Football History

Born February 17, 1936, in St Simons, Georgia, was the all-time great running back Jim Brown. When discussing a player who rewrote the record books, Jim Brown’s name has to be at the top of the list.

Jim Brown’s football legacy is one of unparalleled dominance, spanning a legendary college career, a transformative professional tenure, and a lasting impact on the sport itself. He wasn't just a running back; he was a force of nature.

-College Career

Brown's collegiate career at Syracuse University was nothing short of spectacular. From 1954 to 1956, he shattered records and earned national acclaim.

In his senior year, he rushed for 986 yards and 13 touchdowns, finishing third in the nation in rushing and averaging a remarkable 123.3 yards per game. His exceptional performance earned him unanimous All-America honors and a fifth-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting. Brown’s time at Syracuse cemented his status as a premier talent, setting the stage for his future professional success.

The FootballFoundation.org website shares that 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. This is evident at the Colgate game in 1956 when Jim scored six touchdowns and kicked seven extra points. That was a total of 43 points in a 61-7 game.

-Road to the Pro Game

Brown's transition to the professional level was highly anticipated. He was drafted sixth overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 1957 NFL Draft. His arrival in Cleveland marked a turning point for the franchise and the league. Brown’s impact was immediate, as he quickly established himself as the league’s most dominant player.

-Football Legacy

Jim Brown’s legacy extends far beyond statistics. He redefined the running back position with his power, speed, and agility combination. He was a physical specimen who could overpower defenders but also possessed the elusiveness to make them miss.

Jim led the league in rushing eight times in his nine seasons, retiring at the peak of his career in 1966. He left the game as the NFL's all-time leading rusher, a testament to his unparalleled dominance.  

Brown played all nine of his years as a pro in Cleveland, with an excellent 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, including being selected as the 1957 Rookie of the Year. Jim was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in three different seasons!

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

Jim Brown won on the ballot to be enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995. The Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971’s ceremonies enshrined Jim Brown in their Canton, Ohio Museum of Legends.

-College:

-Unanimous All-American (1956)  

-Fifth in Heisman Trophy voting (1956)  

-NFL:

NFL Champion (1964)  

-8x NFL rushing champion (1957-1961, 1963-1965)  

-NFL MVP (1957, 1958, 1963)

-9x Pro Bowl selection

-10x All-Pro selection

-NFL 1960s All-Decade Team

-NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team

-Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (1971)  

Jim Brown's career statistics are staggering, but they only tell part of the story. His impact on the game of football is immeasurable. He set a standard of excellence that few have ever matched, and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time remains secure.

Jim Brown. (2025, February 5). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Brown

Mike Rozier, born on March 1, 1961, in Camden, New Jersey, carved a memorable path through college football, earning national acclaim before transitioning to a professional career. His powerful running style and explosive speed made him a formidable force on the gridiron.

-College Career

-Rozier's collegiate career reached its zenith at the University of Nebraska, where he played running back for the Cornhuskers.

-He was a key component of Nebraska's dominant rushing attack, renowned for its physical style and explosive plays.

-In 1983, he had a spectacular season, winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Nebraska to the national championship game.

-His performance during his college years established him as one of the most electrifying running backs in college football history.

-Road to the Pro Game

-Instead of entering the NFL immediately, Rozier opted to play in the United States Football League (USFL), signing with the Pittsburgh Maulers in 1984.

-When the USFL folded, Rozier entered the NFL and was selected by the Houston Oilers in the first round of the 1985 NFL Supplemental Draft of USFL and CFL Players.

-He played for the Houston Oilers and the Atlanta Falcons.

-Football Legacy

-Mike Rozier's legacy is primarily defined by his outstanding college career and his victory in the Heisman Trophy.

-He symbolized Nebraska's potent rushing attack during their dominant era.

-While his NFL career did not reach the same heights as his college success, he remained a respected player.

-His choice to play in the USFL, also became a part of his legacy, showing the risks that players take.

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-Heisman Trophy winner (1983).

-Walter Camp Award (1983).

-Consensus All-American (1983).

-Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year (1983).

-His college career stats are very impressive, with many rushing records.

-His NFL career included multiple rushing touchdowns.

* His place in college football history is very secure.

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.