In a magical two season span with the New York Football Giants, (‘85 &’86) the mighty Joe Morris racked up a whopping 2,852 yards rushing and scored 35 Touchdowns! For perspective he had only 2,733 yards and 15 TD’s during his other six seasons in the league.
On This Day
Rookie running sensation Earl Campbell stole the show as The Houston Oilers hosted the Miami Dolphins in a Monday Night Football thriller back on November 20th, 1978. Miami running back Delvin Williams was actually leading the league in rushing yards entering the contest, but that was about to change. A tight back and forth first half left the teams knotted 14-14 at the half. Earl had been held to just 44 yards thus far.
The tides would turn in Houston’s favor in the second half as everyone tuned into ABC that night around the country witnessed Earl’s stellar strength & skills. Earl had his way. Running with power & ease he effortlessly discarded dumbfounded Dolphin defenders to the wayside. Two Miami turnovers combined with Campbell’s epic second half allowed Houston to hold on for a 35-30 victory. Improving the Oilers to 8-4 on the season.
Earl finished the night with 199 yards on 28 carries with 4 touchdowns. One of those being an 81 yard scamper.
The Tyler Rose went on to earn many accolades for his stellar rookie season, finishing with a then rookie record 1450 yards on 302 carries and 13 touchdowns.
The two teams would meet again that post season in the Wild Card round, with Houston securing the win yet again. 17-9
On This Day - November 19th, 1995
The Baltimore Stallions defeat Doug Flutie & the Calgary Stampeders 37-20 to win the Canadian Football Championship. The Stallions become the First & only American based franchise in CFL history to win the coveted Grey Cup.
It was the second straight Grey Cup appearance for the Stallions; who were led by future CFL Hall of Famers - QB Tracy Ham, & Tailback Mike Pringle, as well as soon to be Baltimore Raven Linebacker O.J. Brigance. The CFL would end up corralling it’s Southern Division, AKA ‘The USA Expansion’ for the 1996 season, eliminating Baltimore and four other American Franchises. With the impending Cleveland Browns move to Baltimore in 1996, the Stallions got out of town. They moseyed their way up to Montreal, becoming another rendition of those Amazing Alouettes.
I’ve got some free Blaze Issues going to the Gumshoe that’s down for a little Investigation. Can anyone tell the crowd just who is #56 is in your lower right hand viewing corner?
Hint: His son went on to become an NBA Lottery Draft Pick.
Lets go back to November 17th, 1992 and the MLB Expansion Draft featuring the Colorado Rockies & Florida Marlins. With the first selection Colorado selected pitcher David Nied. He owns the distinction of throwing the first pitch in Rockies history. He’s also the last Colorado player to wear # 17 before Todd Helton came aboard. With the 2nd selection Florida picked outfielder Nigel Wilson. Nigel would never record a hit for the Marlins, going 0-16 with 11 strikeouts in his short time with the club. He did go on to play in Japan for six seasons, batting .265 with 337 RBI & 119 HR.
Here is a great three part article looking back at Expansion Drafts in baseball.
Looking Back at the 1992 Expansion Draft by Chuck Wasserstrom
With a 19-14 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on November 14th, 1993, Miami Dolphins Head Coach Don Shula recorded his 325th win to become the winningest coach in NFL History. Can you guys name the rookie Quarterback who would later become a head coach himself that helped lead the Phins to the W that day?
Today we’re looking back at the 1990 Week 10 Monday Night Massacre more commonly referred to as ‘The Body Bag Game.’ The Philadelphia Eagles ‘Gang Green’ defense knocked nine different Redskin players out of the game with injuries, including their two quarterbacks, Brad Rutledge & Stan Humphries. Rookie kick returner Brian Mitchell (a college QB) was forced to step in late in the 28-14 Eagles victory.
Did you know the Cleveland Browns cornerback duo of Hanford Dixon & Frank Minniefield were voted to start three straight Pro-Bowls as the AFC Cornerback tandem? 1986,’87 & ‘88.
After recording 11 1/2 sacks in the spring of 1985 for the USFL’s Memphis Showboats, Reggie White suited up for the Philadelphia Eagles that fall in what would be his NFL ‘Rookie’ year. His 13 sacks for the Eagles in just 13 games earned him Defensive Rookie of Year honors. What caught my eye was seeing the ‘Minister of Defense’ wearing the # 91. Anybody out there know who wore # 92 that season for Philly? R.I.P.
Older brother Elijah ‘ Pumpsie’ Green is most known for being the first African American player in Boston Red Sox History. The last team to integrate. ‘ Pumpsie’ made his debut for Boston on July 21st, 1959 when he pinch ran for which Red Sox teammate?
Cornell ‘Sweet Lips’ Green never missed a game in 13 seasons playing for the Dallas Cowboys. Including 145 consecutive games while roaming in the Dallas secondary. Green ranks 6th in Cowboys history with 34 interceptions. Did you know that Cornell never played a down of College Football? He was an All-American Basketball star for Utah State instead.
