Football Daily

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Could the mcGill at Harvard games of may 14 & May 15, 1874 be the 1st football games?

Born May 4, 1910, in Milton, Massachusetts, was Barry Wood the Harvard University quarterback from 1929 to 1931. The FootballFoundation.org tells us that he was quite the tremendous athlete as Dr. Barry Wood earned ten varsity letters at Harvard, lettering in football, hockey, baseball and tennis. However, it was football where he really excelled,  as evidenced by his selection to Grantland Rice's first team All-America in 1931. As a sophomore in 1929 he threw a 40-yard touchdown pass and drop-kicked two extra points in a 20-20 tie with Army. He drop-kicked a field goal and extra point in a 10-6 victory over Yale. In 1930, Harvard beat Yale 13-0; Wood led the way by completing six of nine passes. In 1931, he led two touchdown drives as Harvard beat Army 14-13. The National Football Foundation selected Barry Wood for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980.

Charles "Charlie" Brickley (1879-1959) was a pioneer of American football, leaving his mark on the early days of the sport as a player, coach, and innovator. Brickley's legendary career began at Harvard University, where he quarterbacked the Crimson to a perfect record and a national championship in 1901. He later played professionally, showcasing his talent with teams like the Frankford Athletic Club and the Philadelphia Athletics.
Beyond his playing achievements, Brickley is credited with popularizing several key aspects of the modern game. He is considered the inventor of the spiral pass, a revolutionary technique that changed the landscape of offensive strategy. Additionally, Brickley introduced innovations like the huddle and the numbering system for offensive plays, further shaping the way the game is played.
Brickley's coaching career was equally impactful. He led the Penn Quakers to back-to-back undefeated seasons and national championships in 1904 and 1905, solidifying his legacy as a coaching pioneer. He continued to coach at various universities throughout his career, leaving a lasting impact on the sport with his innovative strategies and commitment to excellence.
Charlie Brickley's contributions to football extend far beyond his individual statistics and victories. He was a true innovator, a trailblazer who transformed the game with his revolutionary ideas. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of players, coaches, and fans alike, reminding them of the power of innovation and the enduring spirit of the sport.

For more on this legend and his playing days at Harvard check out our friend Dick Friedman's article in Harvard Magazine.

Benjamin Holt Ticknor wasn't just a football player; he embodied Harvard's gridiron grit in the 1930s. A dominant center renowned for his defense, Ticknor became a captain and a legend, etching his name in Crimson history.

Born in Massachusetts in 1909, Ticknor's athletic prowess shone from a young age. He excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, eventually choosing football as his true passion. Arriving at Harvard in 1928, he quickly carved a niche on the offensive and defensive lines.

Despite playing when Harvard didn't see its championship glory days, Ticknor's brilliance shone through. He earned All-American honors in 1930, becoming the first center in Harvard history to do so. His leadership as captain in 1930 was instrumental in leading the team to a respectable season despite several close defeats.

Ticknor's legacy, however, was built on more than wins. He was a defensive stalwart renowned for his fierce tackling and unyielding presence in the trenches. His nickname, "Iron Man," spoke volumes about his resilience and dedication. In multiple encounters, he held rival Yale at bay, earning him particular adoration from the Harvard faithful.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Ticknor was known for his sportsmanship and gentlemanly demeanor. He was a respected leader on and off the field, embodying the ideals of Harvard football. His impact extended beyond the gridiron, as he excelled academically and later found business success.

In 1954, Ticknor's contributions were recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. He remains one of only four Harvard players to receive this prestigious honor. His name graces the Ben Ticknor Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the Crimson's most outstanding offensive lineman.

Legendary Harvard Crimson football player Marshall Newell was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1957.

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Born May 7, 1953, in Villa Park, California, was Harvard University’s talented wide receiver from 1972 through the 1974 season, Pat McInally. This player not only was a standout on the field but also in the classroom as well, earning the prestigious NFF National Scholar Athlete award and becoming a First Team All-American in 1974. The NFF states that Pat finished his career as the Crimson’s single-game, single-season and career record-holder for touchdowns and receptions and as the school’s leader in career receiving yards. McInally ranked second in the nation in receptions in 1973 and fourth in 1974 while also serving as Harvard’s punter. The National Football Foundation selected Pat McInally for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016. He was the only player to ever to have a perfect score on the Wonderlick Test and became the first starting Harvard Grad to play in the Super Bowl, after he became the Cincinnati Bengals. NCAAF Jersey 84

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Timothy P. Brown describes an eight year period in the early 20th century when the Harvard Crimson were the cream of the crop in College Football under Coach Percy Haughton, and built a citadel for the gridiron in Harvard Stadium.

Harvard Crimson Logo PNG Harvard University sponsors over 40 varsity teams. The Harvard Crimson has been incredibly traditional in its brand identity – the logo has stayed the same for over 65 years. Meaning and history The Harvard Crimson logo adopted in 1956 features a crimson shield housing the large letter “H.” The letter has

The 1912 Harvard Crimson football team etched its name in history as one of the most dominant squads of the early NFL era. Led by the innovative coach Percy Haughton, the Crimson entered the season riding a winning streak that had begun in November 1911.

Their dominance was undeniable. Harvard steamrolled through their nine-game schedule, outscoring their opponents by a staggering 176 points to 22. They shut out a whopping five teams, showcasing a stifling defense and a potent offense. This undefeated season was part of a remarkable three-year stretch where Harvard wouldn't lose a single game, solidifying their place as a gridiron powerhouse. It's important to remember that there was no formal playoff system in place at the time, but by all accounts, Harvard was the clear national champion in 1912.

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The Harvard Crimson played the Oregon Ducks in the 1936 Rose Bowl Game, but their invitation was a bit a surprise by all, including the Crimson. Timothy P. Brwon shares this remarkable story of Harvardf's only post-season football game to date.