Football History

From the fertile cornfields of Missouri to the roar of Faurot Field, the Missouri Tigers football program is a tale of passion, perseverance, and pigskin pandemonium. Nestled in the heart of the SEC, Mizzou football stretches back over a century, a tapestry woven with moments of gridiron glory and heartbreak, all tinged with the distinct flavor of Midwestern grit.

The story begins in 1890, a fledgling program fueled by local pride and a thirst for competition. Early years saw sporadic success, marked by the "Black Shirts" defense of the 1930s and the emergence of Heisman Trophy finalist Phil Cowan in the 1960s. These flashes of brilliance ignited the Tiger faithful, laying the foundation for a program poised to break out.

Enter Dan Devine in 1971. The "Silver Fox" brought discipline and a potent wishbone offense, guiding Missouri to its first conference championship in 1975. Quarterback Terry McMillan's iconic touchdown pass to Al Davis sealed the win, etching it in Tiger lore as "The Greatest Moment in Missouri Football History."

The Devine era paved the way for continued success. Frank Gore, the Tigers' all-time leading rusher, became an NFL star, while Barry Sanders, the nation's top recruit in 1989, briefly donned the black and gold before his legendary Oklahoma career. These future gridiron giants served as reminders of Mizzou's potential, even amidst periods of inconsistency.

But the roar of Faurot Field reached its crescendo under Gary Pinkel in 2007. Missouri joined the mighty SEC, facing giants like Alabama and LSU. Yet, Pinkel's Tigers, led by the dynamic duo of Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin, defied expectations. Their 2007 Big 12 Championship victory and subsequent upset of Georgia in the Cotton Bowl announced Missouri's arrival on the national stage.

Since then, Mizzou has navigated conference realignment, coaching changes, and moments of both triumph and struggle. But the spirit of the Tiger faithful remains undimmed. The "Zou Walk" continues to electrify Columbia on game days, a sea of black and gold pulsating with anticipation.

Deep in the heart of Missouri, where rolling hills meet the mighty Mississippi, roars a team steeped in tradition and a hunger for gridiron glory. This is the tale of the Missouri Tigers, a football program woven from resilience, innovation, and an unwavering love for the black and gold.

Our story begins in 1890, with a ragtag group of students taking to the field under the moniker "Missouri Tigers." The early years were scrappy, marked by muddy fields and leather helmets. Yet, a spark of greatness flickered, nurtured by coaches like Frank C. ("Honest John") Yost and Walter Camp, who laid the foundation for a program that would eventually roar.

The 1930s saw the rise of Don Faurot, a revolutionary coach who introduced the Single Wing offense, a deceptive and potent attack that swept through defenses like a Missouri twister. With stars like Harry Ice and Paul Christman, the Tigers captured their first two conference championships in 1939 and 1941, etching their names in gridiron history.

Following Faurot's legacy, Dan Devine arrived in the 1960s and transformed the Tigers into national contenders. With the "I-Formation" offense and future NFL Hall of Famers like Roger Wallace and Johnny Roland, Missouri reached its first-ever bowl game (the 1968 Orange Bowl) and became a force to be reckoned with on the national stage.

The 1970s and 80s brought a period of highs and lows. Fran Tarkenton led the Tigers to a share of the Big Eight title in 1975, while Warren Moore became the program's first Heisman Trophy finalist in 1981. However, inconsistency plagued the program, leaving fans yearning for sustained success.

The 2000s saw Barry Odom usher in a new era. With a blend of offensive dynamism and stout defense, Missouri captured back-to-back Big 12 Championships in 2007 and 2008, marking the program's return to national prominence. Players like Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin became household names, and "Mizzou" fever swept across the state.

Today, under head coach Eli Drinkwitz, the Tigers continue to fight for their stripes. The program faces new challenges in the ever-evolving landscape of college football, but the spirit of resilience and innovation that forged the Tigers' past burns bright. The roar of Memorial Stadium still echoes with the cheers of generations past, reminding players and fans alike that Mizzou football is more than just a game; it's a shared identity, a testament to the grit and determination that runs deep in the veins of Missouri.

The Missouri Tigers' football helmet is a canvas that tells the story of their gridiron journey, a century-long evolution marked by iconic elements and subtle shifts. Here's a glimpse into its history:

Early Days (1903-1957): Simple beginnings saw plain leather helmets sporting the "M" logo, a symbol adopted from the university band. Black and gold stripes, the team's colors, soon adorned the sides, adding a touch of visual identity.

The Block M Era (1957-2011): In 1957, the iconic "Block M" replaced the simple "M," becoming the helmet's dominant feature. Its bold lines and sharp angles became synonymous with the Tigers, a symbol of strength and tradition. The black and gold stripes remained, their thickness fluctuating over the years.

Experimentation and Change (2012-Present): The 21st century brought a spirit of experimentation. Tiger stripes grew thicker, then disappeared entirely for a brief period. The "Block M" saw its corners rounded and its color shifted from flat black to a textured metallic. Some helmets featured additional elements like paw prints or the state outline.

The Return of Tradition (2018-Present): In 2018, a sense of nostalgia led to a return to the classic design. The bold "Block M" stands proudly once again, framed by thick black and gold stripes. This design, a reminder of the program's rich history, remains the primary helmet today.

The University of Missouri's "Tigers" nickname boasts a history as rich and spirited as its mascot's orange and black stripes. The connection stretches back to the turbulent years of the Civil War, where the seeds of Mizzou's fierce pride were sown.

Fearing raids by Confederate guerilla bands, the citizens of Columbia, Missouri, formed a local militia unit nicknamed the "Missouri Tigers" to defend their town. These brave volunteers embodied courage and resilience, qualities that resonated with the university's burgeoning athletic program. In 1890, just as the first Mizzou football team was taking shape, the athletic committee adopted "Tigers" as their official nickname, a tribute to the community's wartime protectors.

For decades, the Tigers remained nameless. Mizzou even sported two separate tiger mascots, a male and female, at one point. In 1981, these mascots were combined into a single, more unified tiger. However, it wasn't until 1984 that the beloved mascot truly came alive. A student-led contest, aiming to raise funds for a mascot uniform carrying case, offered students the chance to name the tiger for a dollar. The winning entry, a stroke of pure Missouri pride, was "Truman," honoring the state's 33rd president, Harry S. Truman.

Truman the Tiger, with his friendly yet spirited demeanor, quickly became a campus icon. He embodies the fighting spirit of the Missouri Tigers athletes and serves as a constant reminder of the community's unwavering spirit. The roar of the Tigers isn't just a stadium chant; it's a testament to the legacy of those who defended Columbia and the unwavering pride of the Mizzou community.

Conception and Construction (1920s):
In 1919, the push began to raise funds for a "Memorial Union" and a "Memorial Stadium" to honor fallen alumni from World War I.
Construction of both began in 1921, with students and alumni pledging funds.
By 1926, the stadium was complete, holding 25,000 fans and featuring a track encircling the field.
Early Years and The Rock "M" (1920s-1940s):
In 1927, the freshman class constructed the iconic "Rock M" monument overlooking the field.
The Tigers enjoyed early success under coach Gwinn Henry, achieving a 20-game winning streak at home between 1938 and 1943.
The stadium hosted its first ranked opponent win in 1939 against #10 Nebraska.
Expansion and Renaming (1940s-1970s):
The stadium underwent several expansions throughout the 40s, 50s, and 60s, enclosing the south side, building up the bowl, and adding a press box.
In 1972, the playing field was renamed Faurot Field in honor of legendary coach and athletic director Don Faurot.
Modern Era and Renovations (1980s-Present):
In 1985, artificial turf was installed on the field, which was later replaced with a grass/synthetic mix similar to most modern stadiums.
Further renovations expanded seating capacity throughout the 2000s and 2010s to over 62,000.
Faurot Field continues to be a vibrant home-field advantage for the Missouri Tigers, hosting exciting games and passionate fans.


Key Facts:
Officially named Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field.
Located in Columbia, Missouri.