Football History

Born December 24, 1921, in Bluefield, Virginia  was the University of Virginia’s legendary halfback Bullet Bill Dudley. Some so-called experts thought Dudley was too small to play football in the collegiate ranks as he weighed in at 152 pounds with a 5’-10” frame per the NFF.

Virginia’s Coach, Frank Murray, decided to give Bill a chance to prove all of the other recruiters wrong. What Dudley did was to become the only player to win MVP honors in college,  the Armed Forces and professional levels.

During the 1941 season Bullet Bill led the nation with 18 touchdowns, 134 points scored, a 6.2 rushing average per play and 29 touchdowns. The National Football Foundation selected Bill Dudley into their College Football Hall of Fame in 1956. The Pittsburgh Steelers did not hesitate a second to pick Bill and the first pick in the 1942 Draft of the NFL. In his 9 pro seasons he had 8217 total yards and recorded 23 interceptions and played in 3 Pro Bowls. In fact the Pro Football Hall says that Bill won a rare triple crown of awards in the NFL, he was the interception leader, the top rusher and held the punt return title in 1946. Bill Dudley found the door wide open for him to enter into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966.

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.

Eddie LeBaron wasn't built for the NFL. At 5'7" and 168 pounds, he was the shortest quarterback to ever start a Pro Bowl, an underdog in a world of giants. Yet, his football career transcended statistics and size, becoming a testament to grit, resilience, and an unwavering love for the game.

LeBaron's talent shone early. He led the College of the Pacific Tigers under Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg to victories and dazzled with his elusive agility and pinpoint throws. The NFL beckoned, but initial struggles against towering defenders threatened to dim his star. Eddie was selected by the Washington Redskins in the 10th round of the 1950 NFL Draft, but, after playing one season, was Drafted to serve the United States in the Korean War. He returned to D.C. after serving and filled future Hall of Fame QB Sammy Baugh, receiving All-Rookie honors by season's end. A knee injury a year later derailed his Redskins and possibly his NFL career.
His time in Canada with the CFL's Calgary Stampeders in 1954 proved an unexpected crucible, honing his skills and his resolve.

In 1960, fate presented an opportunity he wouldn't squander. As the newly-minted Dallas Cowboys, fresh off years of losing, took their first steps onto the NFL stage, they chose LeBaron as their leader. He wasn't just a quarterback; he was the franchise's face, its spark plug, its defiant howl against established giants.

The Cowboys stumbled initially, but LeBaron's spirit was infectious. He battled for every first down, his scrambles a blur of determination, his throws laser-like beams finding open receivers. Under his leadership, the Cowboys rose from doormats to contenders, culminating in a magical 1962 season where LeBaron shared the quarterbacking duties with the up-and-coming Don Meredith.

While ultimately overshadowed by Meredith's stardom, LeBaron's impact on the Cowboys can't be overstated. He was the bridge between their early woes and their future glory, paving the way for their Super Bowl appearances and solidifying their place in the NFL landscape.

Beyond Dallas, LeBaron's legacy extends to breaking barriers. He proved that size didn't define greatness and that heart and talent could overcome physical limitations. He inspired countless underdogs, showing that dreams could be reached in inches, not just yards.

Founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves, the Washington Commanders, originally named the Redskins, have traversed a complex and controversial history riddled with both moments of gridiron glory and social struggle. Here's a glimpse into their journey:

Early Days and Championship Victories (1932-1970):

Formed by George Preston Marshall, the team quickly changed name and location, becoming the Washington Redskins in 1937.
Despite early financial struggles, the 40s and 50s saw championship triumphs fueled by iconic players like Sammy Baugh and Otto Graham.

Stagnation and the Rise of Controversy (1971-2019):

From the 70s onward, the team experienced sustained mediocrity, with sporadic playoff appearances and inconsistent coaching.

Despite the controversy, superstars like John Riggins and Joe Theismann emerged, bringing moments of excitement.

Super Bowl Glory and Name Change (2020-Present):

Finally, in 2020, bowing to mounting pressure, the team dropped the "Redskins" moniker and became the Washington Football Team.
Under Coach Ron Rivera, a renewed focus on defense and culture reignited hope.
In 2022, a rebranding exercise resulted in the current name, the Washington Commanders.

Beyond the Gridiron:

The Commanders' history is intertwined with social and cultural debates. The "Redskins" name controversy sparked national conversations about racial sensitivity and team mascots. The franchise's commitment to social justice initiatives reflects a changing landscape in American sports.

July 9, 1932 - Boston Braves/Redskins/ Washington Redskins franchise is granted by the NFL. A group headed by George Preston Marshall that included Vincent Bendix, Jay O'Brien and Dorland Doyle were given the remnants of the defunct Newark Tornadoes that folded at the end of the 1930 season according to the SportsTeamHistory.com website.

The professional rights of the franchise go further back than that even. According to Wikipedia, in 1929 Ole Haugsrud, the owner of Duluth Eskimos, sold his NFL franchise rights for the Eskimos to Piggy Simandl, a wholesale meat salesman and sports promoter from Orange, who named his franchise the Orange Tornadoes. The team struggled to a 3-5-4 record and then decided to move to Newark for a fresh start. The next season the team received more bad breaks as head coach Jack Depler left the team to buy the Dayton Triangles and promptly moved them to become the Brooklyn Dodgers, raiding many of his former players of the Tornadoes to fill his roster.

The Newark squad went through three different head coaches in 1930. Now back to the Boston group receiving the old Newark team remnants, well none of the Tornadoes team members ever joined the Braves that didn't start playing until a couple of seasons removed from the Jersey based twisters team. The team lost $46,000 in revenue of that first season hence all of his partners bailed on the team leaving Marshall as the sole owner.

George was a larger than life showman, who thrived on attention. The group  originally named the team after the Boston Braves baseball team that played there but after very little support Marshall knew he had to change things up a bit. Prior to the 1933 season the nickname was changed to the Redskins to give his team their own identity. The team had limited success in Boston, and didn’t get much support from the community. The lack of support by both the fans and the media really came to a head when Marshall noticed that a local field hockey team was getting more press coverage than his beloved Redskins. This infuriated Marshall so a change of surroundings seemed to be in order, and the move to the Nation’s Capital changed the course of the franchise as they were crowned the NFL Champions in their inaugural year in DC. 

It is for good reasons that the NFL does not consider the Redskins to be a continuation of the Tornadoes, just as it does not consider the Tornadoes to be a continuation of the Duluth Eskimoes. Recently the Washington Football Team was rebranded as the Washington Commanders.

Born May 1, 1910, in Akron, Ohio, was the strong halfback of the seasons of 1928 to 1931 of West Virginia Wesleyan, Cliff “Gyp” Battles. Battles was masterful in busting off long runs according to the FootballFoundation.org.

During the 1929 season, he broke off a 50-yard run from scrimmage against Salem. In 1930 he returned a kickoff 98 yards and a punt 90 yards against Waynesburg and ran back a punt 90 yards against Georgetown. That same year he also had runs of 80, 73, 68, and 66 yards. His 1931 scorecard showed runs of 86, 62, 57, 54, 44, and 22; that season he crossed the goal line 15 times and booted four extra points.

Against Salem in 1931 he made seven touchdowns. The next day’s paper registered that Gyp had 354 yards rushing, 91 on kick returns, and 24 on pass receiving, total 469 for the game. Causing the great gridiron historian of the day Grantland Rice to write: "Battles simply ran over or around all opponents."  

The National Football Foundation selected Cliff Battles for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1955. After his schooling was complete Cliff played pro football with the Boston/Washington franchise from 1932-37 and twice led the National Football League in rushing in both 1932 and 1937 per the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Cliff was the first player in NFL history to surpass the 200 yard mark in a single game and earned All-NFL honors five different times from 1932 to 1937.  Battles fought his way over the goal line 3 times in a division clinching victory over the Giants in 1937.  He was at the pinnacle of his career it seemed, and then he abruptly retired as the Redskins froze his salary at $3000 per year. He was a standout player in fact Cliff Battles was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. Battles was assistant coach at Columbia 1938-43, served in the Marines in World War II, and coached the Brooklyn Dodgers of the All-America Football Conference 1946-47.

Sammy Baugh was a true pioneer in professional football. He helped redefine the quarterback position in an era that saw the popular single-wing offenses give way to the T-formation and where QBs were the main passers. Here's a quick rundown of his impressive career:

-Dominant Quarterback: Baugh played for the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) from 1937 to 1952. He led the league in passing yards six times, a record that still stands, and revolutionized the quarterback position with his exceptional throwing accuracy and arm strength.

-Triple Threat: Nicknamed "Slingin' Sammy," Baugh wasn't just a passer. He excelled as a punter, leading the league four times, and also played defensive back, even leading the league in interceptions in 1943. His versatility made him a nightmare for opposing teams.

-Championship Pedigree: Baugh led the Redskins to NFL Championships in 1937 and 1942, solidifying his status as a winner.

-Durability and Recognition: Despite playing in a leather helmet era, Baugh enjoyed a long and successful career. He retired with numerous NFL records and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.

Born March 17, 1914 birth in Temple, Texas on this day. Sammy Baugh, according to the NFF, said that Baugh was also an excellent punter who, as a professional, would lead the league four times.

During a 3-2 TCU victory over LSU in the Sugar Bowl, Baugh punted 14 times for a 48-yard average, placing many kicks inside the Tiger five-yard line. Baugh gained All-America status in 1935 and repeated as a consensus All-America in his 1936 senior season. The National Football Foundation saluted the great career of Sammy Baugh by placing his stats and story in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951.

When Baugh left TCU he joined the Washington Redskins when they used the number one overall pick in the 1937 NFL Draft to select him. In 16 professional seasons Sammy played on five division and two league championship teams.

As a passer Baugh led the league six times and still holds many NFL passing records tossing an amazing for the time 187 TDs. In addition to being a great passer and punter, Baugh was also an extremely efficient defensive player as he led the NFL in interceptions in 1943 and finished his NFL career with 31. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Sammy Baugh's gridiron legacy in 1963.

Born April 29, 1918, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, was Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach George Allen. His coaching career was defined by his innovative strategies, relentless work ethic, and ability to inspire his players.  

Allen's coaching journey began at the collegiate level, where he led teams at Morningside College and Whittier College. During his time as a head coach, he honed his skills and developed a reputation for his defensive expertise. His ability to identify and develop talent, combined with his strategic mind, set the stage for his future success.  

In 1957, Allen transitioned to the professional ranks, joining the Los Angeles Rams as an assistant coach. His contributions to the team's defensive schemes were instrumental in their success. He later served as an assistant coach and head of player personnel for the Chicago Bears, where he helped build a championship-caliber team.  

Allen's most significant impact came as the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams and the Washington Redskins. Known for his "Hail Mary" approach to the game, Allen emphasized physicality, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of victory. His teams were often characterized by their tough defenses and ability to make big plays. While he never won a Super Bowl, Allen's coaching career was marked by numerous successes and a legacy that continues to inspire coaches and players t

This legend entered the NFL as the LA Rams offensive ends coach and later served under George Halas with the Chicago Bears as :

- Consultant and Head of Player Personnel (1958)

- Assistant and Head of player personnel (1959–1961)

- Defensive Coordinator and Head of player personnel (1962–1965)

Allen went on to become the Head Coach of the Los Angeles Rams from 1966 to 1970 and again in 1978, and was the sideline boss of the Washington Redskins from 1971 through 1977.

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A Pigskin Dispatch One Minute of Football History on the legendary QB Sammy Baugh and his entrance into the NFL.

Baugh's ascent was meteoric. He stormed onto the collegiate scene at TCU, dazzling crowds with audacious throws and electrifying runs. His audacity knew no bounds; he once famously punted the ball with his left foot while holding it in his right hand, leaving stunned opponents wondering what trickery he'd conjure next.

But it was with the Washington Redskins that Baugh's legend truly exploded. He entered a league still clinging to outdated ground-and-pound tactics, a run-first, pass-later mindset. Baugh, however, possessed a revolutionary vision. He saw the potential of the forward pass, of unleashing the aerial assault.

And unleash it he did. Baugh's throws defied physics, zipping through the air with uncanny accuracy. He could thread the needle between defenders, launching spirals that seemed to hang in the air just a moment longer, tantalizingly out of reach. He mastered the art of the roll-out, weaving through tacklers while unleashing lasers that found their targets like homing missiles.

Baugh's impact wasn't just statistical. He transformed the game, paving the way for generations of aerial assassins. He wasn't just a quarterback; he was a showman, a magician weaving gridiron spells, a gunslinger leaving defenses scrambling for cover.

Darrell Green is a name synonymous with speed, longevity, and excellence in the NFL.

His 20-year career with the Washington Redskins was a testament to his extraordinary athleticism and unwavering dedication to his craft.  

Prior to his NFL stardom, Green showcased his exceptional speed on the track at North Texas State University (Texas A&I). As a cornerback, his blazing speed made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. His college career was marked by impressive performances, earning him recognition as a standout defensive player.  

Drafted by the Redskins in 1983, Green quickly established himself as one of the league's premier cornerbacks. His speed was unmatched, allowing him to lock down receivers and make game-changing plays. He was a key contributor to two Super Bowl victories, and his interceptions, including several returned for touchdowns, became legendary.  

Green's ability to maintain an elite level of play well into his late 30s earned him the nickname "The Ageless Wonder." He defied the typical decline of athleticism and continued to be a dominant force on the field. His longevity, combined with his exceptional talent, solidified his status as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history.  

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Green was also known for his character and community involvement. His impact on the game extends far beyond his statistics, inspiring countless players and fans with his dedication, perseverance, and unwavering spirit. Darrell Green's legacy as a football icon is secure, and his name will forever be etched in the annals of NFL history.