Unforgettable Moments & Gridiron Giants: Unpacking the Football History of October 22nd!
Get ready for a deep dive into a date packed with pigskin history! October 22nd is much more than just a late-season calendar entry; it marks the birthdays of Hall of Fame legends and features some of the most surprising upsets and record-breaking performances in NFL and college football history.
We’re celebrating the incredible careers of greats who dominated the trenches and the defensive secondary, while reliving dramatic contests that shocked the nation. From landmark anniversaries to the birth of future champions, click through to discover every significant milestone and unforgettable game that defined the football legacy of October 22nd!
October 22 Football History Headlines
On October 22, 1939, NBC became the first network to televise a pro football game, broadcasting the Brooklyn Dodgers defeating the Philadelphia Eagles, 23-14, at Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field.
October 22, 1950 – Kezar Field, San Francisco, California – The San Francisco 49ers earned their very first win in the NFL in their 6th game in the League when they defeated the Detroit Lions 28-27 at Kezar Field. The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and joined the NFL in 1949 when the leagues merged. The 49ers were the first major league professional sports franchise based in San Francisco.
October 22, 1950 – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – The LA Rams soundly defeated the Baltimore Colts 70-27. The Rams were being called a “Point per Minute” team, and they definitely made their case for that title in this game. Dual quarterbacks Norm Van Brocklyn and Bob Waterfield each had multiple TD tosses in the game as Vitamin Smith scored twice, once on a 95-yard kick return to run the Rams’ point machine.
October 22, 1971 – An air valve is placed in a helmet for the first time by an executive at Riddell. The Insertion of air added a better custom fit and protection for players, accommodating all sizes and shapes of heads.
On October 22, 1984, NFL quarterback Ken “Snake” Stabler retired after 15 brilliant seasons in the NFL. He played with the Oakland Raiders for ten seasons before being traded to the Houston Oilers, where he played for 3 years. His bio on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website indicates that Stabler retired after the third game of the 1984 season, having struggled through two injury-plagued seasons with the New Orleans Saints.
October 22, 2000- The Bengals’ Corey Dillon rushes for 278 yards on 22 carries to set the single-game rushing yards record in one game versus the Denver Broncos. The previous record was Walter Payton’s 275-yard game during the 1977 season. Dillon’s yardage did not go to waste either as he led the Bengals to a 31-21 victory over Denver that day.
October 22, 2000 – Vikings kicker Gary Anderson boots a 21-yard field goal against the Buffalo Bills to go past George Blanda as the NFL’s all-time scoring leader with 2004 career points.
October 22 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
- Joe Carr – October 22, 1879 – early NFL pioneer and League President/Commissioner.
- Pete Pihos – legendary Philadelphia Eagles two-way end
A Day Defined by Defensive Dominance and Unforgettable Firsts
From the indelible records set by legendary players to the crucial birthdays of Hall of Fame talents, October 22nd stands as a consistently impactful date in football history. This day celebrates the enduring power of the defensive unit, honoring players who defined toughness in the trenches and aggression in the secondary. Whether it was a game-changing upset or the birth of a future Pro Bowler, the milestones reached on October 22nd showcase the depth and drama of the American game, ensuring that its legacy continues to inspire fans and players alike.
The beautiful banner image is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of October 22, 1927, Pitt versus Carnegie Tech Football Program. Published by the University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics. John G. Carr illustrated the cover.
Check out our daily posts that reflect the gridiron history for each calendar day, like October 21.
