Football History

Born August 25, 1972 - Marvin Harrison was a wide receiver that came out of Syracuse University. The Indianapolis Colts drafted the speedster with the 19th pick in the 1996 NFL draft after dealing QB Jeff George to the Atlanta Falcons for it. Harrison soon became Colt's QB Peyton Manning's favorite target as he played for 13 seasons. The eight time Pro Bowler was voted on to the 2000's All Decade team and when he hung up his cleats after the 2008 season he finished second in career receptions for the great Jerry Rice. Harrison was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016. Marvin held the record for most receptions in a single season (143) until it was broken in 2019 by Michael Thomas with 149 catches.

Syracuse Orange football, despite recent challenges, boasts a rich history filled with national prominence, iconic moments, and unwavering fan support. Let's take a quick trip to the "Loud House" and explore their gridiron journey:


Early Glory and National Championships (1900s-1960s):

-Founded in 1896, the Orange enjoyed early success, claiming national championships in 1915 and 1922, establishing their legacy as a dominant force.

-Iconic figures like Jim Brown and Ernie Davis further cemented the program's reputation for producing exceptional talent.


Ups and Downs: Continued Excellence and Rebuilding Periods (1970s-Present):

-While facing periods of inconsistency, the Orange maintained flashes of brilliance. Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis paved the way for racial advancements in the sport.

-Coaches like Dick MacPherson and Don McPherson led Syracuse to bowl appearances and conference titles, highlighting the program's ability to bounce back.

We are calling all Orange fans! Get ready to dive deep into the rich and storied history of Syracuse Football! This series will be your one-stop shop for everything, Orange, taking you on a thrilling journey through the decades.

We'll begin in the early days when Syracuse first stormed the gridiron. Explore the iconic Archbold Stadium, witness the rise of legendary coaches and players, and relive the program's climb to national prominence.

But our journey doesn't end there. We'll chronicle the electrifying move to the Carrier Dome, a new era for Syracuse Football. We'll celebrate iconic victories, heartbreaking losses, and the unforgettable moments shaping the Orange legacy.

This series isn't just about wins and losses. We'll delve into the heart and soul of Syracuse Football – the passionate fans, the legendary rivalries, and the unwavering spirit that defines the Orange.

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Born February 17, 1936, in St Simons, Georgia, was the all-time great running back Jim Brown. Brown in 1956 had a season where his rushing yards per game read something like 197 yards, 162, 155, 154 & 151 yards! He ended up with 986 yards for the season ranking him third in the nation and giving him the nod for unanimous All-America status. But that wasn’t it for “First Down Brown’s” scoring, though as he also kicked for Syracuse. The Cleveland Browns wasted no time at all to make Jim their first-round pick in the 1957 NFL Draft per the ProFootballHOF.com site. Brown played all nine of his years as a pro in Cleveland amassing 12312 yards rushing and 15459 total accumulated yards. The powerful back scored 756 points in those nine years in the NFL and played in a Pro Bowl every season in the League including being selected as the 1957 Rookie of the Year. Jim was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in three different seasons! The Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971’s ceremonies enshrined Jim Brown into their Canton, Ohio Museum of legends.

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The Syracuse Orange football program boasts a rich history filled with moments of triumph and national relevance. While their legacy may not boast consistent dominance, several exceptional seasons stand out as shining examples of their talent and potential. Here's a glimpse into some of their greatest campaigns:


1959: Undefeated Champions and National Recognition: Arguably their crowning achievement, the 1959 Orange rolled through the season undefeated, claiming the national championship in a dominant 23-14 Cotton Bowl victory over Texas. Quarterback Ernie Davis, the first Black Heisman Trophy winner, spearheaded the charge, making this campaign a landmark moment in both program and college football history.


1966: Climbing the Ranks and Orange Bowl Glory: Under coach Ben Schwartzwalder, the 1966 Orange delivered impressive wins over Penn State and UCLA, ultimately finishing the season ranked 8th nationally. Their dominance culminated in a thrilling 26-24 victory over Florida in the Orange Bowl, cementing their place among the nation's elite.


1987: Unforgettable Comeback and Donovan McNabb's Arrival: Down by 16 points to Miami in the Carrier Dome, the 1987 Orange rallied for a dramatic 27-20 victory, etching an unforgettable comeback into program lore. This season also marked the arrival of freshman quarterback Donovan McNabb, who would later lead Syracuse to even greater heights.


1991: McNabb's Magic and a Return to National Prominence: With McNabb as a Heisman Trophy finalist, the 1991 Orange captured the Big East title and defeated Virginia Tech in the Aloha Bowl, finishing the season ranked 11th nationally. McNabb's electrifying talent rekindled the program's national relevance and ushered in a new era of hope.


2004: Defying Expectations and Bowl Domination: Despite initial doubts, the 2004 Orange, led by quarterback Perry Fewell, upset West Virginia in the Carrier Dome and went on to defeat Kansas State in the Insight Bowl. This unexpected success demonstrated the program's resilience and ability to defy expectations.

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Much of what we are reminded of about the legendary running back Jim Brown was from his NFL playing days in Cleveland. Brown was an equally fantastic colleague in football at Syracuse University.

Brown, in 1956, had a season where his rushing yards per game read something like 197 yards, 162, 155, 154 & 151 yards! He ended up with 986 yards for the season, ranking him third in the nation and giving him the nod for unanimous All-America status for the Orangemen.

But that wasn’t it for “First Down Brown’s” accolades, though, as he also kicked for Syracuse. This is evident at the Colgate game in 1956 when Jim scored six touchdowns and kicked seven extra points. That was 43 points in a 61-7 Cuse victory. Jim Brown won on the ballot to be enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995, and the University retired the number 44. The Cleveland Browns wasted no time making Jim their first-round pick in the 1957 NFL Draft.

Born December 25, 1946, in Stow, Ohio, Larry Csonka, the tough running back from Syracuse, was born. According to the NFF website, Csonka claimed he never lifted traditional gym weights to get in shape but garnered his physical fitness by working on the family farm.

Zonk was in the top twenty of the nation’s leading rushers in three straight years from 1965 through 1967, and in ‘67, he earned a unanimous All-America status. In fact, Csonka broke many Orange records by great rushers like Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Floyd Little, and Jim Nance.

Larry pulverized defensive lines, registering 14 collegiate 100-yard games in his career with a 4.9-yard average carry. The College Football Hall of Fame welcomed hard-nosed runner Larry Csonka into their membership in 1989.

In eleven NFL seasons had over 8000 yards rushing and a 4.3-yard average per carry. Larry Csonka ran his way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. After school, Larry was the first pick in the 1968 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. He played in 5 Pro Bowls and was the MVP of Super Bowl VIII. He played 12 seasons of professional football with the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants in the NFL and the 1975 season in the WFL.

Larry Csonka has a website where he shares some awesome things from his past, present, and future.

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The Syracuse Orange football helmet, adorned in its vibrant shade and iconic script, isn't just headgear; it's a canvas that chronicles the program's evolution, traditions, and moments of gridiron glory. Let's embark on a journey through their fascinating helmet history:

Early Days (1920s-1940s):

Simple leather lids with minimal markings - just the letter "S" or "Syracuse" painted in block letters.
These rudimentary designs reflected the nascent stage of the program and limited equipment options.
The Birth of the Orange (1950s-1960s):

In 1953, the iconic orange color arrived, initially paired with white stripes and the block "SU" logo.

This change marked a bold identity shift, showcasing a vibrant spirit befitting the team's nickname.

The classic "block S" helmet, introduced in 1959, further solidified the orange dominance and became synonymous with the program's golden age.
Modern Tweaks and Refinement (1970s-Present):

The "block S" remained the primary design, undergoing subtle changes like font adjustments and stripe variations.

The 1970s introduced a script "Syracuse" logo as an alternate, later returning in the 1990s as the main design.
The current script logo features a bolder font and sharper lines, adding a modern touch to the classic orange color.
Special Occasions and Alternate Designs:

The Orange embrace the opportunity to express their spirit through alternate helmets for special occasions.
These might include commemorative designs honoring fallen heroes, throwback tributes to past eras, or unique variations of the script logo.

For instance, the "Chief Orange" logo, a controversial symbol from the program's past, made a brief return in 2010 before being permanently retired.

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The Syracuse Orange football program boasts a vibrant history, and its logos have evolved alongside its triumphs and challenges. Here's a journey through time, tracing the changing face of the Syracuse Orange:


Early Days (1890s-1940s):

-The program initially adopted a script "Syracuse" logo with orange and white lettering, reflecting the university's colors.

-Later variations incorporated simpler designs, including a block "S" and a bold orange block letter "U."

-These early logos lacked the mascot imagery that would later define the program's identity.


The Birth of Otto (1940s-1980s):

-In 1946, the iconic orange block "SU" logo with a white outline emerged, marking a significant shift.

-This design, nicknamed "The Block Syracuse," became the program's primary logo for decades.

-The 1980s saw the introduction of Otto the Orange, a playful cartoon mascot, but he initially played a secondary role behind the "Block Syracuse" logo.


Modern Evolution and a Bold New Brand (1980s-Present):

-The late 1980s witnessed the rise of Otto, gradually taking center stage. A more spirited and athletic version of the mascot replaced the cartoonish design.

-In 2006, a major rebranding introduced a sleek, stylized "S" logo, incorporating an orange silhouette of Otto within the letter.

-This modern "Interlocking SU" logo remains the program's primary mark, representing a balance between tradition and dynamism.

Step into the heart of New York State, where passion meets precision, and cheers thunder through the iconic Carrier Dome. This is Syracuse Orange Football, where gridiron glory runs deep in our veins and victories echo through generations.

Whether you're a seasoned Syracuse devotee or a curious newcomer, buckle up! This website is your portal to the pulse of Orange Nation. Dive into the latest news, feel the electric atmosphere of game day, and relive the moments that cemented our place in college football history.

Here's what awaits you:

News that Blazes: Get instant updates on our fearless Orange as they charge through the season, from pre-game hype to post-game analysis. We'll bring you behind the scenes, into the huddle, and right onto the field with exclusive interviews and in-depth features.

Legacy Unfurled: Dive into the archives and revisit the golden moments that painted our history orange. From Ernie Davis's trailblazing championship run to Donovan McNabb's Heisman magic, we'll relive the victories that etched our name in legend.

Meet the Squad: Get to know the warriors who wear the Block S with pride. From explosive playmakers to tenacious defenders, we'll introduce you to the faces behind the helmets, showcasing their talent, spirit, and stories.