Dive into the history books and discover the gridiron milestones that happened on October 5! This date has hosted some truly unforgettable moments in American football, from incredible college football records being shattered to the stunning NFL comebacks that left fans speechless. Whether it’s a Hall of Fame coach making history, a massive fourth-quarter rally, or an on-campus salute to a defensive legend, this day has seen its share of drama. Get ready to explore the past as we highlight the most significant, record-breaking, and electrifying events that have all fallen on this day in football lore.
October 5 Football History Headlines
October 5, 1907 – The Canadian Interprovincial Rugby Football Union (IRFU) plays its first game, with Montreal defeating Toronto, 17-8, in Montreal, Quebec. The IRFU, also known as the Big 4 and the Western Interprovincial Football Union (founded in 1936), merged in 1958 to form the Canadian Football League.
October 5, 1985 – Legendary Grambling State University Head Coach Eddie Robinson notched a record 324th win in a football game. Coach ended up being the head coach at Grambling for a total of 56 years and eventually retired from coaching, totaling a whopping 408 victories.
October 5, 1935 – According to princetontigersfootball.com/history-of-the-program/, Princeton head coach Herbert O. “Fritz” Crisler introduced a black leather helmet with three stripes along its length and triangular “wings” to his team, meant to represent the folded-back ears of a tiger. The bold color combinations and distinctive design helped quarterbacks identify receivers downfield more easily. Crisler would later take this design with him to the University of Michigan after leading the Tigers to two of their record 28 National Championships.
October 5, 1986 – A new NFL overtime rushing record is reached when Eric Dickerson of the LA Rams sprints for a 42-yard touchdown run to lead the Rams over the Tampa Bay Bucs 26-20 in Anaheim Stadium.
October 5, 1991 – An NCAA record is tied when Fresno State reeled off 49 points in the 2nd quarter against New Mexico at home in Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs routed their guests 94-17 in the contest.
October 5, 2003 – Prolific return specialist Dante Hall of the Kansas City Chiefs returned a punt 93 yards to paydirt to help lead his team to a 24-23 victory over rival Denver. The game winner was the fourth consecutive return that Mr. Hall had taken a kick all the way back!
October 5 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
No account of significant events of October 5 football history would be complete without noting the Hall of Famers born on this day. Here is who we celebrate this day.
- Bill Corbus
- Bill Willis
- Ken Margerum
- Sean Brewer
Conclusion
As we close the final chapter on this particular day, it’s clear that October 5 is far more than just another date on the calendar for American football fans. It’s a recurring waypoint where careers were launched, historic rivalries were inflamed, and the fundamental game itself was pushed forward. From the college gridirons to the professional arenas, the events of this single day continue to echo through the sport’s magnificent history, reminding us that every Sunday (or Saturday!) is built upon a foundation of extraordinary moments from the past. What new history will this date hold next year? Only time will tell!
