Blog

September, 20 2023

Coach Bobby Bowden and the 1981 Florida State Seminoles

Bobby Bowden was curious just what type of “re” season his Florida State Seminoles were facing in 1981. The Seminoles lost eight starters on defense and four from the offensive line of a team that went 21-3 the previous two seasons, with two of the losses coming to Oklahoma in the 1980 and 1981 Oran

September, 07 2023

Greatest Moments in College Football: TCU Blocks Jim Brown from Cotton Bowl glory |1957 Cotton Bowl Classic

Sometimes the most mundane and routine of plays provide the greatest moments. That was the case for TCU in the 1957 Cotton Bowl. The Horned Frogs matched up with Syracuse, a team coached by Hall of Famer Ben Schwartzwalder and featuring the legendary Jim Brown. Brown came into the game averaging 6.

September, 04 2023

Beyond the Call – Steve Spurrier’s Florida Gators defeat the Auburn Tigers “The Kick.”

A single play cannot win a Heisman Trophy, but it can come to be associated with the winner for posterity. Such a play involved Steve Spurrier on October 29, 1966, when he went Beyond the Call by doing something no one expected…except for himself. The Florida quarterback guided the Gators to a 6-0

August, 16 2023

Danny Ford and The 1981 Clemson Tigers: National Football Champions

The Clemson Tigers’ late 2010’s teams weren’t the only times they were competitors for the National Championship.   The 1981 Clemson Tigers would like a word.   Before Dabo Swinney along with quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence became NCAA Championship winners, there was the Danny Fo

June, 21 2023

The "Desert Swarm" Defense - Arizona Wildcats

It was hard to believe. The faithful Miami Hurricane fans booing their defending national champions at halftime. The game was supposed to be a cakewalk. The Canes were 27.5-point favorites. They even paid $250,000 to their opponents. For this? Down 7-2 to the University of Arizona. Coming into the

June, 14 2023

The United States Army Celebrates its 248th birthday – History of Army West Point Football

The United States Army celebrates its 248th birthday on June 14. While the primary mission and purpose of the Army is to “deploy, fight, and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt, and sustained land dominance as part of the joint force of all U.S military,” the Hall of Fame would be remis

April, 03 2023

Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs Football - Pony Express Day

The term “Pony Express” conjures up images of the American West of the nineteenth century. Rugged horsemen galloped over great distances, carrying mail to the far-flung outposts, most in the Southwest and California, in an era before the telegraph served from coast-to-coast. For football fans of a

April, 01 2023

Four days after the “The Play” came “The Prank.”

“The Play” lives in infamy. The November 20, 1982, Cal-Stanford game, a series known simply as “The Game,” ended in a most improbable manner. Cal won the game when they successfully returned a kickoff for a touchdown in a play marked by five successful laterals, the Stanford band coming on to the fi

March, 22 2023

The Legend of Paul Blake - Texas State | Necessary Roughness (1991)

For “Young as You Feel Day,” we focus on the fictional quarterback Paul Blake and the Texas State Armadillos from the 1991 film Necessary Roughness. The College Football Hall of Fame archives contains two “game-worn” Texas State jerseys from the feature film about a group of 17 football players forc

January, 11 2023

Arrow Beyond the Call: Notre Dame vs Houston Jan. 2, 1979, | Cotton Bowl Classic

Shortly before he became a San Francisco 49ers legend as master of the two-minute drill, Notre Dame quarterback Joe Montana went beyond the call by overcoming an inspired defense, brutal weather and an illness that would have kept most Americans in bed. The Fighting Irish were the defending nationa

January, 04 2023

Greatest Moments in College Football – Auburn vs. Oregon | 2011 BCS National Championship Game

Cam Newton burst onto the scene at Auburn in 2010. The 6’ 6” transfer from Blinn College (TX) had spent a couple of seasons at Florida before making the move to junior college. After leading Blinn to the NJCAA Championship, Newton made up for lost time on the Plains. Newton won the 2010 Heisman Tro

December, 28 2022

Greatest Moments in College Football: Boise State vs. Oklahoma | 2007 Fiesta Bowl Game

The analogy to the fairy tale Cinderella is a staple of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament every March. A scrappy 12 or 13-seed from a non-power conference becomes a media darling that first weekend by upsetting everyone’s brackets in toppling a 5 or 4-seed, respectively. In 2006, 11th seeded Geor

December, 19 2022

Greatest Moments in College Football: 1980 Holiday Bowl Game | BYU vs SMU

The BYU Cougars of the late 1970s and early 1980s were the gridiron equivalent of plum pudding: everyone enjoyed their annual national appearance around Christmas, but by New Year’s Day they were forgotten. Featuring a high-powered offense led in succession by Hall of Fame quarterbacks Gifford Niel

December, 13 2022

Scott Woerner – University of Georgia | Sporturf Tough Tuesday

Scott Woerner excelled at difficult assignments and in the most pressurized moments during his four years as a Georgia Bulldog. The 6’0,” 190-pound Woerner was one of the leading kick return men as freshman, averaging 24.8 yards per return. He set a school record with 190 yards on kickoff returns ag

December, 12 2022

Greatest Moments in College Football – No. 2 Navy 21, Army 15 - Municipal Stadium, Philadelphia, Dec. 7, 1963

The atmosphere of the 1963 Army-Navy game was more subdued than at any other time in their storied series, but the stakes were also higher than normal. John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States, a Naval officer and die-hard fan of Midshipmen football, was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on

December, 06 2022

Woodrow Lowe – University of Alabama | Sporturf Tough Tuesday

A flat tire made all the difference for Woodrow Lowe. The Hall of Fame Alabama linebacker grew up not far from Auburn as a child in Phenix City. He recounted for Bama Online that he intended to visit Auburn, but a flat tire prevented him from getting to the campus. Instead of visiting the Plains, Lo

November, 29 2022

Arrow Beyond the Call: Texas Longhorns vs. Arkansas Razorbacks – December 6, 1969

Roone Arledge had a great idea. The talented mind behind the innovative sports broadcasts Monday Night Football and Wide World of Sports requested Hall of Fame Arkansas head coach Frank Broyles move the Razorbacks annual Southwest Conference grudge match with Texas from October 18 to December 6. Arl

November, 29 2022

Dan Marino – University of Pittsburgh | Sporturf Tough Tuesday

Dan Marino faced a tough choice as an eighteen-year-old two sport athlete at Pittsburgh’s Central Catholic High. The Steel City native attracted national attention as a Parade Magazine All-American at quarterback, while finishing 12-0 as a pitcher and batting over.500 as a shortstop. Drafted by the

November, 23 2022

Greatest Moments in College Football – Boston College vs. Miami (FL): November 23, 1984

Americans engaged in Friday-after-Thanksgiving activities watched a breathless contest between the defending champion Miami Hurricanes and the upstart Boston College Eagles. An interested observer may have been Ohio State running back Keith Byars. The weekend before, Byars had scored three touchdown

November, 22 2022

Jerry Rice – Mississippi Valley State University | Sporturf Tough Tuesday

Before Jerry Rice set NCAA and NFL records for receiving, he honed his strong grip and hand-eye coordination in an extreme manner. The son of a Starkville, MS bricklayer, young Jerry Rice spent hours a day catching bricks that his father threw to him as they worked in the stifling heat. “Catching br

November, 15 2022

Mike Singletary – Baylor University | Sporturf Tough Tuesday

Mike Singletary earned the nickname “Samurai Mike” during his career with the Chicago Bears. The master of Buddy Ryan’s “46” defense in Chicago, Singletary was the face of a dominating unit that propelled Chicago to an 18-1 record culminating in a 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super

November, 10 2022

Veterans Day – Six College Football Military Stories

The College Football Hall of Fame is proud to celebrate its rich military history this Veterans Day and every day. Founded in 1951 by General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl “Red” Blaik and renowned journalist Grantland Rice, the College Football Hall of Fame recognizes the sacrifices o

November, 08 2022

Thurman Thomas – Oklahoma State University | Sporturf Tough Tuesday

Thurman Thomas is remembered for displaying mental toughness as he endured four consecutive Super Bowl losses with the Buffalo Bills. That mental toughness was also seen as a high school senior when he made the difficult decision to leave his native Texas behind. Despite being a sensational running

November, 01 2022

Chuck Bednarik – University of Pennsylvania | Sporturf Tough Tuesday

Chuck Bednarik came to the University of Pennsylvania fresh from the aerial battles of the Second World War. Bednarik flew on 30 combat missions over Germany as a B-24 waist gunner. He recounted being scared every time but “felt it was my duty.” The most frightening mission he recalled was a refueli

October, 25 2022

Davey O’Brien – Texas Christian University | Sporturf Tough Tuesday

In an era of leather helmets and thin padding, 5’7”, 150-pound Davey O’Brien displayed toughness during a career that is immortalized with a trophy named after him. The Dallas native had the unenviable task of following the legendary Sammy Baugh as quarterback at Texas Christian University. The unde

October, 18 2022

Arrow Beyond the Call: Anthony Davis and the U.S.C. Trojans Rout Irish, 55‐24, With 49‐0 Half

The USC Trojans trailed Notre Dame 24-6 at halftime of their nationally televised game from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 30, 1974. USC coach John McKay told his team at intermission that they still had a very good chance to win if they just calmed down, focused on scoring on their o

October, 18 2022

Derrick Brooks – Florida State University | Sporturf Tough Tuesday

Derrick Brooks arrived at Florida State with a clearly defined goal, but one which required years of perseverance and dedication to achieve. “All I wanted was to prove one fact,” the College Football Hall of Famer recounted. “That you can be a successful student as well as a successful athlete and e

October, 14 2022

Gabe Rivera – Texas Tech University | Hispanic Heritage Month

Gabe Rivera was a beloved figure in Lubbock, Texas for his larger-than-life appetite both on and off the field. Affectionately dubbed “Seṅor Sack” by fans of the Red Raiders, Rivera made a big impression during the 1979 season in his first collegiate action. He recorded five unassisted tackles and a

October, 12 2022

Carlos Alvarez – University of Florida | Hispanic Heritage Month

Ray Graves knew he had something special in Carlos Alvarez before seeing him play a varsity game. A Hall of Fame head coach with the Florida Gators, Graves said of Alvarez leading into the 1969 season opener: “He has ability, good hands, and speed, right now he’s one of the best receivers we’ve had.

October, 11 2022

Ignacio Saturnino "Lou" Molinet – Cornell University | Hispanic Heritage Month

The historical record of Hispanic players in professional football was updated in 2000 when Heidi Cadwell donated her grandfather’s playing contract to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Cadwell’s grandfather, Ignacio Saturino “Lou” Molinet, played nine games for the 1927 Frankford (PA) Yellow Jackets.

October, 11 2022

Dick Butkus – University of Illinois | Sporturf Tough Tuesday

Dick Butkus knew in elementary school that he would become a football player. “I worked hard, just like society said you should,” the gridiron legend said in an interview. “Society said you had to be fierce, I was fierce. Tough, I was tough.” Butkus grew up on Chicago’s South Side and spent all the

October, 10 2022

Jeff Garcia – San Jose State | Hispanic Heritage Month

Jeff Garcia was rarely anyone’s first choice, but he always made the most out of the opportunities he earned. An All-County quarterback in high school, he enrolled at Gavilan College, a community college in Gilroy, CA. He played at Gavilan for one year under his father Bob Garcia. Football was a Gar

October, 05 2022

Tony Romo – Eastern Illinois | Hispanic Heritage Month

Before he became the lead color commentator on CBS broadcasts of NFL action, and before he became the starting quarterback for “America’s Team,” Tony Romo was a record-setting signal caller for Eastern Illinois. Romo started three seasons for the Panthers and was named All-Ohio Valley Conference eac

October, 04 2022

Earl Campbell – University of Texas | Sporturf Tough Tuesday

Earl Campbell’s toughness was personified by a run during his career with the Houston Oilers. He took a handoff and found his way blocked by Rams linebacker Isiah Robertson. Campbell lowered his head and hit Robertson directly in the sternum. The linebacker buckled to the ground, and Campbell contin

September, 29 2022

Ted Hendricks – University of Miami (FL) | Hispanic Heritage Month

Ted Hendricks arguably had the greatest nickname in football history. The 6’7” 218-pound linebacker was labelled “The Mad Stork” by teammates at the University of Miami for his gangly appearance. The moniker followed him from Coral Gables through a fifteen-year NFL career featuring stops in Baltimor

September, 28 2022

Waldo Don Carlos – Drake University | Hispanic Heritage Month

Waldo Don Carlos was a highly regarded player for Drake in the 1930s but chose to pursue an occupation off the gridiron despite being a world champion. The Greenfield, Iowa native played both ways for Drake University in the late 1920s/early 1930s. While football gave Carlos an opportunity at a coll

September, 27 2022

Calvin Johnson – Georgia Tech | Sporturf Tough Tuesday

A man who stands 6' 5" and weighs 239 lbs. should not be able to run a 4.35 40-yard dash. Calvin Johnson did just that at the 2007 NFL Scouting Combine. NFL defensive backs were about to learn what his ACC rivals knew well: trying to contain Johnson would be a very difficult assignment, not just bec

September, 22 2022

Arrow Beyond the Call: Steve Walsh and the 'Canes Stun Florida State

A quarterback perceived to not have much zip on his throws went Beyond the Call as he completed five precise passes in the second half of a classic encounter between top five rivals. Sophomore Steve Walsh had the unenviable task of following the strong-armed trio of Jim Kelly, Bernie Kosar and Vinny

September, 22 2022

Joe Aguirre – St. Mary’s (CA) | Hispanic Heritage Month

Joe Aguirre participated in one of college football’s grandest upsets when the St. Mary’s Galloping Gaels defeated eleventh-ranked and unbeaten Texas Tech in the 1939 Cotton Bowl. College football was just one of four gridiron venues Aguirre excelled in. Aguirre played both ways at St. Mary’s, lini

September, 20 2022

Ed Reed – University of Miami | Sporturf Tough Tuesday

College Football Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed believed in “tough” love when it came to his Miami Hurricanes teammates. Reed told FOX Sports of the expectations he had for the defense in practice. “We’re the police at practice,” he said. “When we pull you over, we give you a ticket.” Reed believed the

September, 19 2022

Anthony Muñoz – University of Southern California (USC) | Hispanic Heritage Month

Anthony Munoz outgrew baseball, but his “safety” sport resulted in his enshrinement as the first player of primarily Hispanic descent into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A 6’6” 278-pound pitcher on USC’s College World Series championship team in 1978, Munoz felt he had a better chance to make the NF

September, 15 2022

Jim Plunkett – Stanford University | Hispanic Heritage Month

Jim Plunkett was recruited nationally following an undefeated season at James Lick High School in San Jose. He chose to stay close to home and enrolled at Stanford University in 1967 to be close to his parents, who were each blind. The school in Palo Alto benefitted as Plunkett led Stanford to a 22–

September, 12 2022

SUN Belt Football Stunners

The Sun Belt Conference proved on Saturday that while Group of Five schools rarely get invited to the big ball in January, they certainly can have a say in which of the Power Five schools get to dance. They can also impact job security. In a wild sequence on Saturday, two CFP hopefuls fell to Sun B

August, 25 2022

Arrow Beyond the Call: Michigan upset by App State

  September 1, 2007,         Appalachian State 34 – Michigan 32   What was the greatest upset in college football history?  Many historians point towards the Praying Colonels of tiny Centre College ending Harvard’s 25-game unbeaten streak in 1921.  The students back in Danville, Kentucky were so

June, 06 2022

2023 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot Released

2023 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot Released Membership voting runs through June 30; results will be submitted to the NFF’s Honors Courts, which will deliberate and select the 2023 Class. IRVING, Texas (June 6, 2022) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announc

March, 30 2022

X’s and Oh-No’s!

  X’s and Oh-No’s! College football has seen some historically ridiculous plays, good and bad. Here are some of the latter. By Jon Cooper   From Sunday through Friday, college football teams watch film, train and practice, then watch even more film, train even more and practice even more in pur

March, 29 2022

College Football Annual Draft The Usual Suspects

These are the college teams that the NFL looks to when it comes to the Draft.   By Jon Cooper   Teams in the National Football League have used the annual Draft to rebuild, restock or reload since its inception in 1936 – prior to 1936, players were free to sign with whichever team they chose. Th

February, 28 2022

The Power of HBCU

  HBCU football has provided a rich history of great teams, great players and great coaches. By Jon Cooper   December 27, 1892, started out as a typical snowy day, two days after Christmas on the campus of Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. By the end of the day, college football

January, 27 2022

Arrow Beyond the Call: Florida A&M vs UMass - Dec. 16, 1978

  In 1978, the NCAA introduced a playoff series for Division I-AA football (now known as the FCS). Led by College Football Hall of Fame coach, Rudy Hubbard, the 1978 Florida A&M University Rattlers finished 9-1 in the regular season and 12-1 overall. The Rattlers secured a spot in the I-AA Cham

December, 27 2021

The Cotton Bowl

The Joy of 86 The 2021 Cotton Bowl Classic marks the 86th renewal of this Texas-sized clash. Pardon college football fans in Texas if they get a head start on celebrating the new year. For them, the celebration will kick off the day before with the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.  This year’s class

October, 14 2021

2020 & 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Classes . . . Players Spotlight Edition 2

2020-2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Spotlight: Eric Crouch, Eric Dickerson, Dan Morgan,  Carson Palmer   Eric Crouch – QB, Nebraska (1998-2001)  Eric Crouch, 2001 Heisman Trophy winner, had an incredible career at Nebraska. In 1999, in a game against California, Crouch tied an NCAA rec

October, 14 2021

2020 & 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Classes . . . Players Spotlight Edition

2020-2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Spotlight:  Lomas Brown, Keith Byars. Harris Barton & David Fulcher   Lomas Brown – OT, Florida (1981-84)  Lomas Brown was the anchor of the Florida Gators “Great Wall of Florida” from 1981-1984. In 1983 and 1984, the Gators finished No. 6 and N

September, 28 2021

2020 & 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Classes . . . Coaches Edition

The historic 2020 & 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Classes feature four legendary coaches: Dick Sheridan, Andy Talley, Ruddy Hubbard, and Bob Stoops. Combined these coaches have a record of 652-303-10! Dick Sheridan – 121-52-5 (69.4%); Furman (1978-85), North Carolina State (1986-92)  A na

August, 02 2021

American Football in the Olympics

With the 2021 Summer Olympic Games taking place in Tokyo, Japan, the College Football Hall of Fame is highlighting American football and its connection to the Olympics. While American football has never been an official medal sport in the Olympics it has been featured twice surrounding the Olympic g

July, 29 2021

College Football Hall of Famers Who Are Olympic Medalist

In 1984, the International Olympic Committee was founded, giving way to the first modern Olympics held in Athens, Greece in 1896. The Olympic Games are set to take place this year, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan, as the games were postponed a year because of COVID-19. The College Football Hall of Fame is digg

July, 02 2021

Happy 4th of July + Birthday From the College Football Hall of Fame

  Including the 2021 Hall of Fame class, only 1,038 players and 223 coaches have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame from the nearly 5.47 million who have played or coached the game during the past 151 years. To date, only four College Football Hall Fame members were born on July 4

May, 26 2021

College Football Hall of Fame Memorial Day Blog

Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day honors the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official holiday in 1971. To date, The College Football Hall of Fame ha

April, 09 2021

Unicorns of College Football

Unicorns of College Football Johnny Lujack Unicorns are unique creatures. Notre Dame Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Lujack was a unique signal caller and is a one-of-a-kind Hall of Fame member. Playing in the one platoon era, he also had to excel on defense.  His open field tackle of Heisman

March, 30 2021

April Fools Blog

Plainfield Teachers College Happy April Fools! The College Football Hall of Fame is taking a look at one of the most legendary pranks in college football history. The Story In 1941, two New Jersey businessmen (Morris Newburger and Alexander Dannenbaum) fooled the sports departments of the major N

March, 17 2021

Top 10 Luckiest Plays in College Football

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, The College Football Hall of Fame shares a list of the top 10 luckiest plays of all time, proving there is a little “luck o’ the Irish” for everyone. Whether it's a Hail Mary pass, a near impossible deflection or a blocked punt, college football fans know that crazy lu

February, 09 2021

The College Football Hall of Fame Takes a Look at the Pageantry of HBCU Bands

The College Football Hall of Fame Takes a Look at the Pageantry of HBCU Bands presented by KIA | Mabra Law Many schools including Baylor, Southwestern, and Illinois have all made claims to holding the first modern “homecoming.” However, it was Missouri’s 1911 football game where alumni were encoura

February, 04 2021

The First NCAA Division I-AA National Champions

Presented By KIA | MABRA LAW   Our historian and curator Jeremy Swick virtually sat down with the quarterback who led the Rattlers to their historic win, Albert Chester. In 1978, the NCAA introduced a playoff to Division I-AA (now known as the FCS). Led by fifth year head coach, and 2021 College

January, 28 2021

College Football Hall of Fame Blog: History of HBCU's

The Legacy of Historically Black College and Universities on the Gridiron Presented By KIA | MABRA LAW   With a few exceptions, Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) were established in southern states after the Civil War.  Private schools were most often religious affiliated.  The Morri

December, 30 2020

A Hidden History: Women In College Football

College Football in 2020 was remarkable in a different sense, as there were conference only seasons, games on the field with no fans in the stands, 2020 was a season for the record books.  Recently, Sarah Fuller, of Vanderbilt University created history as she became the first woman to play and scor

November, 13 2020

We Are Marshall

On November 14th, 1970 on a rainy hillside in Wayne County, West Virginia, the lives of 75 people were lost in the single-worst air tragedy in NCAA sports history. Among those lost were nearly the entire Marshall University football team, coaching staff, flight crew, and supporters. The plane was tr

November, 06 2020

The Seven Blocks of Granite

In the 1920’s Notre Dame had the Four Horsemen backfield, Illinois had the Galloping Ghost and in the 1930’s Fordham created its own legend. The Nickname Was Rediscovered The 1936 Fordham Rams were in route to an undefeated season when Fordham’s sports information director looked back at a small n

October, 09 2020

Freaky Football Finishes

2020 has been anything but typical, some might even say a bit spooky, and the college football season is proving to be no exception. In the past we’ve shared the stories of the Ghastly Ghosts at Notre Dame and other Ghost Stories of College Football. This year, the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall

March, 05 2020

The Fighting Irish

The Fighting IrishSince 1887, the University of Notre Dame has embodied a rich football tradition. Of all the schools represented in the College Football Hall of Fame, Notre Dame has the largest number of inductees with 53. In recognition of St. Patrick’s Day, we’re highlighting four of the most not

February, 27 2020

HBCUs: Past, Present and Future Speaker Panel: A Look Back

In celebration of Black History Month, the College Football Hall of Fame hosted a special evening centered on the past, present and future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The event featured an impressive speaker panel including CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams; former Bowie State

February, 26 2020

The Vault with Coy Wire

Watch CNN and HLN's Coy Wire experience our archive room for the first time!

February, 26 2020

Lessons from Legends featuring Don McPherson

Syracuse Head Football Coach Dick MacPherson told Don McPherson to "play within yourself" while a young quarterback. Listen to his message on #LessonsfromLegends.

January, 15 2020

The Vault with Holly Rowe

Holly Rowe takes an exclusive tour into the College Football Hall of Fame's secret archive room with Historian and Curator, Kent Stephens.

December, 03 2019

Jake Plummer

Jake Plummer: 2019 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee Arizona State standout quarterback Jake Plummer will join the elite class of College Football Hall of Fame inductees later this month. Plummer had an impressive career as a four-year starter at ASU from 1993 to 1996, where he produced one of

December, 02 2019

Terrell Buckley

Terrell Buckley: 2019 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee Cornerback Terrell Buckley’s legacy is forever etched in Florida State history. During his three seasons, the team finished with FBS rankings in the top 4, and Buckley played a key role in the Seminole victories in the 1990 Fiesta Bowl, 1

October, 25 2019

Lessons from Legends featuring Charles Alexander

Charles Alexander wasn’t a starter until his junior year at LSU. In this episode, he shares what it means to trust the process and persevere.

October, 18 2019

Lessons from Legends featuring Paul Palmer

Being the first College Football Hall of Fame inductee from Temple is no small feat. Paul is humbled by the honor. To watch episode 5 featuring Charles Alexander, click here. 

October, 11 2019

Lessons from Legends featuring Dat Nguyen

The name Dat Nguyen means player, coach, and businessman. Some lessons from the field never go away and he knows the secret to motivating a team. To watch episode 4 featuring Paul Palmer, click here. 

October, 11 2019

Darren McFadden

Darren McFadden: 2019 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee Later this year, Darren McFadden, the electrifying running back from the University of Arkansas, will become the tenth Razorback inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. As one of the most renowned players in Arkansas history, McF

October, 11 2019

Ghost Stories in College Football

College Football Ghost Stories Over the course of 150 years, the sport of college football has seen its fair share of haunting stories and mysterious occurrences. This October, the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame shares four of the spookiest tales that still haunt the game today.      

October, 09 2019

Torry Holt

The Wolfpack’s Torry Holt: 2019 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee North Carolina State wide receiver, Torry Holt, joins the greatest to have ever coached or played the game when he is inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame’s 2019 Class. Though he hasn’t played for the Wolfpack since 1

October, 08 2019

Joe Thomas

Joe Thomas: 2019 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee Commitment, perseverance and dedication are three characteristics that perfectly embody Joe Thomas. A native of Brookfield, Wis., he was one of the greatest players to ever suit up for the Badgers and one of 13 individuals selected for this ye

October, 03 2019

Lessons from Legends featuring Tommie Frazier

Tommie knew he was going far from home when he agreed to play quarterback for the University of Nebraska. He quickly learned that his team was his new family.   To watch episode 3 featuring College Football Hall of Fame linebacker Dat Nguyen, click here.

October, 01 2019

Hispanic Heritage Month: Honoring Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks

Honoring Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually in the U.S. from September 15th through October 15th. The College Football Hall of Fame strives to recognize and honor the contributions of all Hispanic and Latin American players and coaches in the game of

September, 27 2019

Lessons from Legends featuring Frank Beamer

Known as one of the most influential minds in the game of college football, Coach Frank Beamer talks about family, playing with integrity and the legacy he left behind.   To watch episode 2, Lessons from Legends featuring Tommie Frazier, click here.

August, 16 2019

Presidential Players

Presidential Players As we gear up for the start of the new season and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the game, we decided to take a look back at some of our country’s famous presidential players. Before they held the title of POTUS, they were linebackers, tackles, centers and even a football m

August, 16 2019

The Father of American Football

As college football celebrates its 150th anniversary, now is the perfect time to reflect on the remarkable history of the sport. Undoubtedly, football would not be the game it is today without the efforts, dedication and spirit of one man. Walter Camp, often called the “Father of American Football,”

June, 13 2019

College Football Flags & Pennants

Flag Day Friday, June 14th is Flag Day, so it's only fitting to discuss the flags and pennants that the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame proudly displays every day, each representing the passion, pageantry and traditions of the game. Harvard Pennant One of the oldest artifacts currently

June, 13 2019

College Football’s Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary

College Football’s Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary Sesquicentennial This exciting, albeit tricky to pronounce term describes the upcoming college football season and momentous 150th anniversary for our beloved sport. Few sports can claim such a remarkable history. Professional leagues such a

June, 07 2019

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Before becoming a wrestling legend and an internationally known movie star, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson first turned his life around through football.  With the MTV Movie and TV Awards just around the corner, the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame takes a deeper look

June, 03 2019

Horsing Around for the Kentucky Derby: The Tradition of USC’s Mascot, Traveler

Horsing Around for the Kentucky Derby: The Tradition of USC’s Mascot, Traveler Known as the fastest two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby returned to Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 4. After watching the Derby last weekend, The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame was inspired to share th

March, 26 2019

Sergeant Stubby: From Military Dog to College Mascot

Sergeant Stubby: From Military Dog to College Mascot Celebrating National Pet Day On National Pet Day, the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame is taking a look at the story of Sergeant Stubby, a short brindle bull terrier, who was a World War I hero. A Lost Puppy with a Short Tail As a yo

March, 25 2019

Deion Sanders and the Road to the College Football Hall of Fame

A Young Star One of the most electrifying players to ever play on the football field, Deion Luwynn Sanders, known as “Prime Time”, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011. Deion was a dynamic athlete from an early age and became an All-State performer in football, basketball, an

February, 26 2019

Five Fun Facts about Legendary Players and Coaches Who Spent Time on the Hardwood and the Turf

Get prepared for bracket busters, Cinderella stories and all the action during the Tournament with this list of five players and coaches who found success on the gridiron and also got nothing but net on the basketball court. Swoosh. Before dual-sport legends like Deion and Bo, Otto Graham dominat

January, 29 2019

Breaking Barriers: The Legacy of College Football Hall of Famer Gene Washington

Breaking Barriers: The Legacy of College Football Hall of Famer Gene Washington   Gene Washington grew up in segregated, La Porte, TX and also attended a segregated high school, George Washington Carver. In the era before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, he was barred by law from participating in any

January, 29 2019

Breaking Barriers: How Hall of Fame Coach Eddie Robinson Forever Impacted the Game

Breaking Barriers: How Hall of Fame Coach Eddie Robinson Forever Impacted the Game "I've learned more about what they meant to me and what they meant to the game. I never won a game -- they did.  You learn from every player because they're not the same." - Eddie Gay Robinson Sr. Victory, history

November, 12 2018

The passion. The pageantry. The traditions. The countdown to 150 years of the greatest game has started!

The passion. The pageantry. The traditions. The countdown to 150 years of the greatest game has started! Close your eyes. Now imagine a time without pre-game rituals, tailgating, fight songs or Lee Corso picking your team to win. Scary, right? On Saturday, November 6, 1869, the American sports lan

September, 28 2018

The Ghastly Ghost at the University of Notre Dame

The Ghastly Ghost at the University of Notre Dame What better way to get in the Halloween spirit, than a ghost story? Reaching back into our archives, we found a spooky story sure to give goosebumps. Everyone has heard the phrase, win one for the Gipper, but few know the true origin of those iconic

June, 29 2018

Hall of Fame Heroes

In Honor of Independence Day, the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame Pays Tribute to Some of the Game’s Most Heroic Players The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame celebrates its rich military heritage this July 4th and every day with free admission for all active duty and retired memb

June, 14 2018

Red, White & Blue All-Access Passes

From July 2nd through July 8th, guests that visit The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame will receive patriotic All-Access Passes to honor our rich military heritage. Throughout the years, The Hall of Fame has inducted several players and coaches from The United States Military Academy, Unite

June, 14 2018

Flag Day

Friday, June 14th is Flag Day, so it's fitting to discuss the first penalty flag that was created by Youngstown State Coach Dike Beede and his wife. Coach Beede asked his wife to make the red and white flag out of an old Halloween costume and bed sheet. She sewed fishing weights into each corner so

June, 12 2018

The Seven Founding Fathers of College Football

In Honor of Father’s Day, The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame Presents Seven Founding Fathers of College Football   While some may question the exact number, most historians have declared that our nation has seven “Founding Fathers”. If college football could name seven individuals as it

April, 24 2018

5 Things for a Special Mom on Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, The Hall of Fame is Giving Moms a Well-Deserved Time Out   Once a year, we spend a day honoring the real heroes of college football and beyond: Moms. The women who work 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to make the world go round. So, what can you do for the woman wh

March, 28 2018

Top 5 Hall of Famers that played professional baseball

It’s a baseball kind of week, even in the world of football. This Thursday is Opening Day for the Braves and Major League Baseball. To celebrate, The College Football Hall of Fame pulled together a list of Hall of Famers who turned heads on the gridiron as well as the diamond. 1.) Deion Sanders – F

March, 15 2018

Top 10 Luckiest Plays

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, The College Football Hall of Fame shares a list of the top 10 luckiest plays of all time, proving there is a little “luck o’ the Irish” for everyone. Whether it's a Hail Mary pass, a near impossible deflection or a blocked punt, college football fans know that crazy lu

January, 11 2018

2018 College Football Hall of Fame Class

ATLANTA (Jan. 8, 2018) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Football Hall of Fame announced the 2018 College Football Hall of Fame Class, which includes the names of 10 First Team All-America players and three standout coaches. The inductees were selected from the national ballot of

December, 21 2017

Steve Spurrier 2017 Class | College Football Hall of Fame

In addition to being a Heisman winning quarterback, a Hall of Fame player and now a Hall of Fame coach, Steve Spurrier is also an innovator. How many coaches can you name whose offenses were not only pioneering but fun to watch and fan-friendly? At each stop along his coaching career his offenses ea

December, 18 2017

Five Items on Every College Football Fan’s Holiday List

The holidays are a special time of year. People are cheerful, snow begins to fall, college football bowl season arrives and of course, Santa and Fumbles the Elf come. It’s a time of giving, but college football fans deserve something too. After all, they’ve been supporting their teams through thick

December, 15 2017

Peyton Manning 2017 Class | College Football Hall of Fame

When it comes to greatness are you born with the special and extraordinary skills to make these achievements or are they self-made through hard work and unrelenting desire? In Peyton Manning’s case his greatness may come from both. When he was born, Peyton’s father had just completed his fifth seaso

December, 13 2017

2017 Hall of Fame Class: Dat Nguyen

You often hear of the three F’s: faith, family and football. Few Hall of Famer’s exemplify those three better than Hall of Fame linebacker Dat Nguyen. On April 25, 1975, Dat’s father, four-month pregnant mother, their five children and forty other family members escaped the invading Viet Cong from

December, 06 2017

2017 Hall of Fame Class: Larry Kehres

If one were to ask a college football fan to name the sport’s most dominate dynasty ever, fans might name teams often sited in football history like Alabama, Notre Dame, or Yale. Fewer would likely mention the Mount Union Raiders as their answer, but this is one of the most dominate teams in history

December, 05 2017

Mike Ruth 2017 Class | College Football Hall of Fame

For the cover of the 1983 Sports Illustrated Football preview issue, the magazine wanted a bruised, slightly bloodied and muddied forearm reaching out for a supposed fumble. The bigger and beefier the arm, the better. For the model, SI selected a sophomore nose tackle from Boston College who would b

November, 22 2017

2017 Hall of Fame Class: Kirk Gibson

Adversity has a great impact on people. Tough times and difficult problems can be opportunities that build self-esteem, persistence and character. Kirk Gibson and his Michigan State teammates were faced with adversity after their freshmen in East Lansing, when the Spartan football program was put on

November, 22 2017

2017 Hall of Fame Class: Brian Urlacher

While it is possible to find a great football player just about anywhere in the country, one of the last paces to look is Lovington, New Mexico. Located in the southeast corner of the state, the town has about 11,000 inhabitants. Football-wise the state of New Mexico is 45th in the number of pro pla

November, 21 2017

2017 Hall of Fame Class: Danny Ford

Danny Ford has the distinction of being the youngest head coach to have ever won a national championship. When he beat Nebraska in the 1982 Orange Bowl to capture Clemson’s first national title he was 33 years, and eight months and 30 days old. Ford came to coaching after spending three years on th

November, 16 2017

2017 Hall of Fame Class: Adrian Peterson

For a player such as Georgia Southern running back Adrian Peterson, his greatness became overtly obvious after witnessing him for 15 seconds in one single play. In the 1999 NCAA Division I-AA Championship game, today’s Football Championship Division, Georgia Southern was paired against Youngstown St

November, 13 2017

Top 10 Reasons to Be Thankful for College Football

Preparations are beginning for the holiday season right around the corner and for The College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience, it’s the perfect time of year to stop and give thanks for the game we all love so much. Such positive feelings of emotion are often difficult for many e

November, 13 2017

2017 Hall of Fame Class: Bob Crable

A native of Cincinnati, Notre Dame Linebacker Bob Crable attended Moeller High School, where he played for eventual Notre Dame Head Coach Gerry Faust. While with the Crusaders the pair won three consecutive state titles and never lost a game, going 36-0 from 1975-1977 with Crable being named the Ohi

November, 09 2017

Marshall Faulk 2017 Class | College Football Hall of Fame

There are many reasons why the stories of athletic accomplishment are so compelling. One may be that once given that opportunity, a few select individuals emerge to amaze us with their accomplishments. Such is the case with San Diego State running back Marshall Faulk. Faulk grew up in New Orleans’ N

November, 07 2017

2017 Hall of Fame Class: Bob McKay

University of Texas has one of the storied legacies in college football. During the late 1960’s, the offensive line contributed to the team’s success, including Bob McKay. When recruited out of tiny Crane, Texas, with a population of 3,500 people, Coach Darrell Royal said to tackle Bob McKay, “We ha

November, 06 2017

Happy birthday, college football!

Nov 6, 1869 On November 6, college football celebrates its 148th birthday! That first game was held in New Brunswick, New Jersey on the campus of Rutgers University. The game today has little if any similarities to the game that is played today.  Perhaps no sport in American society has witnessed a

November, 02 2017

2017 Hall of Fame Class: Matt Leinart

Southern California Hall of Fame quarterback Matt Leinart is associated with many college football achievements.  Among these are winning the Heisman Trophy, leading the Trojans to a 34-game win streak and two national titles.  But he’s also known for scoring the winning touchdown in a game that wil

October, 31 2017

Five Reasons We Love Rivalry Week

Rivalry Week is almost here and little can get fans' blood boiling more than the annual matchup between bitter rivals. The last weekend in November is one of the most anticipated of the college football season, with bragging rights, division titles, playoff spots and even the Heisman race all on the

August, 30 2017

Top 10 Reasons We're Glad College Football is Back

Kickoff weekend can’t come soon enough for the College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience. To celebrate, we're giving you the top 10 reasons why we're glad college football is back:   10.) You can put away your stuffed ducks, dawgs, gators and tigers. We won’t judge you for sleep

July, 25 2017

Legends of the Touchdown Dance

July 29 is National Dance Day, and we feel there’s no better way to celebrate than looking back on our favorite touchdown dances from our College Football Hall of Famers. There were plenty to choose from, but here’s a list with a few of our favorites. 2014 College Football Hall of Famer Ladanian To

July, 12 2017

Discovering Attic Treasures at the Hall

When fans talk about the College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience, many use the phrase “more than a museum” because of our one-of-a-kind experiences enjoyed through immersive technology and RFID customization. But along with this incredible guest experience is a treasure trove of

June, 22 2017

Hall of Famer Legacies Live On North of the Border

College football has seen over five million participants since its first game ever played, and just over 1,000 of those players can call themselves a Hall of Famer.  Many of our College Football Hall of Fame inductees have continued their successful professional careers in various leagues, including

June, 01 2017

Do You Have What It Takes to Make the Hall?

If something happens 1,200 in 5,000,000 times then it has a 0.02% chance of happening. While these odds may be better than winning the lottery or being struck by lightning, they’re still quite small and equally as impressive. Come to the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, and you’ll be able

May, 22 2017

Everything You Need to Know About the MacArthur Bowl

The MacArthur Bowl is one of the most prestigious national honors a team can achieve. Presented annually since 1959 by the National Football Foundation (NFF) to the top football team in the nation, this stadium-shaped trophy is 400 ounces of Tiffany & Co. silver and 25” x 18” in size. Inscribed

February, 29 2016

Breaking the Pro Football Color Barrier

While the story of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s long established color barrier in 1947 is well known, few recall that professional football broke the same barrier a year earlier. The 1946 season started with the addition of a new league, the All-America Football Conference (AAFC),  and eight

February, 25 2016

HBCU All-America Teams and National Champions

The first college football game between Historically Black Colleges and Universities was played on December 27, 1892 when Biddle University traveled to Livingstone, NC to play Livingstone College. Today Biddle is known as Johnson C. Smith University. On a snow-covered field Biddle scored the game’s

February, 18 2016

Walter Payton

WALTER PAYTON RB Jackson State 1971-1974 Walter Payton was born on July 25, 1953 in Columbia, Mississippi. He agreed to play high school football only if also allowed to play the drums in the school band. Payton was named an All-State player during high school, but received few scholarship offers f

February, 12 2016

William Lewis

WILLIAM LEWIS  Amherst 1889-1891Harvard 1892-18931892 & 1893 All-America William Henry Lewis was the first African-American to be named an All-America player (the first team was selected in 1889). The son of former slaves, Lewis was born and raised in Virginia. At the age of 15, he attended Vi

December, 26 2015

Christmas Day Football

Christmas Day Football | College Football Hall of Fame While New Year’s Day is a holiday most associated with college football, there have been a number of college football games played on Christmas Day as well.  Before the Cotton, Orange, Sugar and Sun Bowls joined the Rose Bowl as a New Year’s D

December, 17 2015

It's Bowl Season!

After a long and exciting season Saturday brings us a day of bowl games! This weekend’s six-pack of games will be the first of a record 41 bowls followed by one bowl on Monday, two on Tuesday, and two more on Wednesday. Bowl season has become one of the best iconic fan celebrations of the season fi

December, 10 2015

Army-Navy Game

Army Navy 1950 During recent years Navy has dominated the series with Army winning the last 13 games in a row.  This year’s game has the Midshipmen (9-2) listed as anywhere between a 21 and 23 point favorite over the Black Knights (2-9).  Needless to say with history and the odds makers on Navy’s s

December, 03 2015

Conference Championships

While last weekend’s results may have cleared up the College Football Playoff picture, an old fashioned upset or two in this weekend’s conference championship games might confuse what is now seemingly a settled situation. In total, eight conference games will be played over the weekend, however, on

December, 01 2015

The Great December Meltdowns

Until the advent of the conference championship games in 1992, the number of games played in December prior to the bowl season were few.  Yet throughout history there have been a significant number of games played in the first weekend in December that saw a team’s national championship aspirations b

November, 26 2015

Thanksgiving Day Traditions

Thanksgiving Day has been associated with college football since the game’s earliest days.  Starting in 1876, Yale began playing a near annual Thanksgiving Day game in the New York City area against either Princeton or Harvard. These contests often drew crowds in excess of 40,000 people.  Fans could

November, 26 2015

We Are Thankful for Football!

Thanksgiving weekend football is the best type of football! Why? Because the final regular season weekend is always the most anticipated weekend of the season. A small number of teams will become bowl eligible and others will play their final game of the 2015 collegiate season. Oklahoma vs Oklahoma

November, 21 2015

So Much Football. So Little Time!

This weekend features six matchups of teams in the Associated Press top 25.  Of those six games, three will certainly impact the National Championship Playoff race. #2 Ohio State hosts #9 Michigan State.  A win by the Buckeyes gives them at least a share of the Big Ten Eastern Division, while a S

November, 19 2015

OSU vs. MSU

Ohio State vs. Michigan State While the Ohio State – Michigan rivalry is well known for outcomes that ruin undefeated seasons and national championship aspirations for the vanquished, the Buckeyes have suffered two memorable upsets at the hands of the Michigan State Spartans as well. On November 9

November, 10 2015

Veteran's Day

VETERAN'S DAY and the University of Iowa’s Nile Kinnick On November 11th we will remember and honor the millions of men and women throughout our nation’s history who have sacrificed and protected us by serving in one of the branches of our armed forces. The roster of College Football Hall of Famer

November, 06 2015

November 6th

Nov 6, 1869 On November 6, college football will celebrate its 146th birthday!  That first game was held in New Brunswick, New Jersey on the campus of Rutgers University. The game today has little if any similarities to the game that is played today.  Perhaps no sport in American society has witnes

October, 22 2015

CFP Playoff Committee Rankings

In two weeks, the College Football Playoff committee will meet for the first time and will issue their first official rankings on November 3rd. While only four teams will enter the actual playoff, the committee will issue a top-25 ranking similar to the writers and coaches polls. All of the teams wi

October, 15 2015

10th Anniversary of the Bush Push

This weekend Notre Dame and Southern California will stage the 87th renewal of a rivalry that began in 1926.  The series is unique in that it is the only rivalry that has no conference or geographic basis (South Bend and Los Angeles are 1,800 miles apart).  When the series began it was always stage

October, 08 2015

Miami vs Florida State

This weekend Florida State will host Miami in one of college football’s greatest intrastate rivalries with “The U” holding a slight 31-28 edge. Coming into this matchup, the Seminoles, ranked #12 are undefeated while Miami is unranked coming off a loss to Cincinnati and will certainly be looking to

October, 01 2015

Throwback Thursday - UGA vs Bama

This weekend’s contest between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs could play a large part in determining the SEC Eastern and Western Division champions. Alabama ( 3 - 1 ) travels to Athens ranked 13th, while the hosting Bulldogs ( 4 - 0 ) are ranked 8th. The game will be televised on

September, 24 2015

Throwback Thursday - September Shockers

As hard as it is to believe today, prior to the mid-50’s, the college football season didn’t start until OCTOBER! The very first “September Shocker” came on September 7, 1955 when top-ranked UCLA lost to #5 Maryland, 7-0. That game ball is now on display in the Hall of Fame. Once the start of the s

September, 17 2015

Throwback Thursday - Neutral Site Kickoff Games

With demise of the Kickoff and Pigskin Classic games after the 2002 season the future appeared bleak for neutral-site season-opening games featuring high profile teams. However, after only a 5-year drought, the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff game was introduced in 2008. The game would be played in Atla

July, 30 2015

Throwback Thursday - Recollections of the College All-Star Game

Growing up in the 1960’s, the College All-Star game was an important piece of the sporting calendar. It was a game for football fans of my generation that evoked fond memories. I never missed watching the game on television. It was a greatly anticipated event as it was always the first football gam

July, 16 2015

Throwback Thursday - Great Moments in All-Star History

With only nine wins in a 42-game series, there are not a great deal of collegiate highlights. But in looking at the All-Star wins it’s interesting to note the number of future Hall of Famers who contributed to so many victories. 1937 - The first All-Star win came when TCU’s Sammy Baugh and LSU’s Ga

July, 09 2015

Throwback Thursday - The College All-Star Game

While major league baseball will experience its mid-summer classic this month with the All-Star game, there was a time when college football annually experienced a summer pre-season classic. This month we’ll look back at the College All-Star game which was held in Chicago from 1934-1976. Profession

June, 25 2015

Throwback Thursday - Shoulder Pads

Football equipment innovation set the bar high for many other sports. While the most notable and original piece of football equipment is the helmet, the football shoulder pad has also been adopted and transformed for use by other sports such as hockey and lacrosse. An old football axiom is that gam

June, 18 2015

Throwback Thursday - Facemasks

Facial protection in football dates as far back as 1890. That year, Princeton’s Edgar Allan Poe (a descendant of the famous writer) and Lafayette All-America David Balliet were reported to have worn homemade masks or frames that protected their nose. The design of the device worn by Poe was patented

June, 11 2015

Throwback Thursday - Jerseys

The most recognizable piece of football equipment is the jersey. Historically, it may also be the most important as the jersey became the means of team identification to the spectator, player, official, and eventually radio and TV audiences. In the first college football game between Rutgers and Pr

June, 04 2015

Throwback Thursday - Alternate Helmets

Just a few days ago, the College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience opened a new exhibit on the latest trend in football equipment – alternate helmets. The trend began at Oregon some 15 years ago and has grown to where most FBS teams have at least one alternate helmet and uniform d

May, 21 2015

Throwback Thursday - Elroy Hirsch

World War II affected all aspects of everyday life in the United States. College football certainly was not exempt. The most obvious change was on the quality of play, as many players left school to fulfill military obligations. Some schools lost so many players that they suspended the sport until t

May, 14 2015

Throwback Thursday - Bob Chappius

In 1947, Hall of Fame Michigan halfback Bob Chappuis was the Heisman Trophy runner up in a close vote, just losing out to Notre Dame Hall of Famer Johnny Lujack. But two years earlier, Bob had another close call. In this one he narrowly escaped a potentially tragic situation. In 1942, Chappuis was

May, 07 2015

Throwback Thursday - Hobey Baker

The College Football Hall of Fame has amongst its roster of players and coaches hundreds of members who served in the military. Some of these Hall of Famers also gave their lives. In every major US conflict since the Spanish American War, there has been a Hall of Fame member who died in military ser

April, 30 2015

Throwback Thursday - US Armed Forces and College Football

With May 16th being Armed Forces Day, the College Football Hall of Fame will be sharing stories this month highlighting the connection between the US Armed Forces and college football. The links between the US Armed Forces and college football are many. The annual Army-Navy game is the only true na

April, 17 2015

Throwback Thursday - Greasy Neale

The College Football Hall of Fame contains numerous members who also played Major League Baseball. Such a figure was Earle “Greasy” Neale. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1967, Neale had an 82-54-11 record coaching at Muskingum, West Virginia Wesleyan, Marietta, Washington and Jefferson, Virginia

April, 09 2015

Throwback Thursday - Joe Gagliardi

On Saturday March, 7, the son and 4 grandchildren of John Gagliardi (the winningest coach in College Football history) visited The College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience. Coach Gagliardi got his start in In 1949, at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, leading the team to three

April, 02 2015

Throwback Thursday: Jackie Robinson

The College Football Hall of Fame has nearly two dozen members who played major league baseball. But what about the reverse? What Baseball Hall of Famers played college football? With a much smaller membership, obviously there are far fewer two-sport stars in Cooperstown than in Atlanta. The only B

March, 26 2015

Throwback Thursday: "Automatic" Otto Graham

Early last month, New England quarterback Tom Brady led the Patriots to their fourth Super Bowl championship. With this accomplishment it was difficult to click on a sports web site and not find an article proclaiming that Brady was the “Greatest Quarterback of All-Time.” Twenty years ago, similar s

March, 19 2015

Throwback Thursday: Terry Baker

The Oregon State Beavers have a fine basketball history and tradition. Despite the dominance of UCLA, the school has won 12 conference titles, saw the team receive a #1 seed in the 1980 NCAA tournament, and produced Hall of Fame coaches Slats Gill and Ralph Miller, and All-America players such as Ga

March, 12 2015

Throwback Thursday: Hardwood Stars

Like nature, sports is very much an evolutionary entity. As sports has evolved, the multi-sport star athlete has become nearly as extinct as the dinosaur. To excel, today’s athlete can no longer afford to spend time and energy in multiple athletic endeavors. With March upon us, it is worth noting t

March, 05 2015

Throwback Thursday: Amos Alonzo Stagg

The name Amos Alonzo Stagg should be very familiar to even the most casual college football fan. As a player, he was selected as an end to the first All-America team in 1889. As a coach, he started the football program at the University of Chicago in 1892, where he,and won a national championship in

February, 26 2015

Throwback Thursday: Ben Stevenson

Here is a bit of trivia sure to stump your friends and co-workers: What college football player has had more All-America seasons than any other Hall of Famer? The answer is Tuskegee halfback Ben Stevenson who was a Black College All-America seven times for the Golden Tigers from 1924-1930. In the 1

February, 19 2015

Throwback Thursday: Jake Gaither

“I want my players to be mo-bile, ag-ile and hos-tile” was the mantra of Florida A&M Hall of Fame coach Jake Gaither. From 1945-1969 he was the head coach at Florida A&M. During this period, he posted a 203-36-4 record, accumulated one of the game’s all-time best winning percentages (.844),

February, 12 2015

Throwback Thursday: William Lewis

The son of former slaves, William Lewis became one of the game’s greatest centers of during the sport’s formative years. But his greatest achievements came off the field in coaching, writing, politics, law and civil rights. Born in Virginia, he enrolled in what is now known as Virginia State Univer

February, 09 2015

THE UNITED STATES ARMY OLD GUARD FIFE AND DRUM CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY DRILL TEAM (1)

This past Sunday, February 8, 2015, the College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience hosted The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps & The United States Army Drill Team. As a way to honor both active-duty and retired military personnel, discounted admission was off

February, 06 2015

The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and The United States Army Drill Team

Come to the Hall of Fame Sunday, February 8th, 2015 at 1PM to experience this impressive display of tradition and precision. *Special discount to active and retired military on day of event - $16.99 (must purchase at box office with valid ID) The Details: Drill Team – 16 members Fife and Drum

February, 05 2015

Throwback Thursday: Ernie Davis

As the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy, Syracuse halfback Ernie Davis earned a place in history. But his courage and dignity make his Heisman win seem like a mere footnote. Living in Elmira, New York, Davis was a stellar high school athlete who chose to attend Syracuse largely due

January, 08 2015

Throwback Thursday: Chris Spielman

For most of its history great running backs are thought as part of the Ohio State lore, but the number of great Buckeye linebackers are now rivaling their offensive counterparts.  Picking the best from consensus All-Americans like Randy Gradishar, Tom Cousineau, Marcus Marek, Andy Katzemoyer, Matt

January, 08 2015

Throwback Thursday: Norm Van Brocklin

Known simply as “The Dutchman,” Norm Van Brocklin was one of college football’s best passers in the post-World War II era.  After serving in the Navy during World War II, Van Brocklin enrolled at the University of Oregon and quickly found the bench.  The Ducks were still using the single-wing offen

January, 01 2015

Throwback Thursday: Bobby Layne

As one of the greatest bowl players of all time, Hall of Famer Bobby Layne was no stranger to the New Year’s Six. A four-time All Southwestern Conference quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, Layne’s performance in the 1946 Cotton Bowl was nothing short of spectacular. Responsible for all 40 of Texa

December, 19 2014

Kent's Corner: The Mount Union Dynasty

Calling a great team a “dynasty” can be a subjective label.  Trying to determine which dynasties might be the greatest of them all can become even more subjective. But in the sport of college football, and certainly in Division III, one would have a difficult time matching the accomplishments of th

December, 18 2014

Throwback Thursday: Sid Gillman

  Coach Sid Gillman can be credited as the “father of modern football”. Raised Jewish in the anti-Semitic neighborhoods of Minneapolis, Gillman played for Ohio State University from 1931 to 1933. After college, Gillman returned home to Minneapolis where his curiosity and interest in football woul

December, 17 2014

Kent's Corner: The Evolution of Equipment

The game of football has evolved since its beginning in the late 1860s to the game we know today. Formations have changed. Score keeping has changed. Rules have changed. Teams have changed. And of course, players have changed. But one thing we may not think about when contemplating the history of t

December, 15 2014

Hall of Fame Performer of the Year

The 2014 football season has been one for the ages, and with each passing week narrowing down the pool of candidates for the Hall of Fame Performer of the Week has been a challenge. Our fans have spoken, and the list of winners has been impressive. As the season comes to a conclusion, the time has c

December, 13 2014

Kent's Corner: America's Game

While college football has numerous traditional rivalries that attract nationwide attention, only the Army-Navy game can truly be called “America’s Game.”  The game is unique due to its long history, spectacle, tradition and the sense of national pride and patriotism it instills.  The game is also

December, 11 2014

Throwback Thursday: Archie Griffin, Ohio State

  The only two-time winner of the Heisman Trophy, Archie Griffin is a living folk hero for Ohio State football fans. Few can doubt his accomplishments, which include leading the Big Ten in rushing for three straight years, starting four consecutive Rose Bowl games, tallying more than 100 yards in

December, 10 2014

Hall of Fame Holiday Gifts

Give the gift of our must-see college football experience, plus a unique Hall of Fame snowflake tree ornament this year! Fans can purchase the ornament and two tickets to the College Football Hall of Fame for friends and family for just $50.

December, 08 2014

Championship performances in the season's final week

The field is set for the inaugural College Football Playoff, and it’s no surprise the final batch of Hall of Fame Performance of the Week nominees are full of players from teams that will be vying for the game’s top trophy. Alabama QB Blake Sims has been one of the Tide’s most dependable performers

December, 04 2014

#TBT: Jackie Parker, Mississippi State

The resurgence of Mississippi State football has been fueled largely by the stellar play of quarterback Dak Prescott. Before Dak, however, there was “Jack” … as in Jackie Parker. Parker, who was married and older than the other players, was originally turned away by Bulldog coaches in 1952 as coach

December, 02 2014

College Football Hall of Fame Celebrates Championship Weekend

Saturday’s SEC Championship Game between No. 1 Alabama and No. 14 Missouri is cause for celebration at the College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience in downtown Atlanta this weekend. Below is a list of events at the Hall this weekend:  Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Extended Hours The

December, 01 2014

Efficiency and strong defense top rivalry performances

We’re heading into championship week, and last weekend’s rivalry matchups have prepared the nation’s best players for what’s to come. Here are the nominees for Hall of Fame Performer of the Week. USC QB Cody Kessler helped the Trojans bury rival Notre Dame with one of the most efficient performance

November, 28 2014

Kent's Corner: Governor Games

As numerous rivalries are played between schools within the same state, there are several rivalry trophy games that are noted as Governor games. These include contests between Brown and Rhode Island, Central Connecticut and Southern Connecticut State, Kansas and Kansas State, Florida and Florida Sta

November, 27 2014

Kent's Corner: The Egg Bowl

One of the stranger college football rivalry names is the annual Egg Bowl, played between the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University.  The unusual name comes not from some poultry-related origin, but from the rivalry trophy itself, which dates back to 1927 and is capped with a br

November, 27 2014

Throwback Thursday: Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State

When it comes to ranking the greatest single seasons ever compiled, the conversation begins and ends with Barry Sanders. The Oklahoma State running back spent two years backing up Thurman Thomas before taking over as the team’s starter in 1988. In his junior year, he did more than rewrite the NCAA

November, 27 2014

Throwback Thursday: Troy Aikman, Oklahoma/UCLA

The gunslinger behind the dynasty of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s, Aikman made his collegiate mark at UCLA. After beginning his career in Oklahoma, he transferred to the West Coast to fit into a more pass-oriented offense. During his time with the Bruins, they compiled a 20-4 record and Aikman wa

November, 26 2014

Kent's Corner: The Ten Year War

When college football experts and historians list the game’s most intense rivalries, Ohio State vs. Michigan is definitely near the top of anyone’s list. The neighboring states have had a stormy relationship since a border dispute in 1835 called “The Toledo War,” nearly broke into a shooting war. 

November, 25 2014

Iron Bowl full of fantastic finishes

It’ll go down as one of the most dramatic finishes in college football history. One second. Just a couple of feet. That’s all that stood between Alabama knocking off Auburn in the 2013 edition of the storied Iron Bowl, but the Tigers’ Chris Davis returned a missed field goal more than 100 yards fo

November, 24 2014

Big numbers dominate top performers (1)

  The rivalries are underway and the pressure is on as teams clamor for conference titles and jockey for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Below are the nominees for the Hall of Fame Performer of the Week. Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon enjoyed the single-game rushing mark for exactly one week

November, 24 2014

A forgotten trophy finds its way home

They call it “The Civil War” for good reason. For 120 years, Oregon and Oregon State have battled on the field in one of the Pac-12’s best rivalries. Yet for all the drama on the gridiron, there hasn’t been a trophy to commemorate the victory achieved on it. For a brief three-year period, the winn

November, 21 2014

Kent's Corner: Another verse in a rivalry’s storied history

“The Big Game” between California and Stanford is one of college football’s most treasured rivalries. While the very nature of college football makes even the most pedestrian game an intense contest, the bragging rights of a rivalry game raises this intensity level to a degree where out-of-the-ordin

November, 20 2014

Throwback Thursday: Marcus Allen, USC

One of the most prolific running backs in the history of college football, Marcus Allen was recruited to USC as a defensive back. Trojans head coach John Robinson, however, saw the potential in Allen to be an offensive gamechanger, moving him to tailback during his freshman year. The shift paid off

November, 19 2014

“The Rivalry” that transcends the game

Separated by a mere 20 miles and bound by 130 years of shared athletic history, few rivalries in college football compare with Lafayette and Lehigh. The contest is known simply as “The Rivalry,” and it is the most-played football rivalry in the nation and the longest uninterrupted annual rivalry ser

November, 17 2014

Big numbers dominate top performers

Records came crashing down this week in college football, and these players turned in showings that are worthy enough to be considered as Hall of Fame Performers of the Week. Leading the way is Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon, who absolutely shattered the single-game rushing mark in a rout of Nebraska.

November, 13 2014

Throwback Thursday: Gene Stallings

Regarded as the “Heir to Bear” by many in Alabama football, Gene Stallings returned the Crimson Tide to the top of the college football world during his seven-year run. Stallings tallied a 70-16-1 record during his time with Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide to a 13-0 record and national championsh

November, 12 2014

Kent's Corner: Mississippi State's Undefeated Season

Though they may hold the nation’s top spot this year, the golden era of Mississippi State football came between 1939 -1942 when Hall of Fame coach Allyn McKeen led the Maroon (they did not become the Bulldogs until 1961) to a 34-5-2 record, four wins over rival Ole Miss, three top-20 finishes, one u

November, 10 2014

Top tilts produce terrific performances

Ranked matchups dominated last week’s slate of college football action, and the biggest stars shined under the brightest lights. These players turned in showings worthy enough to be considered as Hall of Fame Performers of the Week.  Avenging a heartbreaking loss to Michigan State in last year’s Bi

November, 09 2014

Fumbles' Birthday

Saturday at the College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience fans celebrated our beloved mascot, Fumbles', birthday and we welcomed “Social Media Mom” bloggers and their families from across the state to join in the festivities. While his age is unknown, his presence and influence

November, 03 2014

Gritty showings heat up home stretch of the season

As the football season moves into the final stretch of the regular season, each game means more and more. With the pressure on, these players turned in showings that are worthy enough to be considered as Hall of Fame Performance of the Week. Florida used a two-headed running back monster to devour

August, 18 2014

College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience to Host Free Tailgate Event for Grand Opening on August 23

After nearly 18 months of construction, the new home of the national College Football Hall of Fame will open its doors on Saturday, August 23. To celebrate, the College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience will host the “Ultimate Tailgate” from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday in conjunc

Subscribe to receive email updates.