Football History

---

Mark Herrmann's football career was a tale of two chapters, each etched with contrasting storylines. From the golden halls of Purdue to the muddled trenches of the NFL, his journey is a study in both unbridled college football brilliance and professional struggles.

At Purdue, Herrmann was a titan. He shattered passing records, becoming the NCAA's first quarterback to throw for 9,000 yards. His pinpoint accuracy and athleticism earned him All-America honors and propelled the Boilermakers to national prominence.

But Herrmann's story wasn't just about numbers. It was about resilience. He suffered through heartbreaking near-misses, weathered coaching changes, and battled injuries that could have derailed his career. Yet, he rose with every challenge, his unwavering love for Purdue fueling his comeback.

His 1980 Bluebonnet Bowl performance cemented his legend. Leading a comeback against USC, nicknamed "The Cardiac Kids," Herrmann threw for a then-record 303 yards, defying expectations and etching his name in Purdue's pantheon of heroes.

He was the golden boy, the face of college football's new era, poised for NFL stardom. But the transition to the professional ranks proved harsh. Drafted in the fourth round by the Denver Broncos, Herrmann found himself buried on a depth chart, his college magic failing to translate. He bounced between four teams in eleven seasons, never fully settling into a starting role.

The roar of the crowd, the thunderous clash of helmets, the precision of every play – these are the sounds and sights that define Purdue Boilermaker football. This series is a journey through the rich tapestry of a program steeped in tradition and marked by moments of brilliance.

From the gridiron's earliest days to the modern era of high-flying offenses, we'll explore the evolution of Purdue football. We'll delve into the strategies, the rivalries, the triumphs, and the challenges that have shaped the Boilermakers into the program they are today.

We'll introduce you to the legendary coaches who left an indelible mark on the program, the star players who captured the hearts of fans, and the unforgettable games that have become etched in Boilermaker lore. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering the Boilermakers, there's something for everyone in this exploration of Purdue football history.

Join us as we celebrate the past, analyze the present, and look forward to the future of a program that continues to inspire passion and loyalty.

Boiler Up, Hammer Down!

Drew Brees, a name synonymous with precision passing and unwavering determination, carved his place among the pantheon of NFL greats over a remarkable 20-year career. His journey, defying limitations and rewriting records, is a testament to relentless work ethic, unwavering leadership, and a passion for the game that shone brightly throughout his tenure.

Drew Brees Taken by User DBKing Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Born January 15, 1979 - Brees' path wasn't paved with early accolades. Undersized for the traditional quarterback mold, he faced skepticism during the draft, landing with the San Diego Chargers in the second round. However, his competitive spirit ignited, leading the team to a divisional title in his second season and earning him Comeback Player of the Year honors.

A shoulder injury forced him from San Diego, landing him in New Orleans in 2006. This marked a pivotal moment, not just for Brees, but for the city itself. The Saints, still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, found a beacon of hope in Brees' unwavering spirit. He became a symbol of resilience, leading the team to its first-ever Super Bowl victory in 2010 and earning Super Bowl MVP honors.

Brees' statistical dominance is undeniable. He shattered numerous records, including most career passing yards and passing touchdowns. His remarkable accuracy, with a career completion percentage exceeding 67%, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He orchestrated thrilling comebacks with laser-like precision, earning the nickname "The Comeback Kid."

Beyond the numbers, Brees was a true leader. He commanded respect with his intelligence, work ethic, and dedication to his teammates. He fostered a winning culture in New Orleans, a city that embraced him as one of its own.

Brees' legacy extends beyond the field. He became a pillar of the New Orleans community, actively involved in philanthropic endeavors. His dedication to the city he helped rebuild solidified his place as a cultural icon.

In 2020, Drew Brees announced his retirement, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations of quarterbacks. His unwavering determination, pinpoint accuracy, and leadership qualities cemented his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and etched his name in the hearts of football fans forever. The "Brees Breeze" may have subsided, but the impact he made on the game and the city of New Orleans will continue to resonate for years to come.

The Purdue Boilermakers football helmet has undergone a transformation mirroring the evolution of the sport itself. From the early days of leather and rudimentary protection, the Boilermakers' headgear has become a sophisticated piece of athletic equipment.

Early Purdue helmets likely resembled those worn by other teams of the era, offering minimal protection. As the game grew more physical, so too did the need for enhanced safety. The introduction of plastic helmets marked a significant leap forward, providing increased durability and shock absorption. Purdue's helmets began to incorporate the iconic block "P" logo, a symbol that has become synonymous with the program.

Over the decades, helmet design has continued to advance, with a focus on player safety. Purdue has embraced these innovations, incorporating state-of-the-art technology into their helmets. While the basic design has remained relatively consistent, the Boilermakers have experimented with different color combinations and decals to create unique looks for specific games or seasons.

Born February 10, 1965, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, was the cornerback with World Speed from Purdue Rod Woodson.

Per his bio on the FootballFoundation.org website Rod was the 1986 runner-up for the Jim Thorpe Award and left Purdue holding 13 individual school records. He left Purdue as the career leader in solo tackles, interceptions, interception return yardage, interceptions returned for touchdowns, kickoff returns and kickoff return yardage, and he still ranks in the top five in nearly every category. Rod Woodson was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016 after the National Football Foundation tallied their votes. Woodson was the tenth overall player taken in the 1987 NFL Draft picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

All he did was produce great stats for the majority of his career. In 1993 he was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year and was a six time All-Pro during his 17 year career. Rod picked off 71 career passes and held the NFL record for interception return yards at 1473 when he retired. Besides the Steelers , Woodson played with the 49ers, the Ravens and the Raiders. Rod Woodson was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. For more on this legend, check out these awesome posts below:

---

Timothy P Brown investigates a photographic postcard mailed in 1909 with an image of a 1903 Purdue Boilermakers football game. The field displayed shows the partial Checkerboard lined field that only occurred in 1903.