Football History

Born March 7, 1950, in Fort Dix, New Jersey, was the 6'-2" 230 pounds full back from the early 1970's Penn State Nittany Lions, Franco Harris.

Franco Harris was more than just a running back; he was a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers' dynasty in the 1970s and a beloved figure in the world of football. His career, spanning 13 seasons from 1972 to 1984, was marked by exceptional talent, clutch performances, and a place in Super Bowl history.

A Rising Star and the "Immaculate Reception":

Drafted by the Steelers in 1972, Harris quickly established himself as a key contributor. His rookie season was forever etched in history with the iconic "Immaculate Reception," a controversial play in the AFC Divisional playoffs against the Oakland Raiders. Harris' reception, initially ruled a touchdown, solidified his place in Steelers lore and propelled them to the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl Dominance and Consistent Production:

Harris played a crucial role in all four of the Steelers' Super Bowl victories in the 1970s, earning Super Bowl IX MVP honors for his dominant performance in 1975. He rushed for 101 carries and 354 yards in his Super Bowl appearances, ranking among the all-time leaders in these categories.

Beyond his Super Bowl success, Harris consistently delivered impressive results throughout his career. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in eight seasons and finished his career with 12,120 rushing yards, ranking him among the top-10 rushers in NFL history at the time of his retirement.

An Unorthodox Style and Enduring Legacy:[b]

Harris's running style, characterized by a high leg kick and avoiding unnecessary contact, initially drew skepticism. However, his effectiveness and longevity silenced his critics. He was known for his quick thinking, his ability to make defenders miss tackles, and his exceptional work ethic.

-[b]Career information

High school: Rancocas Valley Regional
(Mount Holly, New Jersey)
College: Penn State (1968–1971)
NFL draft: 1972 / round: 1 / pick: 13

-Career history
Pittsburgh Steelers (1972–1983)
Seattle Seahawks (1984)

-Career highlights and awards

-4× Super Bowl champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV)

-Super Bowl MVP (IX)

-NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1972)

-NFL Man of the Year (1976)

-First-team All-Pro (1977)

-2× Second-team All-Pro (1972, 1975)

-9× Pro Bowl (1972–1980)

-NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1976)

-NFL 1970s All-Decade Team

-Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team

-Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor

-Pittsburgh Steelers No. 32 retired

-Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame

-2× Second-team All-East (1969, 1971)

-Career NFL statistics

Rushing yards: 12,120
Yards per carry: 4.1
Rushing touchdowns: 91
Receptions: 307
Receiving yards: 2,287
Receiving touchdowns: 9

Stats at Pro-Football-Reference.com

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Born appropriately to his name on March 17, 1872, Patrick John "Kangaroo Kicker" O'Dea was a unique figure in the early days of American football. The Aussie's football career defies easy categorization. It's a story that transcends statistics and touchdowns, weaving together tales of sporting dominance and an enigmatic later life. Born in Australia, O'Dea excelled at Australian Rules Football before venturing across the globe to leave an indelible mark on the developing sport of American football in the late 19th century.

O'Dea's arrival at the University of Wisconsin in 1896 was a turning point. Nicknamed the "Kangaroo Kicker" for his unorthodox, Australian-style drop kicks, he revolutionized the kicking game. His powerful leg produced feats that marveled audiences, including a legendary 62-yard field goal in a blizzard against Northwestern. In that same game against the Wildcats, it was also reported that the Kangaroo Kicker launched a 116-yard punt in the poor weather!

O'Dea's impact wasn't limited to kicking. He excelled as a fullback, showcasing impressive athleticism and leadership. His success transcended the playing field, bridging the cultural gap between Australia and the United States. He became a symbol of the growing popularity of American football, showcasing the sport's global appeal.

In one 1899 game, Pat showed some football versatility, returning a kick 90 yards for a score and adding four field goals to the tally. He was a three-time All-American, a team captain, and a key figure in Wisconsin's rise to national prominence.

In 1899, O'Dea showed his moxy in a game against mighty Michigan. Both teams entered the year's final game, held on Thanksgiving day, with only a single loss. Michigan's strategy was to take Wisconsin's best weapon, O'Dea, out of the game. The big, athletic Wolverine guard Richard France was one of the main characters deployed to execute the strategy, and he laid some viscous and on-the-verge-of-dirty hits on the Badger star player. Once O'Dea figured out France's intentions, the Aussie warned the Michigan guard to stop the activity or there would be trouble.

On consecutive punts, France charged O'Dea after the boot "like a battering ram." On the second of these occasions, O'Dea laid his fist across the Michigan guard's jaw, knocking him out to a sprawling condition on the ground. The Ref witnessed, and O'Dea was rightfully ejected, but he had already done enough damage as the Badgers won the contest 17-5.

However, O'Dea's coaching career proved more tumultuous. After leading Notre Dame to a winning record, he was controversially fired for playing against his team in an exhibition game. He bounced around, coaching at Missouri and Stanford, but restlessness followed him. In 1917, O'Dea vanished, leaving behind a trail of speculation. Theories ranged from wanting to escape football fame to joining the Australian army in World War I.

He resurfaced in 1934, living under a pseudonym in California. While the reasons for his disappearance remain shrouded in mystery, it adds a layer of intrigue to his legacy. Was it a yearning for anonymity, a fallout from the coaching world, or something more?

Pat O'Dea's career may not have been conventional, but its significance is undeniable. He pioneered American football kicking, was a dominant player for Wisconsin, and symbolized the sport's burgeoning international appeal. His enigmatic disappearance adds a layer of fascination to his story, making him a unique figure in football history.

[bHere's a snapshot of O'Dea's career:[/b]

-Dual-Sport Star: O'Dea's athletic journey began in his native Australia, where he excelled at Australian Rules Football for the Melbourne Football Club.

-American Adventure: In 1898, O'Dea crossed paths with American football at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He quickly emerged as their star fullback, showcasing his kicking prowess, a valuable skill in those days when fullbacks often handled punting and placekicking. He captained the team in 1898 and 1899.

-Coaching Stint: After graduation, O'Dea took on the head coach role at Notre Dame (1900) and the University of Missouri (1902), compiling a 19-7-2 record.

-Pioneering Kicker: O'Dea's kicking skills were considered top-notch for the era, earning him the nickname "Kangaroo Kicker." He helped introduce the placekicking style, which is more prevalent in Australian Rules Football, to the American game.

Impact and Legacy:

While O'Dea's playing career was brief, his impact is notable:

-Early Football Specialist: He was one of the first players to specialize in kicking, a vital role in the evolution of the sport.

-Bridging the Gap: O'Dea's experience in Australian Rules Football and American Football might have helped bridge some stylistic differences in the sport's early days.

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Born March 21, 1884, in Boston, Massachusetts, was Princeton’s star fullback Jim McCormick Jim was a balance of swiftness and power and a very difficult runner to take down.

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.

Charley Brewer, born on March 8, 1873, in Honolulu, Hawaii, left his mark on Harvard University football during its formative years.

During the stocking cap era of college football, Brewer earned his first of three All-American honors during his freshman season in 1892. A nagging ankle injury during the 1894 season perhaps prevented Charles Brewer from being a four-time All-American. Caspar Whitney, the great journalist of the time, described Brewer as: "He can stand as much banging about as any back. His gains were made by quickness in starting for the hole and determination once he reached it. He is cat-like in his movement and very speedy." In an era where Harvard and Yale dominated the landscape of college football, Brewer was a standout player on his squad.

-College Career

Brewer's football prowess flourished at Harvard University, where he played as an end. He was a key figure in the Crimson's early 20th-century teams, known for his exceptional athleticism, versatility, and leadership. He was considered one of the best players in the nation during his time at Harvard. His performance was instrumental in establishing Harvard as a football powerhouse.

-Football Legacy

Charley Brewer's football legacy is deeply intertwined with the early development of American football at the collegiate level. His contributions at Harvard helped solidify the program's reputation for excellence. He was a pioneer, demonstrating the skill and dedication that would come to define the sport. Beyond his on-field performance, he exemplified the ideals of sportsmanship and academic achievement, setting a standard for future Harvard athletes.

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-Charley Brewer was a key part of the dominant Harvard teams of his era.

-Brewer was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971.

-Charles Brewer '96 - Harvard Varsity Club (harvardvarsityclub.org)

-He was considered one of the nations best player of his era.

Charley Brewer's impact transcends mere statistics; he represents a pivotal chapter in the evolution of college football. His dedication and skill helped shape the game's early trajectory, leaving a lasting influence.

From Packers.com, the official website of the Green Bay Packers the life bio of Clarke Hinkle.

Born April 10, 1909, in Toronto, Ohio, was the stud fullback of 1929 to 1931 from Bucknell University, Clarke Hinkle arrived into this life. The FootballFoundation.org bio on Clarke states that he might just be the best player to ever suit up for Bucknell. Hinkle was blessed with great foot speed and mobility which gave him excellent range, both on offense and the defensive side of the ball. He was nicknamed the "Lackawanna Express," as he first achieved fame and notoriety in 1929, his sophomore season, when he led the East in scoring with 128 points.

He got better the more he played too as Clarke led Bucknell to an undefeated season in 1931. Clarke Hinkle’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1971. Hinkle joined the Green Bay Packers in 1932 and he was the answer to counter the Bears Bronko Nagurski, as the two battled head to head on many occasions. Bronko was the big powerful runner of the era but the stout Hinkle, who was 30 pounds lighter, was determined to hold his own with anyone on an NFL gridiron. Clark's moto was "get to the Bronk before he gets to me," a tactic he used to perfection one day in 1934. Trapped on the sidelines by Nagurski, Clarke escaped his tackle by driving directly into and over him. The Bears' superstar was helped from the field with a broken nose and a fractured rib.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame says that during his 10 years with the Green Bay Packers, Hinkle was named first- or second-team all-league each year! In 1964 Clarke Hinkle was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Born February 22, 1886, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, William "Big Bill" Hollenback wasn't just a football player but a symbol of Penn's gridiron dominance at the dawn of the 20th century. From 1906 to 1908, this rugged fullback carved his name into the history books, becoming a legend at the University of Pennsylvania and beyond.

Hollenback's legacy transcends statistics. He captained the Quakers to two national championships in 1904 and 1908, epitomizing the team's grit and determination. Playing the entirety of a crucial game with a fractured leg and several other injuries exemplifies his legendary toughness.

Selected as an All-American three times, Hollenback earned the respect of opponents and fans alike. His powerful running style and fierce competitiveness made him a force to be reckoned with on the field. He even secured a place among Walter Camp's fabled 1908 All-American team, solidifying his place amongst the game's elite.

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Forget soaring passes and acrobatic catches. Joe Perry, "The Jet," carved his legend through sheer grit and unstoppable ground gains. In the rough-and-tumble days of early NFL, this fullback was a force of nature, blazing a trail for African-American players and rewriting the record books one punishing carry at a time.

Perry's path wasn't paved with diamonds. Undrafted, he stormed onto the San Francisco 49ers scene in 1948, becoming the team's first Black player. His explosive speed and punishing power earned him the nickname "The Jet," forever etching his name in the hearts of the faithful.

He wasn't just a local hero; he was a league pioneer. In 1953, he became the first African-American to win the NFL's Most Valuable Player award, shattering barriers and paving the way for generations of aspiring athletes.

His career stats speak volumes: 8,378 rushing yards, 68 touchdowns, and a legacy of fearlessness. He battled through racial prejudice, defied expectations, and redefined the role of the fullback.

Perry's story isn't just about touchdowns and trophies. It's about courage, resilience, and paving the way for others. He was a trailblazer, a champion, and a testament to the transformative power of perseverance. So, the next time you hear the roar of the crowd, remember "The Jet" – the man who left his mark on the gridiron with every thunderous sprint and punishing tackle.