among them. He wasn't flashy, but his quiet force changed the game.

Forrest Gregg, a towering figure in American football history, left an indelible mark on the sport as both a player and a coach.

His illustrious career spanned over four decades, during which he earned the admiration of fans and colleagues alike. Born in Birthright, Texas, in 1933, Gregg's passion for football ignited early, leading him to Southern Methodist University, where he honed his skills as an offensive lineman.

Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1956, Gregg embarked on a remarkable 16-year playing career, becoming an integral part of the team's legendary dynasty under head coach Vince Lombardi. Gregg's unwavering dedication and exceptional talent earned him numerous accolades, including nine Pro Bowl selections and five NFL championships.

Nestled in Canton, Ohio, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a monument to the legends who have shaped American football. Opened in 1963, it enshrines the greatest players, coaches, officials, and front-office personnel who have demonstrably influenced and elevated the sport.

Beyond simply a collection of names and jerseys, the Hall of Fame is a cultural and historical landmark. Dedicated to preserving the game's legacy, it offers a captivating journey through the evolution of professional football. Through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia experiences, visitors can witness the transformation of the sport and the individuals who fueled its growth.

More importantly, the Pro Football of Fame is a platform for recognition and appreciation. It celebrates the dedication, talent, and contributions of those who have significantly impacted the game. By enshrining these individuals, the Hall of Fame inspires future generations of players, coaches, and fans to strive for excellence and carry forward the spirit of the sport.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply curious about the history of football, the Pro Football Hall of Fame offers a unique opportunity to connect with the game's legends, relive iconic moments, and appreciate the enduring impact of these individuals on the gridiron past and present.