bell bell february october national_football_league nfl commissioner death commissioner introduced competitive nfl improve league commercial viability promote popularity helped nfl financially sound sports enterprise sports attraction united_states posthumously inducted charter class pro football hall_of_fame bell played football university pennsylvania quarterback led team appearance rose bowl drafted army world war returned complete collegiate career penn went assistant football coach 1920s great depression assistant coach temple founder owner philadelphia eagles eagles bell led way nfl owners establish national_football_league draft order afford weakest teams opportunity sign best available players subsequently sole proprietor eagles franchise suffered financially eventually sold team bought share pittsburgh world war bell argued league operations war conclusion war elected nfl commissioner sold ownership commissioner implemented anti gambling policy negotiated merger america football conference crafted entire league schedule emphasis enhancing dramatic effect late season matches golden age television tailored game rules strengthen appeal mass media enforced policy local broadcasts home contests safeguard ticket receipts amid criticism franchise owners pressure congress recognized facilitated development pension plan players survived oversee greatest game played league future early life bell born bell february philadelphia john bell father attorney served term pennsylvania attorney general older brother john born parents wealthy mother lineage american revolutionary war father university pennsylvania class early days american football accompanied football game bell years old bell regularly engaged football games childhood friends bell episcopal academy school school time father installed athletics director penn helped form national collegiate athletic association ncaa bell captained school football basketball baseball teams awarded yale cup pupil promote athletics school excelled baseball devotion football father named trustee penn said bell plans college penn hell university pennsylvania bell entered penn fall english major joined rare occurrence sophomore starting quarterback penn coach george team defender punt team start bell temporarily shared possession duties subsequently reclaimed later season penn finished record prior penn season mother died route started game new coach bob mixed results left rest season penn finished record secured invitation rose bowl oregon ducks best offensive gain penn loss oregon yard run bell replaced late game quarterback throwing interception season bell led penn record registered mobile hospital unit army world war deployed france result unit participating hazardous duty received letter bravery general john bell promoted sergeant war bell returned united_states march returned penn captain team fall performed finished record academically attending classes forced withdraw penn degree early collegiate days ended having borderline american period life proven possessed qualities leader early career bell assembled stanley professionals chicago disbanded prior playing games negative publicity received chicago black scandal joined john staff penn assistant coach bell remain years penn regarded football coach season drew offers declined head coaching assignments universities early race course counted friends tim art george preston marshall bell resignation penn protest emphasis season practices fellow assistant coach bell resignation accommodated prior start season bell employee philadelphia point tried hand stock broker lost presently wall street crash father returned working coach temple football team marshall tried bell buying rights nfl franchise bell league ridiculed idea pop warner hired coach temple season warner chose hire assistants bell let nfl career philadelphia eagles early bell opinion nfl changed wanted owner team based philadelphia advised nfl franchise rendered philadelphia pennsylvania blue laws force lobbying getting laws borrowed funds partnered rights franchise philadelphia christened philadelphia eagles inaugural philadelphia eagles season bell married roman_catholic_church philadelphia days later suggestion winner nfl championship game memorial trophy affirmed eagles finished record eagles inability seriously challenge teams difficult sell tickets failure sign talented college prospect led way bring stability league institute draft ensure weakest teams advantage signing players proposal draft accepted february draft kicked acted master ceremonies later month child born eagles years partners exhausted presently public auction bell sole owner eagles bid presently measures forced head coach eagles bell led eagles finish worst record season december application franchise los_angeles bell pittsburgh owner deemed far distance travel games eagles season second child john born eagles profitable season posted record eagles finished pittsburgh december bell sale thompson acquired half bell interest eagles series events known pennsylvania bell exchanged entire eagles roster territorial rights philadelphia thompson entire roster rights pittsburgh ostensibly provided assistance bell rewarding commission sale bell head coach general manager training camp pittsburgh inaugural season nickname bell optimism team prospect squad remarked looked like old losing games season compelled bell resigning head coach bell coaching career ended record coaches years nfl worst record season daughter child jane born months season conclusion nfl drafted united_states armed forces world war resulting difficulty fielding strength squad led owners recommend league shut war ended bell argued feared able resume operations easily war major_league_baseball continuing bell affiliation suffered bought increasing franchise bell problems arch ward organized america football conference displace nfl sovereignty professional football ward promptly began players join league resulted salaries driven drastically bill contract proceedings attributed bell anxiety negotiations rivalry furthermore end economically situation history nfl commissioner election nfl schedule appointed nfl commissioner ward appeared hiring resignation personal reasons january bell respected pittsburgh elected replace received year contract year sale stake albeit price bell value immediately placed center controversy owners denied dan permission relocate cleveland los_angeles bell settlement result los_angeles formed los_angeles signed kenny washington marked beginning end racial segregation field caused hell break loose amidst owners drawing regular season schedule perennial source contention nfl owners league inception problem scheduling games meant weighing interest owners early season wanted franchises confront teams drew largest crowds versus owners wanted play weaker franchises pad team win loss record resultant owners bell sole discretion developing league schedule utilized responsibility early season pit weaker teams weak teams strong teams strong teams goal augment game keeping difference team standings minimum deep season possible eve championship game bell notified frank new_york_giants implicated scandal sanctioned bell play game suspended nfl owners meeting bell worried repercussions event lead firing surprised learn contract elevated years year renewed support persuaded owners allow sudden death overtime playoffs subsequently wrote anti gambling resolution league constitution empowered ability permanently ban nfl associated personnel betting game information game possibly fixed furthermore getting inside information names officials assign games directed team injury report listed participate game eventually lobbied state fixing sporting events employees payroll nfl investigate potential betting nfl merger nfl struggle generated stress wages attendance marketing prevented nfl showing profit consecutive years bell representatives leagues met attempt merger efforts fruitless unrelated matter owners attendance records shown games locally negative impact sale home tickets nfl television contract championship game simultaneously dealt lawsuit bill leaving lions gaining employment bell owners advised john lawsuit potentially outcome case weighed heavily bell primary nfl merger supposed violation territorial rights claimed marshall eventually bell gathered support compromise late leagues merged bell stay commissioner contract extended years teams cleveland san_francisco baltimore seeking capitalize publicity rivalry utilized exquisite dramatic business sense allocated opening game contest champion eagles versus perennial champion feeling financially secure merger purchased home family pennsylvania marketing nfl bell originated rule nfl teams home games mile radius stadium consequently united_states department justice opened investigation violation act attendance dropped signaled potential financial disaster licensed television network air championship games years stipulated teams free develop television contracts independently preceding season rule teams league filed suit bell publicly fans game free expect suit ordered trial january season ended gained control setting television strategy nfl negotiated deal granted rights nationally broadcast regular season game week directed income contract shared equally teams case judge ruled policy legal bell franchises collectively negotiating contract bell later year bell forced owners cleveland sell shares team bell determined owner bet football games hated fly point visited training camps team danger posed league bell authorized pro bowl held end season order showcase talents best players early 1950s field activities borderline assault battery teams star players targeted opposing players answered charges league savage saying seen dirty football player life don believe ordered broadcasts follow strict rule conduct permitted criticize game fights injuries televised virtue belief salesman professional football want kids believing engaging fights way play football bell criticized broadcasts charge dismissed believed print media advertising product cbs nbc gained rights broadcast games advised franchises avoid criticizing games officials greatest opportunity sell nfl present public greatest games combined finest relationship television beginning nfl rise america popular sport compromise national_football_league supreme_court ruled favor declared nfl subject laws legality draft reserve clause dubious bell pressed case media nfl regulations league sport business invited investigation congress respect court ruling house judiciary committee chaired believed draft illegal abolished convened july discuss decision red bell testified committee argued draft essential sport success representatives contradicted statements said draft reserve clause anti labor congress going accept position faced congressional opposition bell formally recognized declared negotiate representatives bell speaking auspices owners owners meeting recognize remove bell commissioner order agree vote required super majority bell unsuccessfully attempted persuade owners permit act agent players reach compromise owners requests salary standards health benefits final days season extended seconds bell mandated officials game change triggered criticism championship game nfl championship game decided overtime considered greatest football game played game increased football television advertising drama associated overtime catalyst years later witnessing bell openly crying game attributed bell realization impact game prevalence sport death february unsettled bell experienced heart attack later month converted catholicism summer lifelong urging wife death enduring friendship practicing catholic bell advised doctor avoid going football games die watching football bed boots bell children attended eagles game franklin field october eagles held complimentary box seats guests watch game preferred buy tickets sit fans sitting end zone fourth quarter game suffered heart attack died later day remembered man rough ready wit laughter genuine honesty clearly innocent funeral held margaret roman_catholic_church delivered eulogy close friends attended mass extant owners nfl franchises bell interred cemetery west pennsylvania legacy honors bell inducted professional football hall_of_fame penn athletics hall_of_fame philadelphia sports hall_of_fame athletic hall_of_fame football club founded presented best nfl player year bell award bell benefit bowl exhibited honor career spanned nfl owner african american teams believed mere discussion father absurd bell handling merger acclaimed personal triumph prevent wholesale betting games ensuring games created foundation contemporary nfl anti gambling policy bell criticized strict refusal let sold games televised locally balancing television broadcasts protecting game attendance nfl professional sport america leading protagonist pro football evolution america major sport understood league needed cooperative television contract revenue sharing failed overcome obstacles achieve portrayed ensuring owners treated players fairly decision recognize face owners master stroke congressional intervention initiated terms pension plan players little progress players pension plan bell national_football_league retirement plan approved bell implementation draft immediate results single greatest contributor league prosperity eighty years original version draft later ruled unconstitutional success league competitive balance hailed contemporaries sports historians bell said given sunday team nfl beat team head coaching record nfl published works bell money game liberty magazine november bell offensive football popular football winter bell commissioner bell speaking pro football illustrated bell martin paul saturday evening post november bell let throw extra point sport october bell story professional football summary national_football_league primary materials robert given sunday life bell philadelphia temple university press isbn secondary materials pride life david isbn organized professional team sports united_states house committee judiciary organized professional team sports united_states house committee judiciary iii district judge grim united_states national_football_league court pennsylvania matthew team standing philadelphia press isbn robert william paul labor relations professional sports dover auburn house pub isbn brown paul jack paul brown story new_york bob michael david john total football official encyclopedia national_football_league new_york isbn john red rise modern football university illinois press isbn spike history professional football cliffs hall inc super bowl national_football_league university tennessee press isbn arthur pro football hall_of_fame new_york danzig history american football great teams players coaches cliffs hall inc davis jeff bear life legacy george new_york hill isbn wellington giants city new_york chicago triumph books isbn ray robert eagles encyclopedia philadelphia temple university press isbn frank richmond peter glory game nfl championship changed football forever new_york harper collins isbn golden age pro football dallas taylor publishing company isbn joseph decades football san_francisco press isbn john charles rose bowl jefferson company inc publishers isbn king joe inside pro football cliffs hall inc different game story cliffs hall inc michael mary professional sports team histories football detroit gale research inc isbn levy jim crow racial segregation professional football jefferson inc isbn thomas arch promoter poet story arch ward iowa state university press isbn michael april conflict compromise evolution american professional football labour relations football studies michael america game new_york anchor books isbn michael espn college football encyclopedia complete history game new_york espn books inc isbn albert nelson america biographical dictionary notable living men women united_states vol years chicago company game official picture history national_football_league new_york random house michael brand nfl making selling america favorite sport chapel hill university north_carolina press isbn curious marriage television professional football garden city press isbn paul william henry gray pro football philadelphia lawrence football new_york_giants jefferson company inc isbn robert early years pro football new_york oxford_university press isbn andy best football cleveland taylor trade publishing isbn powers ron rise television sports new_york isbn benjamin image television transformed sports new_york free press isbn mike smith don deeds faith new_york press isbn george robert confessions gypsy quarterback inside world pro football new_york inc robert new_york simon dan david andrew years pittsburgh nfl cambridge press isbn anna elizabeth bell current biography news new_york wilson company rob jones michael sporting life lincoln university nebraska press isbn smith professional football official pro football hall_of_fame press isbn paul sports industry collective press isbn sullivan george pro football time new_york sons pat michael giants learned life tom john sons inc isbn lee creating big game john invention american football press isbn rich century philadelphia sports philadelphia temple university press isbn richard game played inside look golden era pro football lincoln university nebraska press inc isbn williams pete draft year inside nfl search talent new_york martin press isbn chris man built national_football_league joe press inc isbn mark sacks salary caps chicago publishing isbn


hamilton martin hamilton born august american football played national_football_league nfl arena football league college american michigan football team professional played detroit lions nfl addition exhibition training camp experience seattle louis chicago bears played grand milwaukee los_angeles dallas holds records time career points single season kick michigan set current big conference record single season field goals ranks second school history single season field goals holds school record consecutive field goals american michigan history early years hamilton attended spanish river community high school florida sport star football soccer tennis football played defensive quarterback senior sun sentinel named offensive player year senior season hamilton passed yards touchdowns rushed yards touchdowns college career hamilton attended university_of_michigan played football season michigan field goal following season suspended team violating team rules remained suspension police investigated convenience store theft making yard field goal attempt freshman lost kicking job spring practice handled kicking duties ncaa division football season opener hamilton starting assignment immediately second game missed extra point opener gave hamilton second chance second game sophomore season recorded field goals season career total september michigan notre dame rivalry game ranked notre dame field goals extra point conversions including game winning seconds remaining notre dame called ice hamilton inadvertently helped michigan prematurely packed away kicking net field goal hamilton missed tackle return felt cost team game performance big named special teams player week michigan fans remember hamilton game regularly kick games later field goal game big conference opener iowa hamilton field goal outing later season illinois earned player week recognition named college football america big teams hamilton team american selection walter camp football foundation second team selection associated_press football news despite nfl alumni include jay ali hamilton remains school american football season hamilton established current big single season record successful field goals tied times big talented position season award conference hamilton illinois chris richardson minnesota mike northwestern sam hamilton won ncaa statistical championship field goal season set michigan single season kick point record season important field goals came victory northwestern beat michigan michigan stadium victory hamilton missed key yard field goal total field goals ranked second michigan history total tied single season total twice hamilton second place helped team halftime lead converted extra point lead eventually loss northwestern notable scoring gave michigan essential fourth quarter points victory indiana earned big special teams player week honors following victory ohio_state michigan ohio_state football rivalry game november team ahead play quarter added key field goal remaining time finalist award hamilton finished career time leader field goals field goals attempted career ended ninth accumulate points hamilton holds michigan record consecutive field goals outright shared school records single game single season career field goal attempts career field goals record eclipsed hamilton time big academic selection time big conference special teams player week consecutive field goals mark short big record broken hamilton career field goals short big record broken professional career hamilton joined grand played seasons modest success field goal connecting attempts season caught touchdown pass played milwaukee posted field goal performances hamilton played los_angeles game played staples center april joined best years professional making half field goal attempts season hamilton second scoring following strong performance signed nfl seattle competed brown brown perfect field goal seven extra point attempts preseason games hamilton released weeks later returned play los_angeles hamilton scoring august signed chicago bears battled paul kicking duties bears head coach smith noted hamilton skill kicks terms distance hamilton slight edge average kick yards deep end zone compared goal line average perfect field goals extra points preseason games hamilton missed exhibition game field goal attempt august team waived days later scoring year eclipsed jay taylor record single season field goal percentage performance hamilton started season consecutive field goals giving total row league record earned couple nfl hamilton signed louis july prior training camp played exhibition season team final points field goal august preseason victory chicago bears preseason field goal extra points nonetheless decided retain jeff hamilton signed detroit lions practice squad september nfl season appeared nfl game detroit missed point touchdown attempt blocked executed couple tackle jerry yard return yard line quarter activated replace jason suffered injury ended consecutive games streak hamilton released later month hamilton returned los_angeles led scoring earned hamilton second consecutive year title second consecutive team arena league selection point total 2nd history total signed training camp played exhibition games field goals including extra points preseason kept hamilton returned final season los_angeles ranked scoring los_angeles joined dallas spent season dallas hamilton assigned philadelphia soul time assignment time leader field goals extra points scoring points personal life article los_angeles_times reported hours overtime loss georgia force staples center hamilton wife heather delivered couple child boy named hamilton served personal trainer


national_football_league playoffs national_football_league nfl playoffs single elimination tournament held end regular season determine nfl champion teams league conferences qualify playoffs based regular season records tie breaking procedure exists case equal records tournament ends super bowl league championship game matches conference champions nfl postseason history traced nfl championship game early years qualification game based solely regular season records nfl postseason generally consisted nfl championship game pitting league division winners pending game playoff matches needed held break ties division standings nfl playoffs expanded teams qualified tournament league merged american football league playoffs expanded teams playoffs expanded teams teams nfl major professional sports leagues united_states use single elimination tournament rounds playoffs major_league_baseball mlb including wild card postseason round national_basketball_association nba national hockey league use best format instead current playoff system team league divided conferences american football conference national football conference teams conference divided divisions teams tournament teams league conferences following end regular season qualification playoffs works follows division champions conference team division best overall record seeded based overall won lost tied record wild card conference teams best overall records remaining teams conference seeded names playoff rounds date postseason format league began wild card teams round playoffs dubbed wild card playoffs wild card weekend round seeded division winner hosts sixth seed wild card fourth seed hosts fifth restrictions teams division matching round seeds conference receive bye round teams automatic advancement second round divisional playoffs face wild card weekend survivors nfl use fixed playoff system number seed host worst surviving seed round seed number seed play team seed surviving teams conference divisional playoff games meet respective conference championship games hosted higher seed winners contests going face super bowl twice number seeded team number seeded team hosted conference championship game championship seeded indianapolis hosted seeded new_england patriots winning championship seeded arizona cardinals hosting seeded philadelphia eagles cardinals winning teams tied having regular season won lost tied record playoff determined set tie breaking rules potential disadvantage teams best records conference play conference championship division better team seeded lesser team seeded wild card team shown possible division winner play wild card team divisional round modification proposals section new_york_giants new_york jets shared home stadium giants stadium stadium teams need host playoff games weekend required play separate days conference championship round time scheduling conflict occurred wild card weekend teams qualified postseason wild card games history section instead playing wild card games day case team system new_england patriots defeated jets saturday december giants beat san_francisco following day breaking ties teams finish season identical records necessary means break ties determine teams qualify playoffs determine playoff tournament rules applied order tie broken teams tied playoff spot team eliminated step tie breaker step remaining teams multiple playoff spots stake rules applied order team process started remaining teams tie breaking rules changed years recent changes accommodate league realignment team divisions record common opponents criteria involving wins losses moved higher tie breaking list involving compiled stats points moved current follows overtime rules nfl introduced overtime divisional games beginning championship games beginning postseason game played rules nfl championship game baltimore new_york_giants called greatest game played overtime original format sudden death team score declared winner march nfl amended rules postseason overtime rule extended regular season march team scores touchdown defense scores safety possession declared winner scores field goal possession kicks opposing team opportunity score score tied possession true sudden death rules apply scores win postseason games end tie unlike preseason regular season additional overtime periods played necessary winner determined furthermore clock rules apply game started overtime period ends score tied teams switch ends field prior double overtime game tied minutes double overtime minute warning overtime period regular season tied end double overtime start triple overtime contest theoretically indefinitely multiple overtime periods like national hockey league postseason games nfl playoff game gone triple overtime longest nfl game played date minutes seconds miami winning yard field goal double overtime defeat kansas_city chiefs nfl playoffs december playoff championship history nfl method determining champions changed years early years league founding scheduled championship game championship awarded team vote team owners annual owners meeting team having best winning percentage awarded championship team played different number games simply counting wins losses insufficient additionally tie games counted standings winning percentage modern rules ties count win loss playoff game chicago bears portsmouth tied end season identical winning percentage green bay wins lower winning percentage calculated rules day omitted ties additional game needed determine champion agreed game played chicago field severe winter weather fear low turnout forced game moved indoors chicago stadium game played modified rules shortened yard dirt field bears won final score result game bears better winning percentage won league title loss gave final winning percentage moved place consensus game real championship game playoff game generated considerable interest led creation official nfl championship game super bowl given interest impromptu championship game desire league create means determining champion league divided conferences beginning winners conference place teams conferences play nfl championship game season tie breaker system place ties final standings conference resulted playoff game played games venue date championship game known game season played playoff games resulted delaying end season week playoff structure considered number times failed match teams best records championship game conference winners qualify playoff contention times team second best win loss record qualify playoffs team best record conference best league advance championship game nfl season nfl expanded teams split conferences divisions teams division division champions advance nfl playoffs remain schedule tie breaker system introduced round playoffs determined conference champion representative nfl championship game played following week season scheduled playoff tournament determine teams play nfl championship years playoff structure effect use tie breaker system los_angeles baltimore ended season tied lead coastal division came game season undefeated beaten shared best win loss record nfl year failed advance playoffs teams worse records won divisions event figured decision include wild card team playoff tournament nfl merger 1960s place playoff game played miami called playoff bowl contested early january following seasons official playoff games time played nfl officially games statistics exhibitions playoff games playoffs eventually merge nfl history playoff system merits explanation seasons divisional format identical nfl determine champion tie breaker system place ties atop eastern division final standings western division necessitated playoff games determine division representative championship season round added division winner played second place team division winners games met championship game year format champion kansas_city chiefs second place team western division chiefs went win super bowl season non division winner win super bowl brief history merge nfl season identical playoff format nfl year merge conferences teams folded use team playoff system aforementioned issue playoff came play san_francisco miss playoffs record conference cleveland win western conference championship game buffalo bills super bowl merger super bowl began inter league championship game nfl idea proposed kansas_city chiefs owner hunt compromise result pressures placing older nfl success rival league eventually lead merger leagues season season super game featured champions nfl season game featured champions national football conference american football conference leagues merged new nfl teams reorganized conferences divisions season season teams conference total teams qualified playoffs year teams included division champions fourth wild card team originally home teams playoffs decided based yearly rotation divisional playoff round rotated division champions home field advantage wild card teams teams face divisional playoff game home field advantage playoffs starting divisional playoff games consisted central champions west champions playing games road rotated east champions east champions playing games road divisional playoff games west champions central champions visiting teams start central west road division winners advanced conference championship games visiting teams played wild card winner rotation system led playoff seeds conference met divisional round teams best records respective conferences kansas_city chiefs minnesota ousted eventual super bowl participants miami dallas perfect record rivers stadium face pittsburgh went championship game finished hosted teams los_angeles minnesota league institute system playoffs surviving clubs higher seeds home teams playoff round seeded division winner played wild card team remaining division winners played home stadium better seed meant lowest seeded division winner open postseason road teams division meet prior conference championship game times pairing divisional playoff round seed seed expansion following expansion regular season games season league added wild card team conference wild card teams played week division winners winner game played seeded division winner league continued prohibit divisional games divisional playoffs allowed contests wild card round team playoff format season system oakland raiders wild card team win super bowl following season strike shortened season regular season games played modified playoff format instituted divisional play ignored cases division rivals games wiped strike division ultimately sent team playoffs teams conference based record advanced playoffs result time teams losing records qualified playoffs cleveland detroit lions times wild card games played different days normally held sunday games split saturday monday sunday christmas nfl avoided playing day time games played pacific time zone played saturday sunday accommodate time differences new_york_giants jets hosted wild card games shared home stadium games played different days season wild card team conference added expanding playoffs current teams lowest seeded division winner demoted wild card weekend restrictions divisional games divisional playoffs removed format continued expansion reorganization divisions current format explained division winners wild cards seeded seeds receiving highest seed round guaranteed play lowest seed seeds determine home field advantage modification proposals limitations exist current team playoff system division winner guaranteed playoff berth cases team wins weak division barely winning record green bay losing record altogether seattle time division winner seeded higher wild cards non division winners end playing road game wild card weekend team inferior record end outright missing playoffs going road postseason round guarantee success time road teams won wild card weekend occurred season issue prevalent aforementioned realignment notable examples division winner record ended winning playoff game team superior record season san_diego clinched west record hosted indianapolis wild card round new_england patriots failed secure wild card spot went defeat playoff game season aforementioned won west record hosting defeating new_orleans saints failing playoffs new_york_giants tampa bay records team nfl history win division championship playoff game losing regular season record currently lowest win percentage team playoffs season won south record week team division finish seven wins defeated atlanta undefeated division entering game division title hosted defeated arizona cardinals wild card round best team miss playoffs year philadelphia eagles finished date teams win division playoff game losing record result issue frequent calls modify playoff format proposal expand playoffs teams proponents expansion note increased revenue gained additional playoff games note team playoff system implemented league teams divisions teams opposition notes expansion playoffs water field giving access lower caliber teams opponents expansion point nba playoffs playoffs teams qualify postseason decreased emphasis regular season performance result playoffs saw wild card teams better records jacksonville eventual super bowl champions new_york_giants road defeat division winners pittsburgh tampa bay respectively wild card weekend nfl explored proposal change playoffs team better record host game meant division winner went road nfl competition committee withdrew request later offseason atlanta president rich mentioning wanted idea simply discussion going new_england patriots owner robert strong opponent rule change believing win division good fans know home game saints playoff game wanted previous proposal teams wild card weekend sportswriter peter king wrote believed league owners hesitant implementing changes time pending work proposals extend regular season games impact postseason simple fact teams seriously current format october nfl commissioner roger announced plans idea expand playoffs teams increased revenue gained additional postseason games offset plans preseason extra wild card games scheduled weekend creating triple saturday sunday suggested instead played friday monday eventually cause scheduling conflicts games new college football playoff team playoff proposal remained december team south finish better stated league vote march owners meetings proposed club system includes giving round teams best record conference division champions conference receiving home games remaining teams seeded win loss record following february washington_post reported support team owners eroded league leaders expressed reluctance change year extension cbs thursday night football end season nfl playoff appearances correct nfl playoffs playoff appearances based team recent playoff appearance appearances active teams


born american football new_york_giants national_football_league nfl signed cincinnati free agent played college football wake forest member dallas practice squad standout high school career high school earning defensive player year honors playing defensive tackle linebacker high school college switched nfl won starting job giants strong special teams work pre season personal son originally going named grandmother like father worked yellow pages opened phone book random page finger select ending graduated wake forest health exercise science major high school career attended played football high school named texas class defensive player year dallas morning news named area defensive player year height difficult noticed college freshman pounds grew pounds senior year high school coach said defensive country horn coach called best defensive player seen high school level set school bench press record pounds senior dallas morning news sportswriter matt called dominant high school seen offered scholarships play football northwestern state received interest utah state committing wake forest college career played college football wake forest wake forest played nose guard freshman year practicing linebacker freshman named second team freshman american college football news named fourth team second team pre season earned second team defensive honors award college statistics professional career cincinnati signed free agent cincinnati signing moved defensive tackle pounds considered small play defensive tackle nfl level released august dallas released dallas signed practice squad september released september resigned practice squad september released november week later worked baltimore signed free agent suspended nfl games november league announce suspended new_york_giants december signed new_york_giants practice squad worked linebacker practice december signed contract giants nfl season defeated incumbent henry spot surviving final cuts won roster spot special teams play younger expensive final preseason game took defensive tackle performed dual duty giants game washington september december suffered knee injury week game placed season ending injured reserve finished season playing offensive plays defensive plays special teams plays


mark mark richard born october american football quarterback played national_football_league nfl seasons time played san_diego kansas_city chiefs tampa bay course career played games completed passes yards threw touchdowns finished career rating graduate center high school university iowa selected nfl draft san_diego backup dan season started games following year seeing playing time started season opener year san_diego played seasons kansas_city tampa bay released having actual playing time high school college born rochester pennsylvania attended high school center high school center township pennsylvania standout football basketball time starting quarterback center junior year throwing yards games season junior year basketball starter game scoring points rebounds bad continued play football basketball senior year performances included point effort las_vegas western high school making shots result high school career inducted beaver county sports hall_of_fame graduating high school played college football university iowa years served backup long member college football hall_of_fame junior year backup quarterback served holder field goal kicks rob won game university_of_michigan thanks second field goal mob tore injured fans including pile fans following season fifth year senior starter long graduated taking trophy runner strong arm complimented albeit coach said got stronger arm long proves day receivers game starter threw yards win iowa state university game victorious coach iowa football history victories went separated shoulder returning lineup dan tom took starting role late october game northwestern threw yard touchdown pass quinn early longest iowa history victory northwestern university despite injury causing serve backup season given start holiday bowl san_diego state university holiday bowl completed passes yards ran touchdown iowa won professional career san_diego selected san_diego 4th round nfl draft coach chose wanted find young quarterback observe succeed dan signed team late july spent preseason competing tom flick backup quarterback job performed preseason looking sit year learn ins outs pro football flick cut mark named primary backup beat final quarterback spot roster rejoin team later season strike despite making roster spent season players strike team inactive list december game denver shoulder injury called backup professional debut december playing final game completed passes yards sacked threw interception loss denver san_diego season began dan chose retire game seasons leaving main backup starter mark result began trying trade experienced quarterback signed mark compete starting job traded indianapolis months training preseason began season string quarterback won starting job november injured decided starter instead game losing streak season debut atlanta november threw yards victory result performance coach said starting job rest season second start came los_angeles threw yards touchdown suffered torn left knee late quarter lost season finished season passes completed rating spent season recovering form injury added quarterback roster drafting billy joe working team preseason started season physically unable perform list having reliable starter jim mcmahon signed team kept list season mcmahon released john drafted university idaho leaving compete david archer backup quarterback job preseason began san_diego season team released archer plan split backup quarterback duties preseason impressive preseason pedestrian coach dan named starting quarterback dallas season opener citing losing game switch starting quarterback eventually named starter rest season despite remained optimistic saying feel confident ability know job situation believe course season played games completing passes yards touchdown rating end season coach said starter heading season team protect plan free agency meaning sign interested team result began meet teams looking quarterback including green bay kansas_city chiefs meeting kansas_city chiefs reported signed year deal chiefs march agent confirming chiefs general manager denying stated enter bidding war signing confirmed shortly afterward spent preseason competing steve mike backup quarterback job end preseason cut leaving backup steve spent season backing getting occasional action significant day backup came november denver relieved thrown completed passes yards touchdown loss highlight season matchup december old team replacing second half chiefs points completed passes yards touchdown chiefs beat overtime giving chiefs playoff berth process result performance given start week game san_francisco knee second quarter play final regular season game missed wild card playoff game oakland raiders available divisional playoff series buffalo bills left second quarter injury entered game playoff appearance completed passes yards threw marked end chiefs playoff run stats attempts yards touchdowns rating kansas_city chiefs season began team big signing quarterback dave compete couple weeks signing signed tampa bay leaving primary backup chiefs went training camp went preseason rookie draft pick matt ended playing snap season leaving year worth playing time contract expired trading joe montana chiefs definitive end time kansas_city tampa bay april signed year contract tampa bay reuniting teammate steve began preseason competing string quarterback job mike competed starting job end preseason final group cut cut team early november signed team place remained roster preseason preseason pass intercepted returned touchdown waived shortly afterward marked end professional football career personal life inaugural season pro football finance major iowa got real estate license case pro football work currently senior wealth advisor wealth advisors wife amy daughters son dog


captain captain born april american football minnesota national_football_league nfl played college football south_carolina years drafted seventh round overall nfl draft played high school football murphy high school mobile alabama named region times following high school chose play college football south_carolina receiving scholarship offers teams freshman played games recorded season high tackles return specialist following season named southeastern conference sec elevated starting returning kicks kentucky returned yards blocked field goal yards second day nfl draft selected seventh round overall early years born months premature birth weighed pounds grew happy hills crime infested mobile living attended allen branch boys girls clubs south alabama growing father murdered brothers sold drugs oldest brother convicted murder sentenced life prison shooting mother converted christianity eventually eventually said conversion mother prayers stay trouble prayers don think nfl right high school career attended murphy high school mobile alabama starred football track football time region selection participated junior star game helped lead murphy high record regional runner finish senior year earning spot alabama sports writers association state team graduated murphy high school standout track field competed meter dash long jump junior olympics earned second place finish long jump event state meet recording career best leap meters personal best times seconds meter dash seconds meter dash senior college career high school recruited south_carolina west_virginia kansas state chose south_carolina january freshman played games missed game infection season recorded tackles season high coming tennessee houston recorded pass sophomore split time kick called shut corner south_carolina lost returned punt yards forced game south_carolina wide receiver kenny fielded punt flipped gained yards following season named team sec head coach steve series miss missing class team sessions kentucky returned yards tackled yard line play quarterback stephen completed touchdown pass kenny game returned blocked field goal yard touchdown declared nfl draft following season professional career pre draft drafted seventh round overall nfl draft called drafted exciting played college ball south_carolina like hour away exciting hear called ready ready game level preseason competing wide receiver robinson punt job second preseason game miami returned punt yards recovered robinson punt recovered eventually won punt return job job beating wilson martin job end september november suffered concussion new_york jets said days later planned playing game despite nfl changing concussion policy play following week game returned week new_england patriots completed season playing games total finished 3rd south wins losses second season moved starting right richard marshall signed minnesota march signed year million contract minnesota ended year minnesota combined tackles recovery pass got pick intercepted matt ryan week win personal asked captain said promised child boy family named captain great grandfather named captain got named great great grandfather sisters brothers normal names got odd beginning kind rough kids little fits personality feel like leader criminal justice south_carolina married june 25th stats


shane morris shane ryan morris born august american football quarterback michigan team junior team left handed quarterback known strong arm highly touted star high school prospect collegiate endured midway senior season played armour america game serves backup quarterback michigan saw limited action freshman starting buffalo wild wings bowl place starter beginning season graduation lost quarterback battle jake battle starting position early life morris born bruce morris august morris younger siblings morris boys collegiate led freshman team catholic league championship called finish season varsity team starting quarterback injured fourth quarter scoreless district final game south high school game backup broken thumb led team victory game victory high school division michigan high school athletic association regional playoff game losing high school state semifinals second straight year future teammate led state championships sophomore totaled yards touchdowns helping achieve record led team division lost eventual state champion hills harrison began getting scholarship offers starting cincinnati lifelong michigan fan hoped offer michigan abandoned rich rodriguez spread offense hired head coach offensive coordinator michigan offer march received offers bowling green gave michigan verbal commitment michigan commit class order eliminate recruiting committed actively recruited prospects team participated july kings event disney world participating elite overshadowed matt davis junior fall passed yards touchdowns led team division state lost eventual state champions technical high school prior senior season regarded best quarterback prospects produced state michigan state greatest quarterback products earl james start espn rankings class class michigan quarterback ranked closest rob prior senior year ranked espn 37th best 17th best prospect rising national class entering senior season max star rated class weeks senior season risen 26th espn suffered season ending games remaining schedule beginning november quarterback country according ended high school career ranked espn summer unable qualify elite home region participated second regional contest named mvp earning invitation morris described having strongest arm elite finals finish competition september quarterback selected participate january armour america game high school seniors attempting regain momentum following battle reported week practice game game notable recipient vicious tackle matthew thomas ranked outside linebacker class according espn detroit news named prospect state michigan blue chip list january morris inundated media requests chose direct media contact active social media participant arrived michigan february morris player commit writing michigan signing day submission national letter intent college season robinson left nfl sophomore russell scholarship quarterback roster endured season ending anterior injury injury left team healthy backup taken official snap true freshman morris competed freshman walk brian backup role august true freshman morris named backup quarterback junior debut team season opener central michigan passing yards passing true play game michigan morris played michigan michigan state football rivalry november michigan state completing pass attempts yards suffered turf toe injury prior team buffalo wild wings bowl kansas state held practices morris got extensive work morris started place buffalo wild wings bowl compiling yards passing season michigan began season record senior starter head coach pressure morris started september little brown rivalry game minnesota michigan lost game earning loss earlier year history michigan football point loss largest loss minnesota largest minnesota home september michigan athletic director dave revealed morris suffered concussion game played showing signs concussion revelation sparked calls fired including protest michigan campus injured week october penn state russell morris replacement presumed lingering injuries high ankle concussion morris season final days michigan football team began season new head coach jim utah morris quarterback battle incoming graduate student transfer jake started prior seasons iowa monday thursday september game starter started game second game oregon state controversy took victory instead morris explained season morris reason morris lose season meaningful morris quarterback sidelined quarter team trailing october little brown rivalry game minnesota engineered game winning drive touchdown pass minutes remaining fourth quarter explained earned backup role practice preceding weeks season spring practice began february highly anticipated quarterback battle morris junior transfer favorite john true freshman freshman alex spring practice wound late march morris leading order starters april spring game morris lined wide receiver early threw interception touchdown quarterback


charles charles october january united_states_navy early player american football born raised central virginia appointed united_states naval academy age academy retained average level grades member school football team graduated appointed uss killed accident received coverage eastern united_states life naval academy born october virginia grew central virginia appointed united_states naval academy age sixteen years months began classes academy june member class virginia average student naval academy finished 40th class second year earning near marks drawing mathematics low marks history french language spent mandatory months eighteen days sea fewest member sophomore class earned spot academy summer cruise uss academic rankings remained generally following year academy scores drawing mathematics physics average merits french language history worst finished 33rd class maintained spot disciplined class earning fewer half second best finished final year naval academy ranking 25th graduates course requirements changed year received poor marks tactics naval tactics astronomy french language high marks mathematics electricity english composition courses maintained good conduct earning second fewest cadet earned appointment cadet ensign temporary position academy officer year academy fielded competitive football team football seen popularity school organized effort establish different teams assembled final year students allowed join teams joined second team equivalent modern day offensive played alongside future admiral hugh eventual governor guam william john academy team played game scoreless tie nearby baltimore athletic club navy forced baltimore backwards end zone separate occasions generally opponents entire game death june graduated academy sent home await orders assigned august year uss squadron sixteen months ship docked japan time earned positive reputation sailors crew mates described happy intimidating foot tall physique personality match disciplined nature remained reportedly best behaved sailors spent time carrying duties practicing better officer shore misconduct considerable issue new officers sailors reportedly favorite superior officers stationed appointed spot admiral staff reward conduct preparing examination promotion early february killed accident board january official report incident released march year according report noon exercises board ship completed order prepare rifles target practice morning assisting instruction ship second group sailors broke entered ship engine room sailor duties experienced sailor ensign james parker explaining new sailors properly load guns showed load discharge weapons practice round gun live rounds apparently forgot fired bullet ship deck struck guns deck struck killing instantly ball entered left arm strongly broke bone elbow entered tearing muscle went chest major near shoulder exited right struck man instructing shoulder reported sound fell sailor recovered body ordered damage body severe fluid leak body buried february military honors entire crew attended entire crew hms flying fish noted japanese citizens ensign parker reportedly suffered depression following accident death received significant media coverage eastern united_states new_york_times published article second page papers carried story wilmington morning star index appeal explanatory notes


john born february american football quarterback drafted kansas_city chiefs national_football_league nfl round nfl draft played college football university alabama despite hindered knee injuries senior season high school highly recruited prospect louisiana state university florida state university university alabama night ready announce decision attend florida state changed mind chose alabama father alma mater instead years playing alabama crimson tide football team set numerous school records finalist johnny golden arm award led crimson tide cotton bowl classic named game offensive mvp saw little playing time rookie season nfl shared starting position november started game chiefs starting quarterback indianapolis remained chiefs starting quarterback remainder season despite losing games started incumbent starter heading regular season suffered shoulder injury chiefs game returned week suffered torn ruled remainder season began season chiefs starting quarterback filling injured matt released chiefs later signed arizona cardinals announced immediate retirement professional football early years son john defensive end university alabama born february attended high school christian school rainbow city alabama super prep american selection football sophomore season passed yards touchdowns season passed yards touchdowns game equally successful junior year passing yards touchdowns led team state championship year team lost field goal entering senior year scouts ranked high quarterback country joe high school career ended abruptly game senior season high school hit opposing player tore anterior causing miss remainder final year graduated held alabama state records career passing yards career touchdowns set marks passing yards single season passing yards single game touchdown passes season touchdown passes game college career despite knee injury received interest members southeastern conference atlantic coast conference including louisiana state florida state showed interest playing florida state team offensive coordinator mark initially showed little interest playing alabama head coach mike recently fired took head coaching job georgia followed father footsteps night announce college decision play florida state announced instead play alabama crimson tide crimson tide tear felt heal talent spot roster graduated early high school enrolled university alabama january red freshman year alabama earned spot backup second season senior starter tyler coaches voted improved freshman starting games season alabama head coach dennis resigned position texas washington state head coach mike price hired replace january coach price spring drills practice dismissed head coach position conduct field soon mike quarterback coach miami quarterback crimson tide named head coach alabama head coach years weeks prepare practice coach system despite starting games sophomore suffered separated shoulder half time fifth game start game georgia injury sat game season reveal public suffered cracked ribs crimson tide season ended record subsequently named memorial award winner club mvp won thomas community award pass attempts season highest seasonal total crimson tide history touchdown passes tied single season mark started season hoping help team improve record started games completing passes yards touchdowns game season western university tore anterior knee forced sit rest season team finished record fully recovered injury started games senior completing passes yards touchdowns rushing touchdown led crimson tide national ranking record victory texas tech cotton bowl classic shared game valuable player honors teammate final season alabama attempted school record passes interception finalist johnny golden arm award nation outstanding senior quarterback alabama quarterback start game season passing yards highest single season total alabama school history total passing attempts rank second best seasonal marks school annals yards total offense best seasonal mark history school interception percentage lowest single season mark school history professional career april kansas_city chiefs drafted round nfl draft overall selection signed year contract july reputation injury prone caused drop round draft represents nfl combine kansas_city chiefs season saw rookie season played games completed passes yards including returned pittsburgh safety wallace touchdown originally assigned number jersey number later switched collegiate number release wide receiver season april nearly year drafted chiefs starting quarterback trent green traded miami months prior trade agreement green stated treated field pre season quarterback competition weighted head coach edwards emphasizing youth movement team roster time voiced displeasure green outspoken comments simply said trying create competition edwards indicated season chiefs starting quarterback position grabs offseason given opportunity win starting job new_orleans saints sat injury completed passes yards chiefs lost dropped exhibition poor play pre season led named chiefs starting quarterback season opener houston october regular season home game jacksonville injured fourth quarter threw thirteen attempts remainder game threw nfl touchdown pass final play regulation parker loss touchdown helped kansas_city avoid shut loss home minute drive yards touchdown november substituted injured final half loss denver finished game yards interception loss dropped kansas_city year following day named starting quarterback chiefs upcoming game indianapolis start november dome loss quarterback drafted kansas_city start game chiefs started game yards touchdown lost set adam game winning field goal started home game stadium november oakland raiders injured loss injury sidelined following week game san_diego started place injured continued rotate playing time declared starter kansas_city game denver december plan barring injury start remaining games season coach edwards staff better evaluate moving forward bruised hand trying stop defender running interception touchdown active quarterback chiefs roster filled remainder game final game season led chiefs tie jets minutes remaining chiefs lost jets field goal overtime finish game yards lost games started chiefs despite poor performance starter statistics considered hard evaluate lack pass protection absence stable starting running larry johnson chiefs seen best season entered season chiefs starting quarterback season opener new_england patriots september left game quarter bruised shoulder sacked linebacker thomas prior injury completed touchdowns days game chiefs signed quarterback martin tennessee practice squad tyler absence absence started chiefs game oakland raiders following week suffered neck injury tyler chiefs starting quarterback games missing games returned start tennessee week injured kansas_city 14th play rushing defenders throwing pass early second quarter field slammed helmet turf reached tunnel game chiefs head coach edwards announced miss remainder season season chiefs acquired quarterback matt new_england patriots entered training camp competing tyler roster spot backup quarterback depth chart training camp listed second quarterback ahead entered chiefs preseason game houston second quarterback finished team leading yards looked evening post quarterback rating chiefs lose game quarterback matt injured august seattle started final game preseason louis played entire game quarterback chiefs regular season opener baltimore unable play despite completing passes yards touchdowns chiefs lost solid play week returned practice started oakland raiders week arizona cardinals season leaving chiefs free agent signed arizona cardinals august waived september season january signed arizona cardinals replace quarterback max hall waived retirement announced retirement nfl personal life volunteers big oak ranch christian home school founded father children troubled abusive situations farm independence missouri facility provides foster children safe stable home serves spokesperson johnson county court appointed special advocate july married winner america junior miss competition couple met mobile alabama preparing senior bowl career statistics college nfl


joe joseph johnny june september american football baseball basketball player running national_football_league nfl chicago cardinals african american ray play nfl kenny washington woody joined los_angeles received nickname midnight express media responsible half cardinals points orphan early age attended mason city high school moving university oregon played twice university football team ruled ineligible pacific_coast conference playing semi professional baseball following year signed cardinals played frequently end season leading contributor cardinals receiving praise chicago defender performances season included game chicago bears featured punt return touchdown ejected games season fighting white opponents advent unofficial color line excluded black players play nfl remained active football playing minor league semi professional teams including new_york brown bombers spent seasons pitcher negro league baseball seasons guard basketball future harlem athletic career store employee died early life born oklahoma joe annie johnson couple children johnson son previous marriage took baseball age childhood included singing tap dancing mother died father left years time moved settling mason city iowa moving relatives attended mason city high school graduating basketball football won state honors claimed iowa track titles college career planned attend university minnesota changed mind spears college head football coach left university oregon decided attend oregon played school freshman football team following year appeared games varsity team idaho responsible oregon points ducks win suspected breaking college rules playing semi professional baseball colored giants briefly suspended oregon game suspected violation placed collegiate eligibility question play games claimed received money playing driving team decision overturned according rules protest possible week prior game teams game washington second season ducks claimed upset victory touchdown intercepted passes oregon game ruled ineligible result playing baseball team spears estimated provided half team production offense defeated oregon points game ruling dropped university decision professional football player playing star teams traveled united_states professional american football career end college career participated professional star game november helped team win yard touchdown run second star game recorded yard touchdown run chicago based team win performances attracted attention nfl teams nfl season joined chicago cardinals nfl game portsmouth converted extra point attempt helped secure tie week later cardinals tied eventual nfl champion chicago bears performance praised chicago defender called wins boston braves providence non nfl contest number plays field cardinals sharply declined season teammates stopped blocking according end season cardinals unknown injury suspension jack cardinals coach indicated occasionally failed attend practice arrived late times lack playing time attributed internal disputes caused lackluster effort attitude chicago defender offered different explanation accusing racism ended season rushing yards attempts successful passes attempts backup cardinals leading players received playing time game nfl season pittsburgh_pirates missed extra point attempt proved margin separating teams pirates win subsequently ejected game having involved dispute pirates player tony week later threw touchdown pass loss received criticism local newspapers missed extra point attempt short punt led portsmouth score cardinals game season cincinnati_reds kicked fourth quarter field goal secure chicago lone win season kick punched cincinnati guard les responded punch head thrown game played key role cardinals october game bears addition converting field goal attempt yards punt returns including return yards bears star red touchdown cardinals lost score cardinals posted points games scored touchdown passes rushing yards attempts chicago defender called easily best football time nfl regarded player multiple talents possessing ability complete passes execute running kicking plays author charles ross called superior athlete skills baseball basketball added nfl arguably best players league frequently fighting opposing white players responses incidents went cultural expectations african american athletes sports_illustrated daniel wrote regarded whites blacks sheer known cardinals players viewed cardinals coach paul said forced remove games injuries suffered teams gave joe works received racial abuse fans author howard levy wrote spectators portsmouth ohio regularly cardinals played season retained cardinals play nfl cardinals decision criticized racially motivated african american publications acknowledged existence unofficial regulation african american players nfl stated team aimed protecting violence year nfl career rushing attempts gained yards media gave nickname midnight express nfl career ended joined cubs pacific_coast football league season throwing touchdown passes player league compiling second touchdowns runs drew interest coach leading new_york brown bombers semi professional team african american players based harlem team competed minor league sides clubs affiliated league played chicago team coached entering nfl decided join brown bombers game team october scored touchdowns stars new_york win victories brown bombers faced red time champion eastern american football leagues despite suffering illness converted drop kick attempt intercepted pass returning yards touchdown responsible brown bombers points win red stayed brown bombers season team went business year member star team black players played exhibition game bears losing later years played minor league sides joined american association playing season club earning second team star honors following year spent time teams brooklyn eagles union city named captain making african american earn title major mixed race pro team final year minor league football played short period new_york_yankees sports addition professional football career right handed pitcher negro leagues seasons joined negro southern league chicago american giants posted win loss record giants moved negro national_league start season starting pitcher games record batting average home runs hitter started twice record decision occasion play recorded games record giants time playing negro american_league final negro league season played cincinnati indianapolis open roster space players lost world war butler bobby marshall negro league baseball players compete nfl author charles ross wrote possessed exceptional fast ball erratic control previously big basketball team future harlem guard later life legacy late 1930s began writing column sports independent news later life moved queens working store sporting goods stroke september afflicted result died new_york_city hospital center black players appeared nfl games season number african americans league declined season entered league lone african american playing nfl ray tackle pirates following season unofficial gentlemen agreement reached nfl owners employ african american players incoming boston owner george preston marshall thought agreement introduction unofficial color line african american played nfl kenny washington woody joined los_angeles author charles ross wrote nfl owners volatile personality excuse ban black athletes


johnson ray johnson born october louisiana retired american football defensive end played green bay indianapolis houston year career lasted national_football_league nfl round pick morris brown college green bay johnson known best defensive years league johnson earned spot pro bowl unofficially finishing second detroit lions baker sacks quarterback sacks official nfl johnson career marred series injuries allegations lack discipline field including incident ate hot dog sitting bench preseason game inconsistent times lost regained starting job multiple times period johnson exclusively pass rush specialist took leadership role team released played seasons retiring despite adverse relationship team times johnson elected green bay hall_of_fame college career johnson played college football morris brown college atlanta georgia year morris brown tackles sacks size small school played helped lower draft stock projected fourth rounds prior nfl draft nfl career green bay johnson drafted 28th pick round nfl draft green bay johnson considered pick lack major college experience relatively small size defensive end rookie season johnson appeared games backup defensive end johnson significantly improved second year defensive ends league size speed yard dash main factors success defense recorded sacks eighth game season johnson sacks forced win seattle october time best record central end year johnson recorded unofficial sacks kept nfl offense worst league team lost chance playoff berth final game season los_angeles johnson rewarded efforts selected play pro bowl rewarded defensive player year award johnson missed seven games early season left ankle return minnesota november sacked quarterback tommy times win period johnson teamed fellow round pick mike butler form league potent defensive nicknamed gang green known ability pressure quarterback force sack prior start season johnson fined required general manager head coach apologize eating hot dog fourth quarter home preseason loss denver august gave johnson end year defensive line coach fred von resigned days incident refused suspend johnson started games season finished record season johnson butler criticized playing expectations drafted journalist stated development halted lack stability green bay coaching situation went defensive line coaches years johnson lost starting role changed defensive scheme decided instead use johnson exclusively pass rushing situations decision confused local media johnson starter released cincinnati claimed considered team better consistent interior run claimed johnson lost job lack size low upside preseason people organization questioned johnson desire play attitude allegation johnson quickly denied fined unknown money missing team flight new_york celebrating birthday previous night car keys started games season johnson regained starting job defensive coordinator john stated johnson playing best football breakout season johnson stated eating mother cooking healthy main reasons improvement signed year contract year led lawsuit agency sports claimed gave agency commission official career best quarterback sacks tackles team record defensive single season success didn long johnson started hampered injuries reduced effectiveness johnson surgery disk injury suffered training camp known potential career ending injury missed game regular season louis cardinals fully recover injury lost starting job pass rushing specialist credited seven sacks year injury forced johnson retirement prior start training camp season johnson second surgery repair disk time johnson took leadership role green bay defense started accept role backup started mentor younger players injuries defensive line johnson regained starting position defensive end started games year achieving sacks career started diminish season johnson credited half sacks designated pass rushing specialist injured right knee missing games season released january time release johnson time leader sacks indianapolis houston johnson signed indianapolis order provide experience young inexperienced squad time johnson time starter role similar final years played games year recording sacks played games following year recording sacks joined houston played games starting credited sacks playing games johnson retired played games career having officially quarterback sacks unofficial totals added life football retirement johnson coached morris brown college elected green bay hall_of_fame currently lives atlanta area children


gene eugene gene born june american football player played university_of_michigan university african american athletes era ncaa division college football beginning integrate established school records stand punt michigan football team established short lived school records served later successful career continuing serve military early years college born ohio june grew defiance ohio father ran shoe repair business addition eugene anderson sons bruce june gene married son robert years later gene tell reporter friend wondered ancestry knew french able find roots thing known despite living segregation members family distinguished educated professionals black newspaper philadelphia tribute family november mentioning eugene father veteran world war fought france returning defiance open business marry raise family eugene uncle attorney washington aunt dean college nashville dying automobile accident nearby white hospital refused admit jason eugene gene called known athletic ability excellent student graduating defiance high school class jason star athlete awarded scholarship attend university_of_michigan enrolled chemistry african american play offensive michigan football program immediate contributor team leading ground press reports typically referred race identifying freshman negro negro negro freshman negro star december drafted united_states_army initially assigned artillery 16th separate training battalion fort north_carolina later transferred airmen pilot training program alabama graduated program war discharged returned university_of_michigan continue education returned war resumed education continued academics sports maintained average football shared starting duties left position bob went big conference honors starting games left started games game season threw touchdown pass paul white described michigan running game broke nose game saw limited playing time gave opportunity shine wore michigan unusual college football career began starting games gradually return specialist set school single season record american start game quarterback averaged yards punt returns stands michigan school record min returns game fact ranks fifth ncaa division history average yards punt return oddly ncaa recognizes return yards returns season university_of_michigan claims punt return yards season returns average minimum returns rank school history big record book claims return average minimum returns place conference history michigan record totaled start time new coach michigan football team team michigan football team undefeated finished season ranked number associated_press polls team referred michigan mad considered greatest university_of_michigan football team time michigan career returned touchdowns set school record tied exceeded steve alexander returned touchdowns season big conference record years returned touchdowns record tied wisconsin tim dwight iowa associated_press poll end season notre dame fighting irish ranked ahead university_of_michigan teams undefeated noted southern voter voted notre dame integrate michigan star players bob ford african american southern schools refused schedule games schools played african american players michigan beat rose bowl game scored touchdown yard reception henry game completed yard pass game course michigan career set career record career single season records lasted long career interception record lasted season single season record lasted involved time michigan yard game professional career selected round america football conference draft undefeated league defending champion cleveland unfortunately injured training camp end july standing playing catch teammate coach paul brown said chronic knee injury rest cure accordingly brown placed said hoped return inducted university_of_michigan athletic hall honor successful career earned degree earned degree receiving second degree returned military serving vietnam south massachusetts texas hawaii virginia illinois united_states_air_force academy retirement relocated san_antonio texas started career university texas health science center married wife son rob family continued reside san_antonio area retired march surviving airmen honored ceremony held washington awarded congressional gold medal recognition service united_states honored ceremony mid june air_force base universal city texas near san_antonio


louis joseph november october american football player coach america football conference national_football_league nfl american football league playing tackle cleveland nfl late 1940s early 1950s provided pass protection quarterback graham team won league championships following playing career took number assistant coaching jobs serving head coach houston team won league championship fired owner adams slow start born illinois grew chicago star high school won football scholarship attend university notre dame notre dame played team went undefeated head coach frank drafted nfl washington played season team joining marines world war following years service signed spent remainder playing career paul brown coach called best pass protector seen blocking coaches demonstrate proper form brief stint coaching held numerous football jobs including coach high school team louisiana assistant detroit lions finalist induction pro football hall_of_fame elected named professional football researchers association hall good association class died stroke houston texas lived later life early life high school career born illinois son lithuanian immigrant coal owned small grocery store father shot killed outside grocery store family moved yards neighborhood chicago south family finances tight took number odd jobs including working delivering newspapers suggestion friend attended tech known high school began display talent school football team blocked kick scored touchdown game chicago soldier field rival austin high play later said memorable high school career won seven letters playing football track wrestling teams senior defeated win chicago prep school wrestling title college professional career success high school led scholarship university notre dame played known college tough tackle game georgia tech upper lip left game returned play notre dame victory notre dame went undefeated season coach frank year school junior year earned america honors final season notre dame named team valuable player drafted national_football_league washington signing contract giving annual salary dollars playing alongside quarterback returned blocked punt touchdown game interception touchdown game season joined marines world war trained navy recruits great lakes naval station near chicago served pearl harbor war wound germany surrender decided join new cleveland fledgling america football conference paul brown coach new team met great lakes coached training station military football squad brown offered salary today double george preston marshall owner declined match offer questioned wisdom joining league thought little chance success competing established nfl left wife betty indiana training camp bowling green ohio began play soon anchor team offensive defensive lines solidified reputation playing minutes game year despite knee injury needed surgery immediately season defense helped stop opponents rushing attacks disrupt opposing quarterback offense helped protect quarterback graham opened running room graham led total passing yards years existence led league rushing advanced championship week game teammates jim mac arrested held hours confrontation cleveland police men drinking waited pick wife coming plane utah driving car men police car blocking leading argument arrests charged creating disturbance charged public captain kicked team incident remained went win championship following week named combined nfl team cleveland won championship following years league dissolved absorbed nfl named teams won games brown took away defensive duties exclusively offensive tackle summer served umpire american girls professional baseball league won nfl championship team year league cleveland advanced championship following year lost los_angeles slowed injuries elbow knees year old retired season having missed game practice years team brown called best pass protector seen teammates said play model cleveland coaches teach pass blocking newcomers coaching career following retirement early accepted position line coach indiana university notre dame teammate appointed head coach year later headed north work assistant head coach bob calgary canadian football league returned nfl line coach green bay seasons worked future hall jim january accepted assistant coaching position mentioned possible candidate replace head coach passed job favor fellow assistant ray worked seasons seen potential head coach new american football league los_angeles considered spot notre dame coach served team general manager selected instead january took head coaching position houston owner adams signed year contract paying year dollars hired stable assistant coaches including fred teammate team led quarterback george running billy cannon wide receiver charlie regular season progressed houston built record setting meeting championship game lost november game dubbed game spread muddy wet field los_angeles entered championship half point favorite game named coach year went beat championship game january commemorate victory ordered thousands drinking glasses picture face gave friends celebratory mood continued preseason adams sent team weeks training camp hawaii upset caused decision found hard think football palm trees said preseason camp hard work hard place like hawaii team got start adams fired october adams said decision based conclusion material hand potential given head coaching job shake prompted resign win second consecutive title left football firing accepted regional public relations position los_angeles based global marine exploration company years sport returned coaching teammate hugh taylor hired team offensive line coach stayed team season resigning january despite short tenure popular houston people attended dinner honor following resignation weeks later worked staff named assistant coaches detroit lions harry fired lions head coach nfl season work got job assistant continental football league appointed team head coach general manager stayed position team folded later year financial difficulties team owner frank ran money stopped paying bills took steep pay cut serve head coach high school louisiana job rural west central louisiana paid year coach football teach history classes run school summer recreation program drawn tough conditions players endured athletes missed practice work family farms team failed win game stayed connected professional football scout kansas_city chiefs weekends left said couldn afford began working general manager executive health club houston later year raised money organize west texas team continental football league lost exhibition game visiting board directors professional sports voted unanimously remove head coach head coach general manager team texas football league retook position completed season tie western conference champion san_antonio early applied job offensive line coach position later year returned nfl offensive line coach baltimore don regular season games replaced george young transferred team scouting department received championship ring year defeated dallas super bowl coaching career renowned repeatedly threatened whip players melodramatic repeated speech gave notre dame practice told players hot august houston like great northern buffalo coat muscles strong great northern buffalo sticks head wind braves cold like southern buffalo turns storm later life death worked late 1970s houston group sales department went number jobs outside football including selling cars houston spent remaining years finalists induction pro football hall_of_fame cut died stroke houston wife betty children twin boys named pat mike