Archive for July, 2012

On this date in 1954, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history was born – Walter Payton. Payton played the game like no other. In 2011, he was featured in NFL Films’ A … MORE ►

Hall of Fame defensive end Willie Davis turns 78 today. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 1956, his career was put on hold due to a 2-year service in the army. When he finally took … MORE ►

Former Broncos wide receiver Mark Jackson was born on this date in 1963.  A 6^th-round pick of the Denver Broncos, Jackson was one of Denver’s “Three Amigos” at receiver – along with Vance … MORE ►

Former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson was born on July 22 in 1972. Selected No. 1 in the 1996 draft by the New York Jets, Johnson was only the 2nd receiver in NFL history to … MORE ►

Henry Ellard was born on this date in 1961. Ellard enjoyed a 16-year NFL career in which he topped 1,000 receiving yards 7 times – including 4 times in his 30s. After his retirement in … MORE ►

The Panther offensive tackle was born on this date, July 20th, in 1980. Jordan Gross was the 8th overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, and has earned two trips to the Pro Bowl in … MORE ►

In 2011, the Detroit Lions reached the playoffs for the first time since 1999. Despite losing to the Saints in the Wild Card round, the city and the players had much to celebrate. So how … MORE ►

On July 18, 1969, Joe Namath announced he was coming out of retirement and would return as the quarterback for the New York Jets.  Wait, Joe Namath retired in the middle of his career?  That’s … MORE ►

Don Coryell and Bill Walsh were two pioneering and aggressive innovators who greatly expanded how people approached the NFL offense. As I wrote in a recent piece about the evolution of the offense, both … MORE ►

We’re improvising this birthday salute to Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders, who celebrates his 44^th on this date in football, July 16, 2012.  To appropriately honor a back who perhaps better than … MORE ►