North Carolina Tar Heels football
Encyclopedia
The North Carolina Tar Heels football team represents the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
in collegiate level football
. In Carolina’s first 121 seasons of football competition, the Tar Heels have compiled a record of 646–488–54, a winning percentage of .566. Carolina has played in 28 bowl games in its history and won three Southern Conference championships and five Atlantic Coast Conference titles. Thirty Tar Heel players have been honored as first-team All-Americas on 38 occasions. Carolina had 32 All-Southern Conference selections when it played in that league until 1952 and since joining the ACC in 1953, has had 174 first-team All- ACC choices. The team's most recent bowl appearance came in the 2010 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
with a double overtime win against the Tennessee Volunteers
; the final score was 30-27. Since joining the Atlantic Coast Conference
in 1953, the team has won five conference championships, with the most recent title coming in 1980
.
One very important contribution to the game of football by North Carolina is the modern use of the forward pass; they were the first college team to use the play in 1895. Bob Quincy notes in his 1973 book They Made the Bell Tower Chime:
"John Heisman, a noted historian, wrote 30 years later that, indeed, the Tar Heels had given birth to the forward pass against the Bulldogs (UGA). It was conceived to break a scoreless deadlock and give UNC a 6–0 win. The Carolinians were in a punting situation and a Georgia rush seemed destined to block the ball. The punter, with an impromptu dash to his right, tossed the ball and it was caught by George Stephens, who ran 70 yards for a touchdown.”
While not consistently successful, the North Carolina football program has had intermittent success and has featured a number of great players, many of whom have gone on to prominence in the National Football League
, including Lawrence Taylor
, Charlie Justice, Chris Hanburger
, Ken Willard
, Don McCauley
, Jeff Saturday
, Alge Crumpler
, Willie Parker
, Greg Ellis, Dré Bly
and Julius Peppers
.
, will embark on its 121st season of football competition in 2011. The Tar Heels do that with a history of gridiron greatness, including some of the top coaches in the game, a lineage of talented running backs and one of the most beautiful and historic facilities in college football.
Surprisingly, football is actually not the oldest varsity sport at North Carolina. Baseball
holds that honor, having fielded its first varsity squad back in 1867. But while football started 21 years later in 1888, its history is replete with memories that have thrilled legions of Carolina fans as the decades have elapsed.
The first North Carolina team played but two games, losing both and being outscored 22-4. That inauspicious beginning belies the success of the program since then, but those football pioneers are nevertheless credited with starting football at Carolina. In the fall of 1888, the sophomore class at North Carolina had formed a team and after vanquishing all the other classes at North Carolina, began to look around for stiffer opposition. The North Carolina team challenged the Wake Forest
squad to a game which was scheduled during the State Fair in Raleigh on October 18, 1888. Wake won the game 6- 4 in what came to be acknowledged as the first intercollegiate football game in the history of the state of North Carolina. Later that same fall, Carolina challenged Trinity
(now Duke) to a Thanksgiving Day contest in Raleigh that drew a crowd of 600 for a 16-0 Trinity triumph. One member of that 1888 North Carolina team was John Motley Morehead
, who went on to great fame as the founder of Union Carbide
and who endowed the Morehead Scholarship program and several buildings on the Carolina campus. That first Carolina team’s results may not have been what was expected, but the leaders of the ’88 team did get the ball rolling.
Just a few months after the loss to Trinity in 1888, North Carolina acquired the services of Hector Cowan
, former great tackle and captain at Princeton, to help teach the North Carolina players the fundamentals of the game. Cowan arrived in February 1889 and drilled the Tar Heel troops on the existing athletic field, located on the current site of Bynum Hall. The 1889 team played two games in the spring and two in the fall. On March 1, 1889, Carolina earned its first win in football as it routed Wake Forest 33-0 before a crowd of 500 in Raleigh. North Carolina went on to post a 2-2 record that year and earn a share of the state championship with Trinity and Wake Forest.
After a Carolina player suffered a broken collarbone that fall, the University faculty voted to discontinue the sport of football in January 1890 and Carolina did not compete at all the following fall. That is one of only three years since the start of football in 1888 in which the Tar Heels have not fielded a team; play was also suspended during World War I
in 1917 and 1918. The following year, students petitioned to have football restored at North Carolina and the ban was lifted with the help of Professors Horace Williams, F.P. Venable and Eban Alexander. At this time, athletic control passed from the hands of students to the faculty, a situation that still exists today. Football returned to North Carolina that fall with W.P. Graves as coach and North Carolina compiling an 0-2 record.
The following year, 1892
, is considered by most to be the first year of real football at North Carolina with a representative six-game schedule being played. That squad also earned the distinction of being North Carolina’s first good team. Mike Hoke acted as team captain and the entire squad consisted of just 15 players, with North Carolina using only one substitute the entire season. The team opened the year with a 40-0 rout of Richmond
and after a loss to Virginia
in the next game, it went on to win its last four. Carolina’s 5-1 mark was the best record in the South that year. That season also marked the first year in which University teams were referred to as "Carolina," with the appellations "University" and "Chapel Hill" being dropped from the popular vernacular.
A meeting in December 1892 signaled the start of the formation of what would become the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association
in later years. Eight schools, including North Carolina, were involved in the meeting and Dr. Venable was voted temporary chairman of the group. Later that same year, on May 12, the UNC athletic association approved the awarding of varsity letters for the first time. Although the 1893 team managed only a 3-4 record, it did have the distinction of being the first Southern team to play in New York City as Carolina lost a 34-0 decision to Lehigh on November 25, 1893.
, Carolina brought in Vernon K. Irvine
from Princeton
as coach and he led Carolina to a 6-3 mark, attesting to the fact that experienced coaching benefited the team’s performance. That North Carolina team finished second in the South and won the state championship. It was also the first to be forced to stage closed practices because of problems with crowd control at open sessions. In 1895
, T.C. "Doggie" Trenchard
came from Princeton to coach the Tar Heels and he led North Carolina to an outstanding 7-1-1 season marred only by a loss to Virginia. A crowd of 12,000 was on hand for the meeting between the Tar Heels and the Cavaliers in Richmond, which Virginia won 6-0. Twice during the game spectators ran onto the field to block the path of Tar Heel runners who had broken into the clear on apparent touchdown runs.
Carolina began to gain some consistency in the sport of football with the arrival of William A. Reynolds
of Princeton as head coach in 1897
. Reynolds produced four winning Carolina teams in his four-year tenure at Chapel Hill. His first squad finished at 7-3 and was followed in 1898 by what is still the only unbeaten, untied team in school history. That 1898 squad was a perfect 9-0 and outscored its opponents by an amazing 201-8. The team finished the season by beating Virginia for the first time in six years, 6-2, in Richmond. Reynolds’ final two teams also posted respectable records, going 7-3-1 in 1889 and 4-1-3 in 1900.
Reynolds yielded the coaching reins after the 1900 season to Charles Jenkins, who led North Carolina to seven straight wins prior to a pair of season-ending losses in 1901. Carolina beat all of its state opponents to win its seventh state championship since 1892. In 1901, letters began to be awarded by an advisory committee of the athletic association. Previously, anyone who played had lettered. The next 11 seasons saw Carolina with nine different head coaches. The 1905 Carolina squad was coached by William Warner
, the brother of the famed "Pop" Warner
.
Trenchard returned as Carolina’s coach in 1913 for a three-year run. His 1914 squad was outstanding. Sixty men reported for the team and North Carolina went on to win its first 10 before losing to Virginia 20-3 before a record crowd of 15,000 in Richmond. That North Carolina team outscored its opponents 359-52 and became the first team in the South to display players’ numbers on their jerseys. Trenchard’s 1915 squad did not fare as well, finishing the campaign with a 4-3-1 mark. Seven regulars missed the Virginia Military Institute
game and the reserves struggled, fumbling 16 times en route to a 3-3 tie. That same year, Trenchard started the first athletic training table at North Carolina in his home, feeding the 56 squad members on a daily basis.
The year 1916 found the Tar Heels in a new home as Carolina began to play its games at Emerson Stadium, the site of the current Davis Library. Freshmen were banned from varsity participation for the first time and the team went 5-4 and won its sixth successive state championship. All of the members of the 1916 squad had entered the military service in World War I
by the following fall and varsity football was dropped for the second time in North Carolina history, this time for a two-year hiatus.
The Fetzers’ greatest team was probably the 1922 edition which posted an impressive 9-1 mark, won the South Atlantic championship and tied for the Southern Conference crown. That team lost only to Yale, 18-0, and had three touchdowns called back by penalties in the game. The squad was ranked 11th in the nation by I.B. Thomas in the January 1923 issue of Intercollegiate Athletics and played before a record 68,500 fans during the course of the campaign. The 1923 team was ravaged by injuries but limped to a 5-3-1 record nevertheless and a state championship for a second straight year. A year later, the Tar Heels were only 4-5 but they did play before their largest crowd to that date, 25,000 at New Haven’s Yale Bowl in a 27-0 loss to the Bulldogs. The 1925 season would prove to be the Fetzers’ last as co-coaches. The Tar Heels responded with an excellent season, going 7-1-1 and winning the state championship. The only loss came at the hands of Wake Forest. A crowd of 16,000 jammed Emerson Field (capacity 2,400) to see the Heels and Virginia play to a 3-3 tie in the season finale.
The following year began a new era in Carolina football as Chuck Collins came on the scene as head coach. He had the longest tenure (eight years) of the early Carolina coaches. Collins, who was one of the seven mules in the offensive line for Notre Dame’s famed Four Horsemen, served as Carolina’s coach from 1926 through 1933. The 1926 season also brought onto the scene the infamous Kay Kyser, later to be a renowned Big Band leader and radio and motion pictures personality, as head cheerleader and his Cheerios as the first major organized cheer block at Carolina.
New stadium plans were also in the works in 1926. Carolina alumni in Durham and Chapel Hill met on May 24, 1926, to form the Durham Stadium Committee. On November 13 of that same year, William Rand Kenan, a New York City engineer and 1893 North Carolina football letterman, gave the University a gift of $275,000 to help build the stadium. The first game played in Kenan Memorial Stadium was on November 12, 1927 with North Carolina beating Davidson 27-0 before a crowd of 9,000 fans. The following Saturday, North Carolina beat two-touchdown favorite Duke 18-0 in Durham. The stadium was officially dedicated on Thanksgiving Day 1927 with 28,000 attending as Carolina edged Virginia 14-13. John Sprunt Hill officially made the presentation of the stadium to Governor A.W. McLean who accepted on behalf of the University and state. Carolina won its first state championship since 1925 during the 1928 season. Its 5-3-2 record that year included a 65-0 win over Wake Forest in the season opener. That still stands as the largest margin of victory in North Carolina history. President Calvin Coolidge attended the Carolina- Virginia game in Charlottesville that year and saw the Tar Heels pull out a 24-20 win. It was the first time a U.S. President had ever attended a game in the South.
Collins’ first great team was the 1929 edition which went 9-1 and outscored its opponents 346-60. The only loss of the year came to Georgia and only Southern California scored more points during the course of the season. Ray Farris was the captain of that North Carolina team and was a unanimous All-Southern Conference choice at guard. Carolina was called the "Team of a Million Backs" and drew a record attendance of 139,500. The 1931 team, coached by Collins, went 4-3-3 and won the state championship. The Carolina-Duke game went big time for the first time that year as a crowd of 20,000 in Durham watched the two teams play to their second straight scoreless tie. Johnny Branch, a great all-purpose runner, was the star of that squad.
Ray Wolf came to Carolina in 1936 to coach after Snavely had gone on to Cornell. Wolf had six successful seasons at North Carolina, producing winning teams the first five. The 1936 team went 8-2 and lost only to Tulane and Duke. That squad was led by end Andy Bershak, who was a second-team All-America in 1936 and a first teamer a year later. Wolf’s teams continued their success, going 7-1-1, 6-2-1, 8-1-1 and 6-4 in subsequent years. Some of Wolf’s outstanding players were Jim Lalanne, Paul Severin and George Stirnweiss. The World War II years were an unsettled time in Carolina athletic history. From 1942 through 1944, North Carolina had three different head coaches who put makeshift teams through the paces against adjusted schedules which included some military teams. Jim Tatum, an outstanding player at Carolina in the 1930s, coached the 1942 unit. He would return for another coaching tenure later.
Snavely returned to Chapel Hill in 1945 and during the next five years produced some of the best teams in Carolina football history. His 1948 team finished third in the AP poll, the highest final ranking ever for the Tar Heels. An Omaha, Nebraska native, Snavely was a 1915 alumnus of Lebanon Valley College. He had coached Carolina teams in 1934 and 1935 to a 15-2-1 record and returned in 1945 after nine years at Cornell. In fact, at Cornell in 1940, Snavely was involved in an infamous contest which would be recounted repeatedly some 50 years after the fact. Snavely was the coach who, upon learning it had taken a fifth down for his Big Red to defeat Dartmouth, wired the opposing coach Red Blaik and relinquished the victory. His 1945 team did well, finishing 5-5 after winning only one game the previous season.
It appeared Carolina had the corner turned when Tatum died suddenly in the summer of 1959 from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. He was replaced by assistant Jim Hickey whose teams did not meet with a great deal of success in his eight seasons as head coach. Hickey produced only one winning record, that in 1963 when the Tar Heels finished 9-2 and shared their first Atlantic Coast Conference title. That team went on to post the school’s first win in a bowl game, a 35-0 decision over Air Force in the Gator Bowl. That 1963 squad was led by the running of Ken Willard, the passing of Junior Edge and Gary Black and the pass receiving of Bob Lacey. Linebacker Chris Hanburger was a stalwart on defense for the Tar Heels.
The 1972 team had an 11-1 record marred only by a loss at Ohio State. It won a thrilling 32-28 decision from Texas Tech in the Sun Bowl. The mid-1970s brought more success as North Carolina made bowl appearances in 1974 (Sun), 1976 (Peach) and 1977 (Liberty). Sammy Johnson was a 1,000-yard rusher for Carolina in 1973, as was James Betterson in 1974. But the outstanding offensive player of this era was Mike Voight who gained over 1,000 yards in 1974, 1975 and 1976, including 1,407 yards in ’76. Voight was named the ACC Player of the Year in both 1975 and ’76 for his efforts. The 1977 team would prove to be Dooley’s last at North Carolina. It won the ACC title and earned a berth opposite Nebraska in the Liberty Bowl. A rugged defense led by All-America tackle Dee Hardison helped Carolina lead the nation in scoring defense that season. UNC allowed only 81 points in 11 regular-season games. The new offensive star was a freshman tailback named Amos Lawrence, who rushed for 1,211 yards and was named ACC Rookie of the Year. Dooley resigned in January 1978 to accept the dual role of head football coach and athletic director at Virginia Tech.
In 1980 and 1981, North Carolina became the first team in league history to finish in the Top 10 of both wire service polls in successive years. The 1980 team was 11-1 and ranked ninth by United Press International and 10th by Associated Press. The 1981 unit was 10-2 and rated eighth by UPI and ninth by AP. Two more Carolina teams coached by Crum would later go to bowl games, the 1983 team to the Peach Bowl to face Florida State and the 1986 corps to the Aloha Bowl for a meeting with Arizona. There was a plethora of outstanding players at Carolina during the Crum era and the Tar Heel football record book was being constantly updated.
In 1980, linebacker Lawrence Taylor was named the ACC Player of the Year and he went on to All-Pro status with the New York Giants. That season, Taylor led what was one of the greatest defenses in ACC history. Other great defensive players at North Carolina included linebacker Buddy Curry, defensive tackle Donnell Thompson, linebacker Darrell Nicholson, defensive back Steve Streater, defensive tackle William Fuller and outside linebacker Mike Wilcher. All of those players were All-ACC selections and several went on to have distinguished pro careers. Fuller made four first-team All-America squads in 1983.
Although Crum’s teams were known for their rugged defense, Carolina also excelled offensively, leading the ACC in total offense four times in the 1980s and ranking sixth nationally in 1986. There were several reasons behind the offensive fireworks. First, there was a succession of outstanding running backs. Five different players gained 1,000 or more yards rushing in a season a total of 10 times under Crum’s tutelage. After his brilliant freshman year, Lawrence went on to gain 1,000 yards three more times. He is one of only four players in college football history to gain 1,000 yards rushing in each of their four seasons. Kelvin Bryant overcame an injury-marred career to gain 1,000 yards on three occasions. Ethan Horton turned the trick twice in his career and Tyrone Anthony and Derrick Fenner had one 1,000-yard rushing season each. A second reason behind North Carolina’s offensive success was the presence of some outstanding linemen in the ’80s, four of whom gained first-team All-America status - guard Ron Wooten in 1980, guard David Drechsler in 1981 and ’82, tackle Brian Blados in 1983 and tackle Harris Barton in 1986.
Carolina’s offense also became more diversified in the Crum era and the passing section of the Carolina record book was basically rewritten at that time by a string of accomplished starters at quarterback– Matt Kupec, RodElkins, Scott Stankavage, Kevin Anthony and Mark Maye. At the conclusion of the 1987 season, Crum resigned to return home to his native Ohio and was replaced by Tulane head coach Mack Brown.
The Tar Heels turned things around in 1990, however, and put together a solid 6-4-1 record and even returned to the Top 25 at one point in the season. Inside linebacker Dwight Hollier led the ACC in tackles for the second consecutive season and rookie tailback Natrone Means capped a stellar second half of the season with a 256-yard, three-touchdown effort vs. Duke. Along the way, Carolina tied Georgia Tech 13-13; the stalemate proved to be the only blemish on the Yellow Jackets’ otherwise-perfect national championship ledger. In 1991, Means became the 11th Tar Heel to rush for more than 1,000 yards. Means ran for 1,030 yards and topped the 1,000-yard plateau on an electrifying, 68-yard scamper in the Tar Heels’47-14 rout over Duke. Means, inside linebacker Tommy Thigpen and offensive guard Brian Bollinger each were first team All-ACC selections.
1992 was another season filled with great players, spectacular plays and electrifying memories. The Tar Heels won nine games, including a 21-17 victory over Mississippi State in the Peach Bowl, and finished the season ranked in the Top 20 in both major polls. Means rushed for 1,195 yards, the 21st 1,000-yard rushing season in Carolina history. He had a 249-yard day at Maryland and once again dramatically crashed the 1,000-yard club with a 76- yard touchdown run against the Terrapins. The Tar Heels defeated Top 20 opposition on consecutive weekends in mid-season, the first time in the program’s history the team accomplished that feat. Carolina accepted a bid to play in the Peach Bowl and provided one of the year ’s most entertaining bowl games. Trailing Mississippi State by two touchdowns in the third quarter, North Carolina rallied for a 21-17 win. Means, a repeat first-team All-ACC selection, gained 128 yards and was named the game’s Offensive MVP. Strong safety Bracey Walker tied the game when he blocked a punt, his second of the game, and returned it 41 yards for a score. Walker, the game’s Defensive MVP, set up the game-winning touchdown when he forced an interception with a jarring fourth quarter hit. Cornerback Cliff Baskerville picked the loose ball out of the air and raced 44 yards for the winning touchdown.
The 1993 Tar Heels provided one of the most entertaining seasons in Carolina history. North Carolina won 10 games for the first time in a dozen years, finished second in the ACC, 19th in the Associated Press poll and played in a bowl game for a second consecutive season. North Carolina set nearly 40 team and individual records, including most points, points per game and total offense. Walker was named first-team All-America by several organizations and was a first team All-ACC selection along with tailback Curtis Johnson and offensive tackle Ethan Albright. Johnson and red-shirt freshman tailback Leon Johnson each rushed for 1,000-plus yards. Curtis rushed for 1,034 yards and
set a school record with a 90- yard score vs. Maryland; Leon was named the ACC Rookie of the Year as he rushed for 1,012 yards and led the conference with 16 touchdowns and 100 points. Quarterback Jason Stanicek set North Carolina single-season records for total offense (2,284 yards), total yards per game (190.3), completion percentage (64.1) and pass efficiency rating (145.79). Corey Holliday concluded his brilliant career as Carolina’s all-time leading pass receiver. Twice selected a captain by his teammates, Holliday finished his four years with 155 receptions for 2,447 yards and caught a pass in an ACC-record 45 consecutive games. He had nine receptions, a North Carolina postseason record, versus Alabama in Carolina’s 24-10 loss in the Gator Bowl.
In 1994 Carolina went 8-4, losing to Texas, 35-31, in the Sun Bowl in an exhilarating contest. Stanicek concluded his career as the school’s all-time total offense leader. Stanicek passed "Choo Choo" Justice’s mark, which had stood since 1949, in the fifth game of the season and finished his standout career with 5,497 yards. Stanicek also set North Carolina career records for most pass completions (372), attempts (622), yards (4,683) and completion percentage (.598). He tied Matt Kupec’s school mark for most wins by a starting quarterback with 24. Marcus Wall set a Tar Heel record for most touchdown catches in a season with nine and added a touchdown catch in the Sun Bowl. He also returned a kickoff for a score against Duke, returned a punt for a touchdown against Texas and had a rushing touchdown against N.C. State. Carolina beat Duke 41-40 in one of the most exciting games in the storied history of that rivalry. The Blue Devils scored a pair of quick touchdowns in the fourth quarter to go ahead, 38-34, with less than 3:00 to play. Mike Thomas quickly connected with freshman Octavus Barnes on a short crossing route and Barnes raced past the entire secondary for a 71-yard game-winning score. Barnes established an ACC record for receiving yards in a season by a freshman with 609. He had 165 yards on receptions, the third-highest single-game figure in Carolina history, in the regular-season finale at Duke and again in the Sun Bowl against Texas.
The 1995 Tar Heels rebounded from an 0-2 start to post a winning season for the sixth consecutive year and received an invitation to the Carquest Bowl in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Defensive tackle Marcus Jones was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and became the first North Carolina player in nine years to be named consensus first-team All-America. Jones topped Lawrence Taylor’s career North Carolina sack record as he concluded his four years with 24, three more than Taylor. Mike Thomas set numerous single-season total offense and passing records, including most yards of total offense (2,489), most yards passing (2,436), most pass attempts (332) and most completions (185). He threw for more than 200 yards in each of the first six games and concluded his career with nine 200-yard outings. Tailback Leon Johnson and split end Octavus Barnes each surpassed the previous school record for pass receptions in a season. Johnson led the team in rushing with 963 yards and added 54 receptions. Barnes had 53 catches for 970 yards. Johnson rushed for 195 yards and a touchdown in the 20-10 win over Arkansas in the Carquest Bowl. That is the highest rushing total in Carolina postseason history. Barnes established a North Carolina record with four 100-yard receiving games. He caught three touchdown passes and totaled 211 yards receiving, the second-highest figure in school history, in a 62-0 rout of Ohio. Marcus Jones was named first-team All-America by the Associated Press, the American Football Coaches Association, the Walter Camp Foundation and United Press International.
1996 was one of the finest seasons in Carolina history. The Tar Heels went 10-2, won the Gator Bowl and finished 10th in both national polls. Mack Brown was named the ACC Coach of the Year as he directed a new-look offense to record-setting heights. Seven Tar Heels earned first-team All-ACC honors led by quarterback Chris Keldorf, a junior college transfer, who set North Carolina single-season passing records for completions (201), yards (2,347) and touchdowns (23). Leon Johnson set all-time North Carolina records for scoring (306) and touchdowns (50) and established the all-time ACC mark with 5,828 all-purpose yards. He earned All-ACC honors as a kick returner. The Tar Heel defense, coached by National Defensive Coordinator of the Year Carl Torbush, led the country in scoring and was second with 225.6 total yards per game. Redshirt freshman cornerback Dré Bly led the country in interceptions with an ACC-record 11 and was a consensus first-team All- America. Bly was just the fifth freshman in history and the first freshman defensive player to be named an AP All-America. The year began with a 45-0 win over Clemson and included a 52-20 rout over N.C. State. Carolina went to Syracuse in the second week and beat the No. 9 ranked Orangemen, North Carolina’s first road win over a Top 10 team since 1966. The Tar Heels tied for second in the ACC. They played West Virginia in the Gator Bowl without Keldorf, who suffered a fracture dislocation of his left ankle in the last regular-season game. Oscar Davenport came off the bench to win MVP honors as he completed 14 of 26 passes for 175 yards and passed and ran for scores.
The 1997 season may go down as the most memorable in Carolina football history. The Tar Heels went 11-1, won the Gator Bowl for the second year in a row and finished fourth in the final coaches’ poll and sixth in the final Associated Press poll. North Carolina lived up to lofty preseason predictions and spent the entire year in the Top 10. The Tar Heels were once again led by a stifling defense. North Carolina allowed just 209.3 yards per game, the second-lowest figure in the NCAA and the lowest total by an ACC team since 1963. It was the fewest yards allowed by Carolina since 1948. The defense featured three first-round draft picks (defensive end Greg Ellis, defensive tackle Vonnie Holliday and linebacker Brian Simmons), a Butkus Award finalist (linebacker Kivuusama Mays) and three first-team All-Americas (Ellis, Simmons and Bly). Bly became the first North Carolina football player in history to earn consensus first-team All-America honors in more than one season. He had five interceptions to lead a secondary that was third in the country in passing yards allowed. Carolina was the only defense in the country to have finalists for the Lombardi (Ellis), Butkus (Mays) and Thorpe (Bly) Awards. Davenport earned Team MVP honors by completing 62.8 percent of his passes and leading the Tar Heels to come-from-behind wins over Stanford, Virginia and Georgia Tech. His season ended in the ninth week when he suffered a broken ankle in the loss to Florida State. That game featured the second-ranked Seminoles and fifth-ranked Tar Heels and was played in front of 62,000 fans, the largest crowd ever at Kenan Stadium. Keldorf began the fall as the reigning All-ACC quarterback, lost his starting job, and finally replaced an injured Davenport late in the season. He set a single- game North Carolina record at Texas Christian by throwing for 415 yards, set the school record for career passing touchdowns with 35 and finished his career with sensational performances in wins over Clemson, Duke and Virginia Tech.
Carolina was beset by injuries early in the 1999 season but improved throughout the course of the year. The Tar Heels did not allow a touchdown in the final 10 quarters of the season. North Carolina defeated rivals Duke and NC State, with the win over the Wolfpack coming via a classic goal-line tackle by Errol Hood and David Bomar that preserved a 10-6 win. Brian Schmitz set an ACC and North Carolina record by averaging 47.8 yards per punt and was named a first-team All-America by The Sporting News. Schmitz’s career punting average of 44.4 yards per kick is best in ACC history.
The 2000 season was full of ups and downs as the Tar Heels opened the season 3-1 only to lose four consecutive games before defeating Maryland and Duke to finish 6-5 overall. Despite a winning record, Carolina did not receive a bowl invitation for the second straight year and Carl Torbush was dismissed as head coach. He was replaced by former letter-winner John Bunting on December 11, 2000. Bunting was an All-ACC linebacker at Carolina in 1971 and played on two bowl teams.
According to the Saragin rankings, the Tar Heels had the sixth toughest schedule in the country. Bunting's success dropped off quickly in the first game of the 2002 season, losing the opening game of the season to Miami (OH) 27-21. Place-kicker Dan Orner, who transferred to North Carolina from Michigan State and sat out last season, kicked three field goals over 50 yards (52, 51, 55) in Carolina’s 30-22 victory vs. Syracuse. Orner tied an NCAA record with three field goals of at least 50 yards in the same game. Orner’s 55-yard kick was a school record and the longest ever by a Syracuse opponent. The previous North Carolina record was a 54-yarder by Kenny Miller against Florida State in 1985. Darian Durant, the Tar Heels starting quarterback, threw for a school-record 417 yards and five touchdowns against Arizona State on October 5 and was named ACC Offensive Back of the Week. It was the first 400-yard game of his career and was the second-best game by an ACC quarterback in 2002. The following week against NC State, Durant threw for 266 yards, setting a school record for most passing yards (683) in two consecutive games. The previous record of 680 was set by Ronald Curry in 2000 season against Marshall and Georgia Tech. Darian Durant, broke his thumb on a helmet in the Tar Heels game against the Virginia Cavaliers. Against Maryland, Sam Aiken had a career-high 10 catches for 102 yards to become just the fifth player in Carolina history to top 2,000 receiving yards in a career. The Tar Heels ended their six game skid with their thirteenth consecutive win over Duke. Durant, coming off of breaking his thumb, returned to the field to help The game came down to the wire, with Dan Orner kicking a 47-yard field goal as time expired to make the score 23-21, in favor of North Carolina. In 2002, wide receiver Sam Aiken set the single-season school record with 68 receptions and 990 receiving yards, becoming just the second Tar Heel ever with more than 900 yards receiving. Aiken led in the ACC in receptions per game (5.67) and was second in receiving yards per game (82.5). He finished his Carolina career third in receiving yards (2,205), third in touchdowns (15) and fourth in receptions (146). Junior free safety Dexter Reid was one of the bright spots on the Carolina defense in 2002, leading the ACC and finishing second in the nation with 13.8 tackles per game. Reid was named first-team All-ACC after finishing the year with 166 total tackles, the second-highest figure in school history and just five shy of the school record of 171 set by linebacker Buddy Curry in 1979.
North Carolina closed out the 2003 season with a disappointing 30-22 loss to Duke at Kenan Stadium. The Tar Heels finished the year with a 2-10 overall mark, 1-7 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (9th). It marked the first time Carolina had posted 10 losses since the 1990 season. Carolina’s wins came at East Carolina (28-17) and at home to Wake Forest (42- 34). Despite the won-lost record, several Tar Heels posted individual marks worth noting and quarterback Darian Durant essentially re-wrote Carolina’s record book with his brilliant season. Durant set single-season school records in completions, passing yards and total offense and eclipsed Carolina’s career marks in those categories as well. Quarterback Darian Durant broke Carolina’s all-time total offense record at Clemson on October 25, 2003. He finished his junior season with 7,204 total yards of offense. He had 208 yards passing and 110 yards rushing against the Tigers to break the record held by quarterback Ronald Curry, who had 6,236 total yards from 1998-2001. It took Durant just 936 plays to set the record, 107 less than Curry (1,043 attempts). Legendary quarterback Charlie “Choo-Choo” Justice (1946-49) held North Carolina’s total offense record with 4,883 yards for 45 years until it was broken by Jason Stanicek in 1994. Several young players enjoyed breakout seasons, led by second-year wide receiver Jarwarski Pollock. Pollock caught 71 passes to break the single-season school record for receptions. True freshman tailback Ronnie McGill led the team in rushing with 654 yards. He registered 244 of those yards in the Tar Heels’ win over Wake Forest. It was the ninth-highest single-game rushing total in school history and the third-best effort by a North Carolina freshman. Senior Michael Waddell led the nation in kickoff returns, averaging 31.7 yards per return, while freshman Mike Mason was 18th at 26.0 yards per return.
North Carolina’s 2004 schedule ranked as the most difficult in the country, according to the Sagarin rankings. Carolina played eight ranked teams and three teams that finished in the top 10 in the country.Predicted to finish 10th in the 11-team Atlantic Coast Conference at the preseason media kickoff, North Carolina tied for third in the ACC and earned a berth in the Continental Tire Bowl in Charlotte. The Tar Heels (6-6 overall, 5-3 ACC) had one of the best offensive teams in the league, finishing second in total offense. The third place finish was the highest for the Tar Heels since finishing third in 2001. Kenan Stadium was the site of several exciting victories, including wins over William & Mary, Georgia Tech, NC State and Miami. Three of those games ended with Tar Heels making plays to either win or cement a victory. Against the Yellow Jackets, linebacker Hilee Taylor forced a fumble, scooped up the ball and raced the final 21 yards for a touchdown as time expired in a 34-13 victory. A few weeks later, Carolina made another great defensive play, stopping NC State’s T.A. McClendon at the goal line on successive attempts. The Tar Heels won the game 30-24. Following a disappointing 46-16 loss at Utah on October 16, North Carolina limped home to Chapel Hill 3-4 overall and looking ahead at a schedule that featured difficult home games vs. No. 4 Miami and No. 18 Virginia Tech and road games at Wake Forest and Duke. What followed was one of the most memorable turnarounds in school history. First, the Tar Heels knocked off No. 4 Miami, 31-28, beating a top five team for the first time in school history. The game down to the wire, with Connor Barth nailing a 42-yard field goal as time expired to lead the Tar Heels to victory. After a three-point loss to the Hokies, Carolina beat Wake Forest 31-24 when Darian Durant connected with Jesse Holley in the final two minutes and safety Gerald Sensabaugh picked off Wake’s final offensive play of the game with just nine seconds remaining. In the season finale vs. Duke, Carolina reclaimed the Victory Bell with a 40-17 win. Three days later, head coach John Bunting accepted a bid to the Continental Tire Bowl in Charlotte. Over 65,000 Tar Heel fans, thought to be the most ever to see a Carolina team in person, packed Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte to watch the final game of the season. The Tar Heels lost to Boston College Eagles in the Continental Tire Bowl, the Eagles ended the game with sixteen unanswered points, making the score 37-24.
North Carolina finished the 2005 season 5-6 overall, 4-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Tar Heels came up one win shy of qualifying for postseason play, falling to No. 5 Virginia Tech in the season finale. The season was highlighted by victories over rivals NC State and Virginia and a payback victory over Boston College who had knocked off the Tar Heels in the Continental Tire Bowl a year earlier. The season began poorly with a pair of losses to Georgia Tech in Atlanta and at home to Wisconsin. Facing the prospect of an 0-3 start, Carolina rebounded with a thrilling 31-24 victory at NC State. It was Carolina’s second consecutive victory over NC State and fifth in the last six visits to Carter-Finley Stadium. Later in the season, Carolina’s defense held Virginia to just 199 yards and Cedrick Holt picked off a pass to thwart a late Virginia drive and give Carolina a 7-5 win. It was the first win over Virginia since 2001. North Carolina’s Brandon Tate was named a first-team freshman All-America by The Sporting News. A true freshman in 2005, Tate was among the nation's top kick and punt returners all season. He finished second in the ACC in kickoff and third in punt returns. Nationally, he ranked 22nd in kickoff returns with a 25.8 average. Tate returned the opening kickoff vs. Utah 96 yards for a touchdown. Senior Jarwarski Pollock established the Carolina career reception record with 177 catches. He broke the record held by Na Brown, who caught 165 passes from 1995-98, against Maryland.
The Tar Heels opened the 2006 season with a 21-16 loss to Rutgers at Kenan Stadium and never recovered. The only victory in the first nine games came against Division I-AA Furman, 45-42. Carolina closed out the year with wins over in-state rivals NC State and Duke to finish 3-9 overall, 2-6 in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Six-year head coach John Bunting was dismissed days after a 23-0 loss at Virginia that dropped the Tar Heels to 1-6, but coached the remainder of the season. He was replaced by former Miami Hurricanes and Cleveland Browns coach Butch Davis on Nov. 13, 2006. Carolina’s win over NC State was its third straight over the Wolfpack and its 11th in the last 14 meetings. Carolina’s win over Duke was its fourth straight over the Blue Devils and its 16th in the last 17 meetings. Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks set a school freshman record with 39 receptions for 660 yards. Nicks was named a freshman All-America by The Sporting News and Rivals.com. Kick returner Brandon Tate finished second in the country in 2006 with 902 kickoff return yards. Tate set the single-season school record with three touchdowns on kick returns in 2006 (two kickoffs and one punt). Senior safety Kareen Taylor finished his career with a school-record 206 interception return yards.
, former head coach of the Miami Hurricanes
and Cleveland Browns
. In addition, the school pledged that they would fund the football program to the same extent that their men's and women's basketball teams are funded.On February 7, 2007, Davis and his coaching staff inked one of the top recruiting classes in North Carolina football history, earning recognition from Scout.com
. North Carolina completed its first season under head coach Butch Davis with a 20-14 overtime victory over Duke on Nov. 24. The Tar Heels finished 4-8 overall and 3-5 and fourth in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. North Carolina lost six games in 2007 by a combined total of 24 points. The Tar Heels lost by three at East Carolina, two vs. Virginia, seven at Virginia Tech, six vs. South Carolina, four at NC State and two at Georgia Tech. Four times the Tar Heels lost by four or fewer points (two to Virginia and Georgia Tech, three to ECU and four to the Wolfpack). Carolina’s eight losses were decided a combined total of 78 points (9.75 avg). In comparison, last season the Tar Heels lost nine games by a total of 168 points (18.7 avg.).Sophomore wide receiver Hakeem Nicks set the single-season school record with 74 receptions, eclipsing the previous mark of 71 by Jarwarski Pollock in 2003. Senior place-kicker Connor Barth set the school record with 19 consecutive field goals and established the North Carolina career record with 54 made field goals. Junior kick returner Brandon Tate broke the ACC career record for kickoff return yards with 2,383 yards. Tate also set North Carolina single-season records 39 kickoff returns and 939 kickoff return yards. Redshirt freshman T.J. Yates set the single-season school record for most passing yards with, 2,655. Yates also set North Carolina freshman marks for completions and attempts. North Carolina’s defense improved nearly 60 positions in the NCAA rankings, moving from 92nd in 2006 to 35th in 2007. Durell Mapp had 132 tackles, ranking second in the ACC and 10th in the nation in tackles per game. North Carolina safety Deunta Williams was voted the 2007 Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Atlantic Coast Conference Sports Media Association. A native of Jacksonville, N.C., Williams received 48 votes to outdistance teammate and fellow defensive back Charles Brown. North Carolina sold out five of its six home football games in 2007 and averaged 57,417 fans, the most in more than a decade. Average attendance was up nearly 18 percent from the 2006 season when Carolina drew 48,857 per game.
North Carolina was 8-5 in 2008, a four-game improvement from 2007 and advanced to a postseason bowl game for the first time since 2004. The Tar Heels were in contention for the ACC title until the final week of the season and spent nearly half the season ranked among the top 25. Carolina posted wins over three ranked teams – Connecticut, Notre Dame and Georgia Tech – and notched impressive victories at Miami and vs. Notre Dame in Kenan Stadium. The Tar Heels opened their season with two consecutive victories over McNeese State and Rutgers. The Tar Heels blew a seven point lead in the fourth quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies in their third game of the season. The next week, the Tar Heels traveled to Miami, FL to face off against Miami. That game came down to the wire, as North Carolina safety Trimane Goddard intercepted a pass in the end zone as time expired to seal the victory for North Carolina. The next week, the Tar Heels faced off against the Connecticut Huskies in Kenan Stadium. The game was highlighted by North Carolina linebacker Bruce Carter, who blocked three consecutive punts. While the game was in play, the lights suddenly went out, and the crowd began to do the wave. A week later, Notre Dame came to Chapel Hill. This game came down to the fourth quarter, when a 4-yard run by North Carolina quarterback Cam Sexton sealed the game for the Tar Heels 28-24. The Tar Heels next game came against their old rival, the Virginia Cavaliers. The game was sent into overtime, where the Cavaliers scored on their second drive and the Tar Heels didn't, thus losing the game. Boston College and Georgia Tech were next on the schedule for the Tar Heels, both teams didn't pose much of a threat for the Tar Heels, with the Heels winning comfortably in each game. The Tar Heels then went on a two game skid, losing to the Maryland Terrapins and a blow out loss to their fierce rival NC State. The Tar Heels then beat their arch rival, Duke, 28-20 to retain the Victory Bell. The Tar Heels fell to West Virginia, 31-30, in the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte on Dec. 27 to close the season. The first quarter was highlighted by a high offensive display, with each teams scoring 35 points collectively. North Carolina's Hakeem Nicks put on a dazzling performance, he Nicks caught eight passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns. On the final drive for North Carolina, after the Mountaineers scored to make the score 31-30 with 7 minutes remaining in the game, T.J. Yates threw his first interception of the game, ending Carolina's aspirations of winning the game. Linebacker Bruce Carter led the nation with five blocked kicks, including three in one game vs. Connecticut. Carter is believed to be the only player in NCAA history to block four consecutive punts (one vs. Miami and three vs. UConn.) Linebacker Quan Sturdivant led the nation with 87 primary tackles. Brandon Tate became the NCAA all-time leader in combined kick return yards with 3,523. He set the school record with his sixth kick return for a touchdown. Against McNeese State, he set the school record with 397 all-purpose yards. Tate's season was cut short due to an injury that occurred during the game against Notre Dame.
In July 2010, it was reported that the program was being investigated by the NCAA due to possible connections with sport agents. Following an NCAA investigation into misconduct, in September 2011, the program decided to vacate all its wins from the 2008 and 2009 seasons, reduce its scholarship athletes by 3, begin serving two years of probation, and pay a $50,000 fine.
, one of the University’s most recognized landmarks. From there, the Tar Heels walk from the Old Well through the main quad of campus and into the Kenan Football Center. The Old Well Walk, which began in 2001, is packed each Saturday with thousands of cheering fans, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite player or coach. The Old Well Walk begins approximately two and a half hours prior to kickoff of each game.
The football rivalry between Duke and North Carolina began in 1888, when Duke was known by the name of Trinity. Trinity won the first game in the now-longstanding series. While the two teams are more known for their basketball rivalry, they have been known to have some great games every now and then. The Victory Bell was introduced for the 1948 match-up, which North Carolina won 20-0. It's tradition for the school that has possession of the bell to paint the bell in the shade of blue of their school. The longest consecutive win streak in the series is a 13 game win streak by the Tar Heels from 1990-2002. The all-time series record is 55-35-4 (excluding the two Carolina vacated victories).
, the Tar Heels won both games. The longest consecutive win streak in the series is 9 games, from 1943-1955 by the Tar Heels. The Tar Heels have currently lost five straight to the Wolfpack, matching a five-game losing streak from 1988-92. The all-time series is 63-32-6 in favor of the Tar Heels.
, which pitted the Tar Heels against the Georgia Bulldogs
, took place on January 1, 1947. The game was played in Tulane Stadium
, which was located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Through the first quarter of play the game remained scoreless. Bob Mitten, a Carolina defensive player, intercepted a Bulldog pass, which eventually led to the first score in the Sugar Bowl. North Carolina scored first, in the second quarter of play, off a 4 yard run by Walt Pupa. After the successful PAT, the score was 7-0 in favor of North Carolina. The score remained that way until halftime. In the third period, Georgia's defensive right end, Joe Tereshinski intercepted a Tar Heel pass, on the Georgia 24 yard line. Tereshinki the lateraled the ball to his teammate, Dick McPhee who ran 52 yards, being tackled on the Carolina 14 yard line. The Tar Heels argued that the lateral was a forward lateral, but the referees thought otherwise. The Bulldogs capitalized on the turnover, by scoring on a 1 yard quarterback sneak, executed by Johnny Rauch. North Carolina retaliated with a 27 yard field goal, kicked by Bob Cox. North Carolina regained the lead, 10-7. Less than three minutes later, after the UNC score, the Bulldogs scored off a 67 yard pass from Trippi to Dan Edwards. However, the PAT was missed, leaving the score at 13-10 in favor of the Bulldogs. In the fourth quarter, Johnny Rauch scored the final touchdown of the game, this time off a 13 yard run. With the made PAT, the score was 20-10 in favor of the Georgia Bulldogs. The Tar Heels lost their first bowl game.
Tar Heels and older brother Vince coached the Bulldogs. The game was a defensive struggle with all the points coming in the third quarter. In the opening half, Carolina had the best chance as linebacker Jimmy Webster, voted the Tar Heels’ MVP this day, blocked a punt out of bounds at the Georgia 24. A fumble, though, denied Carolina any points. A pair of long runs by Lewis Jolley brought the Tar Heels down to the Georgia 16 on North Carolina’s first possession of the second half. But a procedure penalty forced the Heels to settle for a 35-yard field goal by Ken Craven. A 31-yard pass play from Andy Johnson to Roy Hunnicutt set up the Georgia touchdown. Jimmy Poulos, on the very next play following Hunnicutt’s catch, took it in for a score from 25 yards. Poulos rushed for 161 yards on the afternoon and was named the Georgia MVP.
When Jonathan Linton rushed for 199 yards in Carolina’s 50-14 win over Duke in the 1997 regular season finale, he became the 14th Tar Heel running back to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Linton finished that 11-1 season with 1,004 yards. North players have accomplished the feat 24 times, formerly an NCAA record. Those 24 1,000-yard seasons have been achieved in the last 33 years, beginning with Don McCauley, who had back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 1969 and 1970. Linton was the fourth different Tar Heel back to gain 1,000 yards in the 1990s. Natrone Means had 1,030 yards as a sophomore in 1991 and 1,195 yards in leading North Carolina to nine wins in 1992. In ‘91, Means topped 1,000 yards on his final carry of the season, a 68-yard touchdown run versus Duke. He vaulted past 1,000 in similar fashion a year later as he reached the magical figure on a wild, 76-yard scoring scamper at Maryland. Means entered the NFL Draft after his junior year, but Curtis Johnson and Leon Johnson responded with tandem 1,000- yard seasons in 1993. That was the fourth time in North Carolina history that not one, but two, players topped the 1,000-yard mark.
Carolina’s 24 1,000-yard seasons are more than the next two ACC schools have combined. Virginia is second in number of 1,000-yard seasons with 12 and Clemson is third with 10. NC State has nine, Wake Forest has eight, Florida State has seven, Georgia Tech and Maryland each have six and Duke has four. In a 12-year period from 1973 to 1984, Carolina had at least one player break the 1,000-yard mark each season. Three times in that era, the Tar Heels had two tailbacks get 1,000 yards in the same season. It has been rare in college football for a school to produce two 1,000-yard backs in one year. When it has happened it has generally been with option attacks– the veer or the wishbone. But, on all four occasions when Carolina has had a pair of 1,000- yard rushers, the players actually shared the same position– tailback in an I-formation. Carolina and USC have each had two players rush for 1,000 yards three times– Mike Voight and Kelvin Bryant of the Tar Heels and the Trojans’ Charles White and Anthony Davis. In addition, Carolina’s Amos Lawrence had an amazing four 1,000-yard seasons. Lawrence, Pittsburgh’s Tony Dorsett, New Mexico State’s Denvis Manns and Wisconsin’s Ron Dayne are the only major college players ever to hit the 1,000-yard mark four times. Lawrence rushed for a career-high 1,211 yards in 1977 as he earned ACC Rookie of the Year honors. Lawrence didn’t even play in the first game that year and still managed to run for over 1,200 yards in just 10 games. He was eighth in the nation in rushing and became the first freshman to ever lead the ACC in a major offensive category. Lawrence, from Norfolk, Va., added 1,043 yards in 1978, 1,019 yards in 1979 and 1,118 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns in 1980.
McCauley rushed for 1,720 yards in 1970. At that time it broke O.J. Simpson’s all-time NCAA single-season yardage record. McCauley’s 1970 season is one of the finest in ACC history. His 1,720 yards, 19 rushing touchdowns, 10 100-yard rushing games, 2,021 all-purpose yards and 126 points all were single season ACC records. The first UNC back to earn consensus All- America honors since Charlie Justice, McCauley capped his brilliant career with a memorable game against Duke as he rushed 47 times for 279 yards and five touchdowns in a 59-36 win over the Blue Devils. One local sportswriter wrote of McCauley’s final Kenan Stadium effort, "McCauley’s performance against Duke was the greatest one-man show since King Kong climbed the Empire State Building." Another scribe from the Charlotte Observer wrote, "Don McCauley may be the finest football player the Atlantic Coast Conference has ever seen." McCauley is one of only two Tar Heel 1,000-yard backs from outside the ACC’s geographic area. He is a native of Garden City, N.Y. Linton, from Catasauqua, Pa., added to that short list in 1997. Bryant, Tyrone Anthony, James Betterson, Ethan Horton, Sammy Johnson, Kennard Martin, Means, Curtis Johnson and Leon Johnson are all North Carolinians. Lawrence and Voight grew up in Virginia, and Derrick Fenner is from Maryland.
Many of Carolina’s 1,000-yard rushers went on to successful careers in the professional ranks. McCauley played with the Baltimore Colts for 11 seasons and broke many of the club’s rushing and scoring records set by Alan Ameche and Lenny Moore. Bryant was the USFL’s Player of the Year in that league’s first season. He joined the Washington Redskins in 1986. Means led the Chargers to the Super Bowl in 1994 and was named to the Pro Bowl. He set the single-season rushing record for the Chargers in just his second season when he compiled 1,350 yards in 1994. Means was second in the AFC and fourth in the NFL in rushing yards and he set a Charger record with five consecutive 100-yard games. He was the offensive spark which led Jacksonville to the AFC Championship Game in 1996 in the franchise’s second year of existence. Horton, Sammy Johnson and Leon Johnson were recruited as quarterbacks. All of the others were high school running backs, although McCauley was more highly regarded as a defensive back.
Fenner set the ACC rushing record in 1986 by gaining 328 yards against Virginia, although that mark was surpassed by Wake Forest’s John Leach in 1993 against Maryland. Martin had 291 in 1988 against Duke. Lawrence had 286 against Virginia in 1977 and McCauley gained 279 against Duke in 1970. Then comes Voight’s 261 against the Blue Devils in 1976. In 1990, Means rushed for 256 yards in the season finale vs. Duke. Two of the top single- season efforts ever in the ACC are McCauley’s 1,720 yards in 1970 and Voight’s 1,407 in 1976. McCauley and Voight are the only Carolina players to be named ACC Player of the Year in two seasons. McCauley was the top ACC player in 1969 and 1970 and Voight earned that award in 1975 and 1976.
Ethan Horton is the only other North Carolinaplayer to be named ACC Player of the Year in the same season he rushed for 1,000 yards. Leon Johnson is the only player in Atlantic Coast Conference history to be in the top five in career all-purpose yards, top five in career touchdowns, top five in career scoring, top 10 in career rushing yards and top 10 in career receptions. He is first in all-purpose yards in league history, second in touchdowns and fifth in scoring. He scored 50 touchdowns in his career, just one shy of the all-time ACC record held by Ted Brown of N.C. State. He scored 306 points, one of just four players in league history to top the 300- point mark. He and Brown are the only two non-kickers to accomplish that feat.
Linton alternated for much of his career between tailback and fullback. He was a reserve behind Leon Johnson for several years, but then became a standout as a senior. Linton became the first player in Carolina history to rush for 100 yards and catch passes for 100 yards in the same game. He rushed for 138 yards and added 137 receiving yards in Carolina’s 16-13 win at Georgia Tech. Despite suffering a knee injury days before the Gator Bowl, Linton rushed for 68 yards and caught six passes for 81 yards in Carolina’s 42-3 win over Virginia Tech.
(*) Denotes First Team All-American
and at home against Minnesota
in 2013 and at Minnesota in 2014.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States...
in collegiate level football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
. In Carolina’s first 121 seasons of football competition, the Tar Heels have compiled a record of 646–488–54, a winning percentage of .566. Carolina has played in 28 bowl games in its history and won three Southern Conference championships and five Atlantic Coast Conference titles. Thirty Tar Heel players have been honored as first-team All-Americas on 38 occasions. Carolina had 32 All-Southern Conference selections when it played in that league until 1952 and since joining the ACC in 1953, has had 174 first-team All- ACC choices. The team's most recent bowl appearance came in the 2010 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
2010 Music City Bowl
The 2010 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl was the 13th edition of the college football bowl game and was played at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee. The game was played on Thursday, December 30, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. CST and telecast on ESPN...
with a double overtime win against the Tennessee Volunteers
2010 Tennessee Volunteers football team
The 2010 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 2010 college football season. The team was coached by Derek Dooley who is in his first season as the 22nd coach in UT football history. The Vols played their home games at Neyland Stadium and competed in the...
; the final score was 30-27. Since joining the Atlantic Coast Conference
Atlantic Coast Conference
The Atlantic Coast Conference is a collegiate athletic league in the United States. Founded in 1953 in Greensboro, North Carolina, the ACC sanctions competition in twenty-five sports in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association for its twelve member universities...
in 1953, the team has won five conference championships, with the most recent title coming in 1980
1980 NCAA Division I-A football season
The 1980 NCAA Division I-A football season saw Georgia take its first national title since World War II.The Georgia Bulldogs starred freshman running back Herschel Walker, who made his NCAA debut against Tennessee. Down 15-2 at halftime, Georgia sent in Walker, the third string running back at the...
.
One very important contribution to the game of football by North Carolina is the modern use of the forward pass; they were the first college team to use the play in 1895. Bob Quincy notes in his 1973 book They Made the Bell Tower Chime:
"John Heisman, a noted historian, wrote 30 years later that, indeed, the Tar Heels had given birth to the forward pass against the Bulldogs (UGA). It was conceived to break a scoreless deadlock and give UNC a 6–0 win. The Carolinians were in a punting situation and a Georgia rush seemed destined to block the ball. The punter, with an impromptu dash to his right, tossed the ball and it was caught by George Stephens, who ran 70 yards for a touchdown.”
While not consistently successful, the North Carolina football program has had intermittent success and has featured a number of great players, many of whom have gone on to prominence in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
, including Lawrence Taylor
Lawrence Taylor
Lawrence Julius Taylor , nicknamed "L.T.", is a Hall of Fame former American football player. Taylor played his entire professional career as a linebacker for the New York Giants in the National Football League...
, Charlie Justice, Chris Hanburger
Chris Hanburger
Christian G. Hanburger, Jr. is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League who played his entire fourteen year career with the Washington Redskins from 1965 to 1978...
, Ken Willard
Ken Willard
Kenneth Henderson Willard is a former American football running back/fullback in the National Football League. Willard was drafted with the second pick of the 1965 NFL Draft, by the San Francisco 49ers ahead of future NFL Hall of Famers Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers. He played nine seasons with the...
, Don McCauley
Don McCauley
Don McCauley was a tailback for the University of North Carolina from 1968 to 1970 and he attended the Garden City High School.He was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection and two-time Conference Player of the Year. He garnered the 1971 ACC Athlete of the Year award. He broke many rushing...
, Jeff Saturday
Jeff Saturday
Jeffrey Bryant Saturday is an American football center for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He played college football at North Carolina. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the National Football League Players' Association.-Early years:Saturday attended...
, Alge Crumpler
Alge Crumpler
-Atlanta Falcons:Crumpler was drafted by the Falcons in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Crumpler made the first start of his NFL career against the Carolina Panthers on September 23, 2001. He caught his first two passes for a total of 13 yards. His first touchdown was scored against the...
, Willie Parker
Willie Parker
"Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina...
, Greg Ellis, Dré Bly
Dré Bly
Donald André "Dré" Bly is a former American football cornerback who played for eleven seasons in the National Football League. After playing college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, Bly was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
and Julius Peppers
Julius Peppers
Julius Frazier Peppers is an American football defensive end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. Nicknamed The Freak of Nature, he was drafted by the Carolina Panthers second overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
.
1888-1893: The Beginnings
The University of North Carolina, one of the institutions involved in the first intercollegiate football game in the state of North Carolina’s history, holds a special place in the annals of the game, both in the Tar Heel state and the nation as a whole. Carolina, which began playing the sport in 18881888 North Carolina Tar Heels football team
The 1888 North Carolina Tar Heels football team represented the University of North Carolina in the 1888 college football season. They played four games with a final record of 1-3. This was the first season the University fielded a football team. The team captains for the 1888 season were Bob...
, will embark on its 121st season of football competition in 2011. The Tar Heels do that with a history of gridiron greatness, including some of the top coaches in the game, a lineage of talented running backs and one of the most beautiful and historic facilities in college football.
Surprisingly, football is actually not the oldest varsity sport at North Carolina. Baseball
North Carolina Tar Heels baseball
The North Carolina Tar Heels baseball team represents the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in NCAA Division I college baseball. They participate in the Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division....
holds that honor, having fielded its first varsity squad back in 1867. But while football started 21 years later in 1888, its history is replete with memories that have thrilled legions of Carolina fans as the decades have elapsed.
The first North Carolina team played but two games, losing both and being outscored 22-4. That inauspicious beginning belies the success of the program since then, but those football pioneers are nevertheless credited with starting football at Carolina. In the fall of 1888, the sophomore class at North Carolina had formed a team and after vanquishing all the other classes at North Carolina, began to look around for stiffer opposition. The North Carolina team challenged the Wake Forest
Wake Forest Demon Deacons football
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team represents Wake Forest University in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Wake Forest plays its home football games at BB&T Field....
squad to a game which was scheduled during the State Fair in Raleigh on October 18, 1888. Wake won the game 6- 4 in what came to be acknowledged as the first intercollegiate football game in the history of the state of North Carolina. Later that same fall, Carolina challenged Trinity
Duke Blue Devils football
The Duke Blue Devils football program is a college football team that represents Duke University . The team is currently a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference , which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association . The Blue Devils compete in the Coastal...
(now Duke) to a Thanksgiving Day contest in Raleigh that drew a crowd of 600 for a 16-0 Trinity triumph. One member of that 1888 North Carolina team was John Motley Morehead
John Motley Morehead
John Motley Morehead was the 29th Governor of the U.S. state of North Carolina from 1841 to 1845. He is known as "the Father of Modern North Carolina."...
, who went on to great fame as the founder of Union Carbide
Union Carbide
Union Carbide Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company. It currently employs more than 2,400 people. Union Carbide primarily produces chemicals and polymers that undergo one or more further conversions by customers before reaching consumers. Some are high-volume...
and who endowed the Morehead Scholarship program and several buildings on the Carolina campus. That first Carolina team’s results may not have been what was expected, but the leaders of the ’88 team did get the ball rolling.
Just a few months after the loss to Trinity in 1888, North Carolina acquired the services of Hector Cowan
Hector Cowan
-External links:...
, former great tackle and captain at Princeton, to help teach the North Carolina players the fundamentals of the game. Cowan arrived in February 1889 and drilled the Tar Heel troops on the existing athletic field, located on the current site of Bynum Hall. The 1889 team played two games in the spring and two in the fall. On March 1, 1889, Carolina earned its first win in football as it routed Wake Forest 33-0 before a crowd of 500 in Raleigh. North Carolina went on to post a 2-2 record that year and earn a share of the state championship with Trinity and Wake Forest.
After a Carolina player suffered a broken collarbone that fall, the University faculty voted to discontinue the sport of football in January 1890 and Carolina did not compete at all the following fall. That is one of only three years since the start of football in 1888 in which the Tar Heels have not fielded a team; play was also suspended during World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
in 1917 and 1918. The following year, students petitioned to have football restored at North Carolina and the ban was lifted with the help of Professors Horace Williams, F.P. Venable and Eban Alexander. At this time, athletic control passed from the hands of students to the faculty, a situation that still exists today. Football returned to North Carolina that fall with W.P. Graves as coach and North Carolina compiling an 0-2 record.
The following year, 1892
1892 North Carolina Tar Heels football team
The 1892 North Carolina Tar Heels football team represented the University of North Carolina in the 1892 college football season. They played six games with a final record of 5-1. The team captain for the 1892 season was Mike Hoke.- Schedule :...
, is considered by most to be the first year of real football at North Carolina with a representative six-game schedule being played. That squad also earned the distinction of being North Carolina’s first good team. Mike Hoke acted as team captain and the entire squad consisted of just 15 players, with North Carolina using only one substitute the entire season. The team opened the year with a 40-0 rout of Richmond
Richmond Spiders football
The Richmond Spiders are a college football team representing the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. Richmond was the Division I Football Championship Subdivision champion for the 2008 season. Richmond currently competes in the Colonial Athletic Association of the NCAA's Division I...
and after a loss to Virginia
Virginia Cavaliers football
Virginia Cavaliers football is a college football program that competes in the NCAA Division I-FBS and the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference...
in the next game, it went on to win its last four. Carolina’s 5-1 mark was the best record in the South that year. That season also marked the first year in which University teams were referred to as "Carolina," with the appellations "University" and "Chapel Hill" being dropped from the popular vernacular.
A meeting in December 1892 signaled the start of the formation of what would become the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association
The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association was one of the first collegiate athletic conferences in the United States. Twenty-seven of the current Division I FBS football programs were members of this conference at some point, as were at least 19 other schools...
in later years. Eight schools, including North Carolina, were involved in the meeting and Dr. Venable was voted temporary chairman of the group. Later that same year, on May 12, the UNC athletic association approved the awarding of varsity letters for the first time. Although the 1893 team managed only a 3-4 record, it did have the distinction of being the first Southern team to play in New York City as Carolina lost a 34-0 decision to Lehigh on November 25, 1893.
1893-1916
A year later1894 North Carolina Tar Heels football team
The 1894 North Carolina Tar Heels football team represented the University of North Carolina in the 1894 college football season. They played nine games with a final record of 6-3. The team captain for the 1894 season was Charles Baskerville.- Schedule :...
, Carolina brought in Vernon K. Irvine
Vernon Irvine
Vernon K. Irvine was the head football coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1894.-Head coaching record:-External links:...
from Princeton
Princeton University
Princeton University is a private research university located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. The school is one of the eight universities of the Ivy League, and is one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution....
as coach and he led Carolina to a 6-3 mark, attesting to the fact that experienced coaching benefited the team’s performance. That North Carolina team finished second in the South and won the state championship. It was also the first to be forced to stage closed practices because of problems with crowd control at open sessions. In 1895
1895 North Carolina Tar Heels football team
The 1895 North Carolina Tar Heels football team represented the University of North Carolina in the 1895 college football season. They played nine games with a final record of 7-1-1 and were Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association champions. The team captain for the 1895 season was Edwin...
, T.C. "Doggie" Trenchard
Thomas Trenchard
-External links:...
came from Princeton to coach the Tar Heels and he led North Carolina to an outstanding 7-1-1 season marred only by a loss to Virginia. A crowd of 12,000 was on hand for the meeting between the Tar Heels and the Cavaliers in Richmond, which Virginia won 6-0. Twice during the game spectators ran onto the field to block the path of Tar Heel runners who had broken into the clear on apparent touchdown runs.
Carolina began to gain some consistency in the sport of football with the arrival of William A. Reynolds
William A. Reynolds
-External links:...
of Princeton as head coach in 1897
1897 North Carolina Tar Heels football team
The 1897 North Carolina Tar Heels football team represented the University of North Carolina in the 1897 college football season. They played ten games with a final record of 7-3. The team captain for the 1897 season was Arthur Belden.- Schedule :...
. Reynolds produced four winning Carolina teams in his four-year tenure at Chapel Hill. His first squad finished at 7-3 and was followed in 1898 by what is still the only unbeaten, untied team in school history. That 1898 squad was a perfect 9-0 and outscored its opponents by an amazing 201-8. The team finished the season by beating Virginia for the first time in six years, 6-2, in Richmond. Reynolds’ final two teams also posted respectable records, going 7-3-1 in 1889 and 4-1-3 in 1900.
Reynolds yielded the coaching reins after the 1900 season to Charles Jenkins, who led North Carolina to seven straight wins prior to a pair of season-ending losses in 1901. Carolina beat all of its state opponents to win its seventh state championship since 1892. In 1901, letters began to be awarded by an advisory committee of the athletic association. Previously, anyone who played had lettered. The next 11 seasons saw Carolina with nine different head coaches. The 1905 Carolina squad was coached by William Warner
Bill Warner
William J. "Bill" Warner was an American football player and coach. Warner graduated from Cornell University in 1903 and was a member of the Sphinx Head Society...
, the brother of the famed "Pop" Warner
Glenn Scobey Warner
Glenn Scobey Warner , most commonly known as Pop Warner, was an American football player and coach...
.
Trenchard returned as Carolina’s coach in 1913 for a three-year run. His 1914 squad was outstanding. Sixty men reported for the team and North Carolina went on to win its first 10 before losing to Virginia 20-3 before a record crowd of 15,000 in Richmond. That North Carolina team outscored its opponents 359-52 and became the first team in the South to display players’ numbers on their jerseys. Trenchard’s 1915 squad did not fare as well, finishing the campaign with a 4-3-1 mark. Seven regulars missed the Virginia Military Institute
VMI Keydets football
The VMI Keydets football team represents the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. The Keydets compete in the Big South Conference of the NCAA Division I FCS, and are currently coached by Sparky Woods, now in his 4th year...
game and the reserves struggled, fumbling 16 times en route to a 3-3 tie. That same year, Trenchard started the first athletic training table at North Carolina in his home, feeding the 56 squad members on a daily basis.
The year 1916 found the Tar Heels in a new home as Carolina began to play its games at Emerson Stadium, the site of the current Davis Library. Freshmen were banned from varsity participation for the first time and the team went 5-4 and won its sixth successive state championship. All of the members of the 1916 squad had entered the military service in World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
by the following fall and varsity football was dropped for the second time in North Carolina history, this time for a two-year hiatus.
1919-1933
Carolina made its full-fledged return to the gridiron in 1919, going 4-3-1 under Coach Thomas J. Coleman. Carolina twice broke its single game home attendance record that year as it won the state championship. The Tar Heels defeated N.C. State, 13-12, before a crowd of 7,500 and then topped that with 9,000 for a 6-0 win over Virginia. That game marked the first time the Cavaliers had ever played in Chapel Hill. The 1920 campaign was a dismal one as North Carolina went 2-6 and scored only 16 points in eight games. But a more positive era in North Carolina football began a year later with the hiring of Bill and Bob Fetzer as co-head coaches. Their hiring also marked a change in athletic policy at North Carolina as the Fetzers were assured of long-term positions instead of the usual one-year contracts. Carolina went 5-2-2 under the Fetzers in 1921 and 10,000 filled Emerson Field for Carolina’s 7-3 win over Virginia. That year also marked the first for North Carolina’s participation in the Southern Intercollegiate Conference, the official name for what has come to be known today simply as the Southern Conference. At a February 25, 1921 meeting in Atlanta, the SIC was formed with a 16-school membership. The conference agreed to bans on postseason play, freshman eligibility and athletic training tables, required eligibility forms for players and disallowed organized practice before September 10. Carolina would go on to have great success in the Southern Conference, tying for the league crown in 1922 and winning it outright in 1934, 1937, 1946 and 1949.The Fetzers’ greatest team was probably the 1922 edition which posted an impressive 9-1 mark, won the South Atlantic championship and tied for the Southern Conference crown. That team lost only to Yale, 18-0, and had three touchdowns called back by penalties in the game. The squad was ranked 11th in the nation by I.B. Thomas in the January 1923 issue of Intercollegiate Athletics and played before a record 68,500 fans during the course of the campaign. The 1923 team was ravaged by injuries but limped to a 5-3-1 record nevertheless and a state championship for a second straight year. A year later, the Tar Heels were only 4-5 but they did play before their largest crowd to that date, 25,000 at New Haven’s Yale Bowl in a 27-0 loss to the Bulldogs. The 1925 season would prove to be the Fetzers’ last as co-coaches. The Tar Heels responded with an excellent season, going 7-1-1 and winning the state championship. The only loss came at the hands of Wake Forest. A crowd of 16,000 jammed Emerson Field (capacity 2,400) to see the Heels and Virginia play to a 3-3 tie in the season finale.
The following year began a new era in Carolina football as Chuck Collins came on the scene as head coach. He had the longest tenure (eight years) of the early Carolina coaches. Collins, who was one of the seven mules in the offensive line for Notre Dame’s famed Four Horsemen, served as Carolina’s coach from 1926 through 1933. The 1926 season also brought onto the scene the infamous Kay Kyser, later to be a renowned Big Band leader and radio and motion pictures personality, as head cheerleader and his Cheerios as the first major organized cheer block at Carolina.
New stadium plans were also in the works in 1926. Carolina alumni in Durham and Chapel Hill met on May 24, 1926, to form the Durham Stadium Committee. On November 13 of that same year, William Rand Kenan, a New York City engineer and 1893 North Carolina football letterman, gave the University a gift of $275,000 to help build the stadium. The first game played in Kenan Memorial Stadium was on November 12, 1927 with North Carolina beating Davidson 27-0 before a crowd of 9,000 fans. The following Saturday, North Carolina beat two-touchdown favorite Duke 18-0 in Durham. The stadium was officially dedicated on Thanksgiving Day 1927 with 28,000 attending as Carolina edged Virginia 14-13. John Sprunt Hill officially made the presentation of the stadium to Governor A.W. McLean who accepted on behalf of the University and state. Carolina won its first state championship since 1925 during the 1928 season. Its 5-3-2 record that year included a 65-0 win over Wake Forest in the season opener. That still stands as the largest margin of victory in North Carolina history. President Calvin Coolidge attended the Carolina- Virginia game in Charlottesville that year and saw the Tar Heels pull out a 24-20 win. It was the first time a U.S. President had ever attended a game in the South.
Collins’ first great team was the 1929 edition which went 9-1 and outscored its opponents 346-60. The only loss of the year came to Georgia and only Southern California scored more points during the course of the season. Ray Farris was the captain of that North Carolina team and was a unanimous All-Southern Conference choice at guard. Carolina was called the "Team of a Million Backs" and drew a record attendance of 139,500. The 1931 team, coached by Collins, went 4-3-3 and won the state championship. The Carolina-Duke game went big time for the first time that year as a crowd of 20,000 in Durham watched the two teams play to their second straight scoreless tie. Johnny Branch, a great all-purpose runner, was the star of that squad.
1934-1945
The quiet Dutchman, Carl Snavely, came to Chapel Hill in 1934 from Bucknell to take over the coaching reins of the Tar Heels. It would be the first of two tours of duty for Snavely as head coach. The 1934 team went 7-1-1 and was led by George Barclay, North Carolina’s first All-America in football, at guard. Carolina lost only to Tennessee and it tied N.C. State that season. The Carolina-Duke game drew state and Kenan record crowds as the Tar Heels eked out a 7-0 victory. The 1935 team also proved to be a great one as Snavely led his squad to an 8-1 record. Carolina won its first seven of the season and there was talk that the Tar Heels were headed to the Rose Bowl. But arch-rival Duke made sure that didn’t happen on Saturday, November 16 in Durham as the Blue Devils played an error-less game, winning 25-0. That game drew a new Southern attendance record of 47,000 and in total 149,500 saw North Carolina play during the course of the year, another record. After losing to Duke, North Carolina came back to pummel Virginia 61-0 and ended up eighth in the final Associated Press rankings. Ace passer Don Jackson was named a second-team All-America.Ray Wolf came to Carolina in 1936 to coach after Snavely had gone on to Cornell. Wolf had six successful seasons at North Carolina, producing winning teams the first five. The 1936 team went 8-2 and lost only to Tulane and Duke. That squad was led by end Andy Bershak, who was a second-team All-America in 1936 and a first teamer a year later. Wolf’s teams continued their success, going 7-1-1, 6-2-1, 8-1-1 and 6-4 in subsequent years. Some of Wolf’s outstanding players were Jim Lalanne, Paul Severin and George Stirnweiss. The World War II years were an unsettled time in Carolina athletic history. From 1942 through 1944, North Carolina had three different head coaches who put makeshift teams through the paces against adjusted schedules which included some military teams. Jim Tatum, an outstanding player at Carolina in the 1930s, coached the 1942 unit. He would return for another coaching tenure later.
Snavely returned to Chapel Hill in 1945 and during the next five years produced some of the best teams in Carolina football history. His 1948 team finished third in the AP poll, the highest final ranking ever for the Tar Heels. An Omaha, Nebraska native, Snavely was a 1915 alumnus of Lebanon Valley College. He had coached Carolina teams in 1934 and 1935 to a 15-2-1 record and returned in 1945 after nine years at Cornell. In fact, at Cornell in 1940, Snavely was involved in an infamous contest which would be recounted repeatedly some 50 years after the fact. Snavely was the coach who, upon learning it had taken a fifth down for his Big Red to defeat Dartmouth, wired the opposing coach Red Blaik and relinquished the victory. His 1945 team did well, finishing 5-5 after winning only one game the previous season.
1946-1949: Charlie Justice's Dominance
Then the incomparable Charlie Justice arrived a year later, and with his compatriots, North Carolina went to three major bowl games and won two Southern Conference titles in the period from 1946-49. Snavely’s 1946 team was 8-2- 1, won the Southern Conference championship and lost to Georgia, 20-10, in the Sugar Bowl. The 1947 team was probably the best of the four. It finished 8-2, winning its last seven, but went uninvited in the postseason. The 1948 unit had only a regular-season tie with William & Mary to mar its record. It went on to lose to Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl. Finally, the 1949 team was unbeaten in the conference and finished 7-4 overall, losing to Rice in the Cotton Bowl. Justice was not the only star of those Snavely teams. Art Weiner and Ken Powell were tremendous ends on those teams and Hosea Rodgers was a great rugged fullback of the era. But Justice was the main attraction. He ran and passed for over 4,000 yards in his four-year career and he averaged over 42 yards a punt. He had only two punts blocked in his career and both of those were in the first game of his freshman year. When he was done after the 1949 season, Justice had established NCAA records in total offense and punting and was considered the greatest punter of all time. As a triple-threat All-America halfback, Justice captured the imagination and fancy of the football fan as no one else ever had. He was idolized and the attention he received from the fans and the media was almost unheard of in that time. A native of Asheville, he had served in the Navy in World War II and was already 26 years old by the time of his senior year in 1949. He capped his amazing career by being named the Most Valuable Player in the 1950 College All-Star Game in Chicago.1950-1966
The departure of Justice from campus coincided with a 20-year drought in North Carolina’s football fortunes. Snavely, despite all his earlier successes, could not produce a winning team after the Justice era. George Barclay, Carolina’s first All-America player back in 1934, was brought in as head coach, but he encountered little success in his three years of running the program. That’s when Carolina successfully lured Jim Tatum back to the fold. Tatum was a great North Carolina player in the 1930s and had coached the Tar Heels during World War II in 1942. He had since been at Maryland, where he led the Terrapins to the national championship in 1953. Tatum’s first season back in Chapel Hill, in 1956, was rather undistinguished. The Tar Heels went 2-7-1 with victories over Virginia and Maryland. In 1957, in Tatum’s first return trip to College Park where he had enjoyed so much success, the Carolina-Maryland game was marked by the appearance of Queen Elizabeth II. The queen and her entourage watched the Terrapins beat the Tar Heels 21- 7. But that 1957 team finished 6-4 as did the 1958 team under Tatum’s steady leadership.It appeared Carolina had the corner turned when Tatum died suddenly in the summer of 1959 from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. He was replaced by assistant Jim Hickey whose teams did not meet with a great deal of success in his eight seasons as head coach. Hickey produced only one winning record, that in 1963 when the Tar Heels finished 9-2 and shared their first Atlantic Coast Conference title. That team went on to post the school’s first win in a bowl game, a 35-0 decision over Air Force in the Gator Bowl. That 1963 squad was led by the running of Ken Willard, the passing of Junior Edge and Gary Black and the pass receiving of Bob Lacey. Linebacker Chris Hanburger was a stalwart on defense for the Tar Heels.
1967-1977: Dooley Era
After Hickey resigned after a 2-8 season in 1966, North Carolina looked to Bill Dooley to revitalize its football fortunes. The choice proved to be a wise one. Dooley’s teams won 69, lost 53 and tied two in his 11-year tenure. ACC championships were won under Dooley in 1971, 1972 and 1977. Bowl trips became a regular feature — six in all during the Dooley years. After three rebuilding seasons, Dooley’s first good team was in 1970. It finished 8-4 and went on to play Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Tailback Don McCauley, who had gained 1,092 yards rushing in 1969, returned for a 1,720-yard season in 1970. He was the first of North Carolina’s 23 1,000-yard rushers. The Garden City, N.Y. native broke what was then O.J. Simpson’s single-season NCAA rushing standard. Dooley’s teams won back-to-back ACC titles in 1971 and 1972. The ’71 team lost to Georgia 7-3 in the Gator Bowl in a match-up of coaching brothers, Vince Dooley being the head mentor of the Bulldogs.The 1972 team had an 11-1 record marred only by a loss at Ohio State. It won a thrilling 32-28 decision from Texas Tech in the Sun Bowl. The mid-1970s brought more success as North Carolina made bowl appearances in 1974 (Sun), 1976 (Peach) and 1977 (Liberty). Sammy Johnson was a 1,000-yard rusher for Carolina in 1973, as was James Betterson in 1974. But the outstanding offensive player of this era was Mike Voight who gained over 1,000 yards in 1974, 1975 and 1976, including 1,407 yards in ’76. Voight was named the ACC Player of the Year in both 1975 and ’76 for his efforts. The 1977 team would prove to be Dooley’s last at North Carolina. It won the ACC title and earned a berth opposite Nebraska in the Liberty Bowl. A rugged defense led by All-America tackle Dee Hardison helped Carolina lead the nation in scoring defense that season. UNC allowed only 81 points in 11 regular-season games. The new offensive star was a freshman tailback named Amos Lawrence, who rushed for 1,211 yards and was named ACC Rookie of the Year. Dooley resigned in January 1978 to accept the dual role of head football coach and athletic director at Virginia Tech.
1978-1987: Crum Era
At that time, Carolina turned to the "Cradle of Coaches" at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, to find its new head coach, Dick Crum. Crum had just completed an outstanding four-year run at Miami. His 10 years as head coach at North Carolina were equally brilliant. The winningest coach in Tar Heel history, he compiled a 72-41-3 ledger at the North Carolina helm. He took six of his 10 North Carolina teams to bowl games, winning on four occasions, and the 1980 squad won the ACC championship. After a 5-6 record in 1978, Crum’s teams from 1979 through 1983 went to five successive bowls and won 45 games. North Carolina posted four consecutive bowl wins over national football powers, beating Michigan in the 1979 Gator Bowl, Texas in the 1980 Bluebonnet Bowl, Arkansas in the 1981 Gator Bowl and Texas again in the 1982 Sun Bowl.In 1980 and 1981, North Carolina became the first team in league history to finish in the Top 10 of both wire service polls in successive years. The 1980 team was 11-1 and ranked ninth by United Press International and 10th by Associated Press. The 1981 unit was 10-2 and rated eighth by UPI and ninth by AP. Two more Carolina teams coached by Crum would later go to bowl games, the 1983 team to the Peach Bowl to face Florida State and the 1986 corps to the Aloha Bowl for a meeting with Arizona. There was a plethora of outstanding players at Carolina during the Crum era and the Tar Heel football record book was being constantly updated.
In 1980, linebacker Lawrence Taylor was named the ACC Player of the Year and he went on to All-Pro status with the New York Giants. That season, Taylor led what was one of the greatest defenses in ACC history. Other great defensive players at North Carolina included linebacker Buddy Curry, defensive tackle Donnell Thompson, linebacker Darrell Nicholson, defensive back Steve Streater, defensive tackle William Fuller and outside linebacker Mike Wilcher. All of those players were All-ACC selections and several went on to have distinguished pro careers. Fuller made four first-team All-America squads in 1983.
Although Crum’s teams were known for their rugged defense, Carolina also excelled offensively, leading the ACC in total offense four times in the 1980s and ranking sixth nationally in 1986. There were several reasons behind the offensive fireworks. First, there was a succession of outstanding running backs. Five different players gained 1,000 or more yards rushing in a season a total of 10 times under Crum’s tutelage. After his brilliant freshman year, Lawrence went on to gain 1,000 yards three more times. He is one of only four players in college football history to gain 1,000 yards rushing in each of their four seasons. Kelvin Bryant overcame an injury-marred career to gain 1,000 yards on three occasions. Ethan Horton turned the trick twice in his career and Tyrone Anthony and Derrick Fenner had one 1,000-yard rushing season each. A second reason behind North Carolina’s offensive success was the presence of some outstanding linemen in the ’80s, four of whom gained first-team All-America status - guard Ron Wooten in 1980, guard David Drechsler in 1981 and ’82, tackle Brian Blados in 1983 and tackle Harris Barton in 1986.
Carolina’s offense also became more diversified in the Crum era and the passing section of the Carolina record book was basically rewritten at that time by a string of accomplished starters at quarterback– Matt Kupec, RodElkins, Scott Stankavage, Kevin Anthony and Mark Maye. At the conclusion of the 1987 season, Crum resigned to return home to his native Ohio and was replaced by Tulane head coach Mack Brown.
1988-1997: Mack Brown's Transformation
Mack Brown's first two teams struggled throughout their game to 1-10 records. Center Jeff Garnica was a third team All-America and the Jacobs Blocking Trophy recipient in 1988 as the best offensive lineman in the ACC. Offensive guard Pat Crowley became only the second offensive lineman in ACC history to be named All-ACC in three successive years when he accomplished that feat in 1989. The blocking of those two players was instrumental in tailback Kennard Martin leading the ACC in rushing in 1988 with 1,146 yards.The Tar Heels turned things around in 1990, however, and put together a solid 6-4-1 record and even returned to the Top 25 at one point in the season. Inside linebacker Dwight Hollier led the ACC in tackles for the second consecutive season and rookie tailback Natrone Means capped a stellar second half of the season with a 256-yard, three-touchdown effort vs. Duke. Along the way, Carolina tied Georgia Tech 13-13; the stalemate proved to be the only blemish on the Yellow Jackets’ otherwise-perfect national championship ledger. In 1991, Means became the 11th Tar Heel to rush for more than 1,000 yards. Means ran for 1,030 yards and topped the 1,000-yard plateau on an electrifying, 68-yard scamper in the Tar Heels’47-14 rout over Duke. Means, inside linebacker Tommy Thigpen and offensive guard Brian Bollinger each were first team All-ACC selections.
1992 was another season filled with great players, spectacular plays and electrifying memories. The Tar Heels won nine games, including a 21-17 victory over Mississippi State in the Peach Bowl, and finished the season ranked in the Top 20 in both major polls. Means rushed for 1,195 yards, the 21st 1,000-yard rushing season in Carolina history. He had a 249-yard day at Maryland and once again dramatically crashed the 1,000-yard club with a 76- yard touchdown run against the Terrapins. The Tar Heels defeated Top 20 opposition on consecutive weekends in mid-season, the first time in the program’s history the team accomplished that feat. Carolina accepted a bid to play in the Peach Bowl and provided one of the year ’s most entertaining bowl games. Trailing Mississippi State by two touchdowns in the third quarter, North Carolina rallied for a 21-17 win. Means, a repeat first-team All-ACC selection, gained 128 yards and was named the game’s Offensive MVP. Strong safety Bracey Walker tied the game when he blocked a punt, his second of the game, and returned it 41 yards for a score. Walker, the game’s Defensive MVP, set up the game-winning touchdown when he forced an interception with a jarring fourth quarter hit. Cornerback Cliff Baskerville picked the loose ball out of the air and raced 44 yards for the winning touchdown.
The 1993 Tar Heels provided one of the most entertaining seasons in Carolina history. North Carolina won 10 games for the first time in a dozen years, finished second in the ACC, 19th in the Associated Press poll and played in a bowl game for a second consecutive season. North Carolina set nearly 40 team and individual records, including most points, points per game and total offense. Walker was named first-team All-America by several organizations and was a first team All-ACC selection along with tailback Curtis Johnson and offensive tackle Ethan Albright. Johnson and red-shirt freshman tailback Leon Johnson each rushed for 1,000-plus yards. Curtis rushed for 1,034 yards and
set a school record with a 90- yard score vs. Maryland; Leon was named the ACC Rookie of the Year as he rushed for 1,012 yards and led the conference with 16 touchdowns and 100 points. Quarterback Jason Stanicek set North Carolina single-season records for total offense (2,284 yards), total yards per game (190.3), completion percentage (64.1) and pass efficiency rating (145.79). Corey Holliday concluded his brilliant career as Carolina’s all-time leading pass receiver. Twice selected a captain by his teammates, Holliday finished his four years with 155 receptions for 2,447 yards and caught a pass in an ACC-record 45 consecutive games. He had nine receptions, a North Carolina postseason record, versus Alabama in Carolina’s 24-10 loss in the Gator Bowl.
In 1994 Carolina went 8-4, losing to Texas, 35-31, in the Sun Bowl in an exhilarating contest. Stanicek concluded his career as the school’s all-time total offense leader. Stanicek passed "Choo Choo" Justice’s mark, which had stood since 1949, in the fifth game of the season and finished his standout career with 5,497 yards. Stanicek also set North Carolina career records for most pass completions (372), attempts (622), yards (4,683) and completion percentage (.598). He tied Matt Kupec’s school mark for most wins by a starting quarterback with 24. Marcus Wall set a Tar Heel record for most touchdown catches in a season with nine and added a touchdown catch in the Sun Bowl. He also returned a kickoff for a score against Duke, returned a punt for a touchdown against Texas and had a rushing touchdown against N.C. State. Carolina beat Duke 41-40 in one of the most exciting games in the storied history of that rivalry. The Blue Devils scored a pair of quick touchdowns in the fourth quarter to go ahead, 38-34, with less than 3:00 to play. Mike Thomas quickly connected with freshman Octavus Barnes on a short crossing route and Barnes raced past the entire secondary for a 71-yard game-winning score. Barnes established an ACC record for receiving yards in a season by a freshman with 609. He had 165 yards on receptions, the third-highest single-game figure in Carolina history, in the regular-season finale at Duke and again in the Sun Bowl against Texas.
The 1995 Tar Heels rebounded from an 0-2 start to post a winning season for the sixth consecutive year and received an invitation to the Carquest Bowl in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Defensive tackle Marcus Jones was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and became the first North Carolina player in nine years to be named consensus first-team All-America. Jones topped Lawrence Taylor’s career North Carolina sack record as he concluded his four years with 24, three more than Taylor. Mike Thomas set numerous single-season total offense and passing records, including most yards of total offense (2,489), most yards passing (2,436), most pass attempts (332) and most completions (185). He threw for more than 200 yards in each of the first six games and concluded his career with nine 200-yard outings. Tailback Leon Johnson and split end Octavus Barnes each surpassed the previous school record for pass receptions in a season. Johnson led the team in rushing with 963 yards and added 54 receptions. Barnes had 53 catches for 970 yards. Johnson rushed for 195 yards and a touchdown in the 20-10 win over Arkansas in the Carquest Bowl. That is the highest rushing total in Carolina postseason history. Barnes established a North Carolina record with four 100-yard receiving games. He caught three touchdown passes and totaled 211 yards receiving, the second-highest figure in school history, in a 62-0 rout of Ohio. Marcus Jones was named first-team All-America by the Associated Press, the American Football Coaches Association, the Walter Camp Foundation and United Press International.
1996 was one of the finest seasons in Carolina history. The Tar Heels went 10-2, won the Gator Bowl and finished 10th in both national polls. Mack Brown was named the ACC Coach of the Year as he directed a new-look offense to record-setting heights. Seven Tar Heels earned first-team All-ACC honors led by quarterback Chris Keldorf, a junior college transfer, who set North Carolina single-season passing records for completions (201), yards (2,347) and touchdowns (23). Leon Johnson set all-time North Carolina records for scoring (306) and touchdowns (50) and established the all-time ACC mark with 5,828 all-purpose yards. He earned All-ACC honors as a kick returner. The Tar Heel defense, coached by National Defensive Coordinator of the Year Carl Torbush, led the country in scoring and was second with 225.6 total yards per game. Redshirt freshman cornerback Dré Bly led the country in interceptions with an ACC-record 11 and was a consensus first-team All- America. Bly was just the fifth freshman in history and the first freshman defensive player to be named an AP All-America. The year began with a 45-0 win over Clemson and included a 52-20 rout over N.C. State. Carolina went to Syracuse in the second week and beat the No. 9 ranked Orangemen, North Carolina’s first road win over a Top 10 team since 1966. The Tar Heels tied for second in the ACC. They played West Virginia in the Gator Bowl without Keldorf, who suffered a fracture dislocation of his left ankle in the last regular-season game. Oscar Davenport came off the bench to win MVP honors as he completed 14 of 26 passes for 175 yards and passed and ran for scores.
The 1997 season may go down as the most memorable in Carolina football history. The Tar Heels went 11-1, won the Gator Bowl for the second year in a row and finished fourth in the final coaches’ poll and sixth in the final Associated Press poll. North Carolina lived up to lofty preseason predictions and spent the entire year in the Top 10. The Tar Heels were once again led by a stifling defense. North Carolina allowed just 209.3 yards per game, the second-lowest figure in the NCAA and the lowest total by an ACC team since 1963. It was the fewest yards allowed by Carolina since 1948. The defense featured three first-round draft picks (defensive end Greg Ellis, defensive tackle Vonnie Holliday and linebacker Brian Simmons), a Butkus Award finalist (linebacker Kivuusama Mays) and three first-team All-Americas (Ellis, Simmons and Bly). Bly became the first North Carolina football player in history to earn consensus first-team All-America honors in more than one season. He had five interceptions to lead a secondary that was third in the country in passing yards allowed. Carolina was the only defense in the country to have finalists for the Lombardi (Ellis), Butkus (Mays) and Thorpe (Bly) Awards. Davenport earned Team MVP honors by completing 62.8 percent of his passes and leading the Tar Heels to come-from-behind wins over Stanford, Virginia and Georgia Tech. His season ended in the ninth week when he suffered a broken ankle in the loss to Florida State. That game featured the second-ranked Seminoles and fifth-ranked Tar Heels and was played in front of 62,000 fans, the largest crowd ever at Kenan Stadium. Keldorf began the fall as the reigning All-ACC quarterback, lost his starting job, and finally replaced an injured Davenport late in the season. He set a single- game North Carolina record at Texas Christian by throwing for 415 yards, set the school record for career passing touchdowns with 35 and finished his career with sensational performances in wins over Clemson, Duke and Virginia Tech.
Brown's Sudden Departure
Keldorf engineered the Tar Heels’17-10 win at Clemson, Carolina’s first triumph in Death Valley since 1980. Keldorf wrapped his remarkable two-year career with an MVP performance in win over the Hokies in the Gator Bowl as he threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns. The 1997 season was the last for Mack Brown as head coach. He resigned on December 5th to become the head coach at Texas. Brown finished his 10-year career at Carolina with a 69-46-1 record. The 69 wins equal the second-most in North Carolina history. Athletic director Dick Baddour promoted defensive coordinator Carl Torbush to head coach on December 8, 1997. Torbush, defensive coordinator since 1988, directed the Tar Heels to a 42-3 win over Virginia Tech in the Gator Bowl.Torbush Era
The 1998 season began with three straight defeats, but Torbush rallied the Tar Heels to six wins in the last eight regular season games. That earned an invitation to the Las Vegas Bowl, where the Tar Heels beat San Diego State, 20-13. Davenport was injured on the first series in the season opener. That injury forced the debut of freshman Ronald Curry, who would establish North Carolina single-season freshman records for passing yards (975), touchdown passes (six), completions (66) and total offense yards (1,394). Curry had a 48-yard touchdown run and was named Offensive MVP of the Las Vegas Bowl. Na Brown tied his own school record with 55 receptions for 897 yards and became Carolina’s all-time leading receiver with 165 catches. His most memorable grab was the game-winning touchdown pass from Davenport in overtime to beat NC State, 37-34. The game was played in Charlotte, N.C., before a record crowd of 68,797. It was the most people to ever see a college football game in North Carolina. Ebenezer Ekuban set a single-season North Carolina record with 23 tackles for losses, earned the ACC’s Top Senior Student-Athlete Award and was named first-team All-ACC. Ekuban was joined on the All-ACC squad by Bly, who set the conference career record for interceptions with 20. Bly was named first-team All- America by the Walter Camp Foundation and became the only player in ACC history to be named first-team All-America in three different seasons.Carolina was beset by injuries early in the 1999 season but improved throughout the course of the year. The Tar Heels did not allow a touchdown in the final 10 quarters of the season. North Carolina defeated rivals Duke and NC State, with the win over the Wolfpack coming via a classic goal-line tackle by Errol Hood and David Bomar that preserved a 10-6 win. Brian Schmitz set an ACC and North Carolina record by averaging 47.8 yards per punt and was named a first-team All-America by The Sporting News. Schmitz’s career punting average of 44.4 yards per kick is best in ACC history.
The 2000 season was full of ups and downs as the Tar Heels opened the season 3-1 only to lose four consecutive games before defeating Maryland and Duke to finish 6-5 overall. Despite a winning record, Carolina did not receive a bowl invitation for the second straight year and Carl Torbush was dismissed as head coach. He was replaced by former letter-winner John Bunting on December 11, 2000. Bunting was an All-ACC linebacker at Carolina in 1971 and played on two bowl teams.
Bunting Era
Bunting’s first season was one of the most exciting in Carolina history as the Tar Heels’ turned around an 0-3 start to win eight of their last 10, including a 16-10 win over Auburn in the Peach Bowl. The eight wins were the most ever by a first-year head coach at North Carolina. Perhaps the most thrilling win was Carolina’s 41-9 upset of No. 6 Florida State, who had lost just twice in conference play since joining the league. The Tar Heels trailed 9-7 at the half, but shutout the Seminoles in the second period and rallied for 34 unanswered points. The win set off a wild on-field celebration as Bunting notched his first win at his alma mater. Individually, defensive end Julius Peppers led the nation with 15 sacks, just one shy of the North Carolina record, and was named a first-team All-America. Peppers did establish a school record with 24 tackles for losses, breaking the mark set by Ekuban in 1998. Led by Peppers, Carolina’s defense posted a school-record 53 sacks and had at least three sacks in every game. Peppers, who was the second overall pick in the NFL Draft following the season, became the first Tar Heel to win a major college football award, bringing home the Lombardi Award as the nation’s top lineman and the Bednarik Award as the nation’s top overall defensive player.According to the Saragin rankings, the Tar Heels had the sixth toughest schedule in the country. Bunting's success dropped off quickly in the first game of the 2002 season, losing the opening game of the season to Miami (OH) 27-21. Place-kicker Dan Orner, who transferred to North Carolina from Michigan State and sat out last season, kicked three field goals over 50 yards (52, 51, 55) in Carolina’s 30-22 victory vs. Syracuse. Orner tied an NCAA record with three field goals of at least 50 yards in the same game. Orner’s 55-yard kick was a school record and the longest ever by a Syracuse opponent. The previous North Carolina record was a 54-yarder by Kenny Miller against Florida State in 1985. Darian Durant, the Tar Heels starting quarterback, threw for a school-record 417 yards and five touchdowns against Arizona State on October 5 and was named ACC Offensive Back of the Week. It was the first 400-yard game of his career and was the second-best game by an ACC quarterback in 2002. The following week against NC State, Durant threw for 266 yards, setting a school record for most passing yards (683) in two consecutive games. The previous record of 680 was set by Ronald Curry in 2000 season against Marshall and Georgia Tech. Darian Durant, broke his thumb on a helmet in the Tar Heels game against the Virginia Cavaliers. Against Maryland, Sam Aiken had a career-high 10 catches for 102 yards to become just the fifth player in Carolina history to top 2,000 receiving yards in a career. The Tar Heels ended their six game skid with their thirteenth consecutive win over Duke. Durant, coming off of breaking his thumb, returned to the field to help The game came down to the wire, with Dan Orner kicking a 47-yard field goal as time expired to make the score 23-21, in favor of North Carolina. In 2002, wide receiver Sam Aiken set the single-season school record with 68 receptions and 990 receiving yards, becoming just the second Tar Heel ever with more than 900 yards receiving. Aiken led in the ACC in receptions per game (5.67) and was second in receiving yards per game (82.5). He finished his Carolina career third in receiving yards (2,205), third in touchdowns (15) and fourth in receptions (146). Junior free safety Dexter Reid was one of the bright spots on the Carolina defense in 2002, leading the ACC and finishing second in the nation with 13.8 tackles per game. Reid was named first-team All-ACC after finishing the year with 166 total tackles, the second-highest figure in school history and just five shy of the school record of 171 set by linebacker Buddy Curry in 1979.
North Carolina closed out the 2003 season with a disappointing 30-22 loss to Duke at Kenan Stadium. The Tar Heels finished the year with a 2-10 overall mark, 1-7 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (9th). It marked the first time Carolina had posted 10 losses since the 1990 season. Carolina’s wins came at East Carolina (28-17) and at home to Wake Forest (42- 34). Despite the won-lost record, several Tar Heels posted individual marks worth noting and quarterback Darian Durant essentially re-wrote Carolina’s record book with his brilliant season. Durant set single-season school records in completions, passing yards and total offense and eclipsed Carolina’s career marks in those categories as well. Quarterback Darian Durant broke Carolina’s all-time total offense record at Clemson on October 25, 2003. He finished his junior season with 7,204 total yards of offense. He had 208 yards passing and 110 yards rushing against the Tigers to break the record held by quarterback Ronald Curry, who had 6,236 total yards from 1998-2001. It took Durant just 936 plays to set the record, 107 less than Curry (1,043 attempts). Legendary quarterback Charlie “Choo-Choo” Justice (1946-49) held North Carolina’s total offense record with 4,883 yards for 45 years until it was broken by Jason Stanicek in 1994. Several young players enjoyed breakout seasons, led by second-year wide receiver Jarwarski Pollock. Pollock caught 71 passes to break the single-season school record for receptions. True freshman tailback Ronnie McGill led the team in rushing with 654 yards. He registered 244 of those yards in the Tar Heels’ win over Wake Forest. It was the ninth-highest single-game rushing total in school history and the third-best effort by a North Carolina freshman. Senior Michael Waddell led the nation in kickoff returns, averaging 31.7 yards per return, while freshman Mike Mason was 18th at 26.0 yards per return.
North Carolina’s 2004 schedule ranked as the most difficult in the country, according to the Sagarin rankings. Carolina played eight ranked teams and three teams that finished in the top 10 in the country.Predicted to finish 10th in the 11-team Atlantic Coast Conference at the preseason media kickoff, North Carolina tied for third in the ACC and earned a berth in the Continental Tire Bowl in Charlotte. The Tar Heels (6-6 overall, 5-3 ACC) had one of the best offensive teams in the league, finishing second in total offense. The third place finish was the highest for the Tar Heels since finishing third in 2001. Kenan Stadium was the site of several exciting victories, including wins over William & Mary, Georgia Tech, NC State and Miami. Three of those games ended with Tar Heels making plays to either win or cement a victory. Against the Yellow Jackets, linebacker Hilee Taylor forced a fumble, scooped up the ball and raced the final 21 yards for a touchdown as time expired in a 34-13 victory. A few weeks later, Carolina made another great defensive play, stopping NC State’s T.A. McClendon at the goal line on successive attempts. The Tar Heels won the game 30-24. Following a disappointing 46-16 loss at Utah on October 16, North Carolina limped home to Chapel Hill 3-4 overall and looking ahead at a schedule that featured difficult home games vs. No. 4 Miami and No. 18 Virginia Tech and road games at Wake Forest and Duke. What followed was one of the most memorable turnarounds in school history. First, the Tar Heels knocked off No. 4 Miami, 31-28, beating a top five team for the first time in school history. The game down to the wire, with Connor Barth nailing a 42-yard field goal as time expired to lead the Tar Heels to victory. After a three-point loss to the Hokies, Carolina beat Wake Forest 31-24 when Darian Durant connected with Jesse Holley in the final two minutes and safety Gerald Sensabaugh picked off Wake’s final offensive play of the game with just nine seconds remaining. In the season finale vs. Duke, Carolina reclaimed the Victory Bell with a 40-17 win. Three days later, head coach John Bunting accepted a bid to the Continental Tire Bowl in Charlotte. Over 65,000 Tar Heel fans, thought to be the most ever to see a Carolina team in person, packed Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte to watch the final game of the season. The Tar Heels lost to Boston College Eagles in the Continental Tire Bowl, the Eagles ended the game with sixteen unanswered points, making the score 37-24.
The Tar Heels opened the 2006 season with a 21-16 loss to Rutgers at Kenan Stadium and never recovered. The only victory in the first nine games came against Division I-AA Furman, 45-42. Carolina closed out the year with wins over in-state rivals NC State and Duke to finish 3-9 overall, 2-6 in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Six-year head coach John Bunting was dismissed days after a 23-0 loss at Virginia that dropped the Tar Heels to 1-6, but coached the remainder of the season. He was replaced by former Miami Hurricanes and Cleveland Browns coach Butch Davis on Nov. 13, 2006. Carolina’s win over NC State was its third straight over the Wolfpack and its 11th in the last 14 meetings. Carolina’s win over Duke was its fourth straight over the Blue Devils and its 16th in the last 17 meetings. Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks set a school freshman record with 39 receptions for 660 yards. Nicks was named a freshman All-America by The Sporting News and Rivals.com. Kick returner Brandon Tate finished second in the country in 2006 with 902 kickoff return yards. Tate set the single-season school record with three touchdowns on kick returns in 2006 (two kickoffs and one punt). Senior safety Kareen Taylor finished his career with a school-record 206 interception return yards.
2007-2010: Davis' Revival & Downfall
On November 13, 2006, the program hired as head coach Butch DavisButch Davis
Paul Hilton "Butch" Davis, Jr. is an American football coach and former player in the United States. He was the head coach at the University of Miami from 1995 to 2000, the Cleveland Browns of the NFL from 2001 to 2004, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 2007 to 2011.-Early...
, former head coach of the Miami Hurricanes
Miami Hurricanes football
The Miami Hurricanes football program competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference of the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision for the University of Miami. The program began in 1926 and has won five AP national championships...
and Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In addition, the school pledged that they would fund the football program to the same extent that their men's and women's basketball teams are funded.On February 7, 2007, Davis and his coaching staff inked one of the top recruiting classes in North Carolina football history, earning recognition from Scout.com
Scout.com
Scout.com is an integrated sports publishing company that produces both an Internet and print product. Scout has more than 2.1 million visitors...
. North Carolina completed its first season under head coach Butch Davis with a 20-14 overtime victory over Duke on Nov. 24. The Tar Heels finished 4-8 overall and 3-5 and fourth in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. North Carolina lost six games in 2007 by a combined total of 24 points. The Tar Heels lost by three at East Carolina, two vs. Virginia, seven at Virginia Tech, six vs. South Carolina, four at NC State and two at Georgia Tech. Four times the Tar Heels lost by four or fewer points (two to Virginia and Georgia Tech, three to ECU and four to the Wolfpack). Carolina’s eight losses were decided a combined total of 78 points (9.75 avg). In comparison, last season the Tar Heels lost nine games by a total of 168 points (18.7 avg.).Sophomore wide receiver Hakeem Nicks set the single-season school record with 74 receptions, eclipsing the previous mark of 71 by Jarwarski Pollock in 2003. Senior place-kicker Connor Barth set the school record with 19 consecutive field goals and established the North Carolina career record with 54 made field goals. Junior kick returner Brandon Tate broke the ACC career record for kickoff return yards with 2,383 yards. Tate also set North Carolina single-season records 39 kickoff returns and 939 kickoff return yards. Redshirt freshman T.J. Yates set the single-season school record for most passing yards with, 2,655. Yates also set North Carolina freshman marks for completions and attempts. North Carolina’s defense improved nearly 60 positions in the NCAA rankings, moving from 92nd in 2006 to 35th in 2007. Durell Mapp had 132 tackles, ranking second in the ACC and 10th in the nation in tackles per game. North Carolina safety Deunta Williams was voted the 2007 Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Atlantic Coast Conference Sports Media Association. A native of Jacksonville, N.C., Williams received 48 votes to outdistance teammate and fellow defensive back Charles Brown. North Carolina sold out five of its six home football games in 2007 and averaged 57,417 fans, the most in more than a decade. Average attendance was up nearly 18 percent from the 2006 season when Carolina drew 48,857 per game.
North Carolina was 8-5 in 2008, a four-game improvement from 2007 and advanced to a postseason bowl game for the first time since 2004. The Tar Heels were in contention for the ACC title until the final week of the season and spent nearly half the season ranked among the top 25. Carolina posted wins over three ranked teams – Connecticut, Notre Dame and Georgia Tech – and notched impressive victories at Miami and vs. Notre Dame in Kenan Stadium. The Tar Heels opened their season with two consecutive victories over McNeese State and Rutgers. The Tar Heels blew a seven point lead in the fourth quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies in their third game of the season. The next week, the Tar Heels traveled to Miami, FL to face off against Miami. That game came down to the wire, as North Carolina safety Trimane Goddard intercepted a pass in the end zone as time expired to seal the victory for North Carolina. The next week, the Tar Heels faced off against the Connecticut Huskies in Kenan Stadium. The game was highlighted by North Carolina linebacker Bruce Carter, who blocked three consecutive punts. While the game was in play, the lights suddenly went out, and the crowd began to do the wave. A week later, Notre Dame came to Chapel Hill. This game came down to the fourth quarter, when a 4-yard run by North Carolina quarterback Cam Sexton sealed the game for the Tar Heels 28-24. The Tar Heels next game came against their old rival, the Virginia Cavaliers. The game was sent into overtime, where the Cavaliers scored on their second drive and the Tar Heels didn't, thus losing the game. Boston College and Georgia Tech were next on the schedule for the Tar Heels, both teams didn't pose much of a threat for the Tar Heels, with the Heels winning comfortably in each game. The Tar Heels then went on a two game skid, losing to the Maryland Terrapins and a blow out loss to their fierce rival NC State. The Tar Heels then beat their arch rival, Duke, 28-20 to retain the Victory Bell. The Tar Heels fell to West Virginia, 31-30, in the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte on Dec. 27 to close the season. The first quarter was highlighted by a high offensive display, with each teams scoring 35 points collectively. North Carolina's Hakeem Nicks put on a dazzling performance, he Nicks caught eight passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns. On the final drive for North Carolina, after the Mountaineers scored to make the score 31-30 with 7 minutes remaining in the game, T.J. Yates threw his first interception of the game, ending Carolina's aspirations of winning the game. Linebacker Bruce Carter led the nation with five blocked kicks, including three in one game vs. Connecticut. Carter is believed to be the only player in NCAA history to block four consecutive punts (one vs. Miami and three vs. UConn.) Linebacker Quan Sturdivant led the nation with 87 primary tackles. Brandon Tate became the NCAA all-time leader in combined kick return yards with 3,523. He set the school record with his sixth kick return for a touchdown. Against McNeese State, he set the school record with 397 all-purpose yards. Tate's season was cut short due to an injury that occurred during the game against Notre Dame.
In July 2010, it was reported that the program was being investigated by the NCAA due to possible connections with sport agents. Following an NCAA investigation into misconduct, in September 2011, the program decided to vacate all its wins from the 2008 and 2009 seasons, reduce its scholarship athletes by 3, begin serving two years of probation, and pay a $50,000 fine.
Carolina Blue & White
The adoption of light blue and white as North Carolina’s colors dates back to the 19th Century. When the University reopened following the Civil War, most social activities were directed by two literary societies, the Dialectic and Philanthropic. The official color of the Di was light blue and that of the Phi white. On public occasions the student officers, marshals and ball managers were chosen equally from the membership of the two societies. It had long been the custom of each society for its members to wear its color on such occasions. However, the chief marshal and chief ball manager, one from the Di and the other from the Phi, wore combination light blue and white regalias and rosettes signifying that they represented the whole student body. So it seemed only natural for the fans to adorn themselves with the same combination as that used by the chief marshals and ball managers, colors which represented not membership in a society, but a University student body.Ram Mascot
Since Carolina’s nickname is Tar Heels, it might seem strange to have a ram as a mascot. It is. But, there is a good explanation. It’s offered by Vic Huggins, Carolina’s head cheerleader back in 1924. “In 1924 school spirit was at a peak,” Huggins once explained. “But something seemed to be missing. One day it hit me. Georgia had a bulldog for a mascot and State a wolf. What Carolina needed was a symbol.” Two years earlier the Tar Heels had posted a brilliant 9-1 record. The star of that 1922 team was a bruising fullback named Jack Merritt. Merritt was nicknamed “the battering ram” for the way he plunged into lines. It seemed natural to Huggins to link a mascot with Merritt’s nickname. “Charlie Woollen, the athletic business manager at that time, agreed with the idea and gave us $25 to purchase a fitting mascot,” said Huggins. Rameses the First was shipped in from Texas, arriving just in time to be introduced at a pep rally before the Virginia Military Institute game. Complete with a monogram blanket on his back, Rameses helped make the pep rally one of the school’s greatest. Then the ram was taken to Emerson Field where Carolina was an underdog to a strong VMI team. But, for three quarters the Tar Heels battled the visitors to a scoreless tie. Late in the fourth period Carolina’s Bunn Hackney was called upon to attempt a field goal. Before taking the field he stopped to rub Rameses’ head for good luck. Seconds later Hackney’s 30-yard dropkick sailed between the goalposts, giving the Tar Heels a 3-0 victory and a legendary mascot.Old Well Walk
On game days, the North Carolina football team travels from the team hotel and is dropped off in the center of campus at the Old WellOld Well
The Old Well is a small, neoclassical rotunda located on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus at the southern end of McCorkle Place. The current decorative form of the Old Well was modeled after the Temple of Love in the Gardens of Versailles and was completed in 1897...
, one of the University’s most recognized landmarks. From there, the Tar Heels walk from the Old Well through the main quad of campus and into the Kenan Football Center. The Old Well Walk, which began in 2001, is packed each Saturday with thousands of cheering fans, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite player or coach. The Old Well Walk begins approximately two and a half hours prior to kickoff of each game.
Duke Blue Devils
North Carolina State Wolfpack
The first football game between the NC State Wolfpack and the Tar Heels occurred in 1894, and the Tar Heels won 44-0. The two teams played every now and then until the formation of the ACC. Since the two teams have been apart of the ACC, they have played every year since 1953. In the past few years, the rivalry has been more highly contested than the Tar Heels rivalry with Duke. The 1998 and 1999 games were held at Bank of America StadiumBank of America Stadium
Bank of America Stadium is a 73,778-seat football stadium located on of land in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It is the home facility of the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise. It also hosts the annual Belk Bowl which features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East...
, the Tar Heels won both games. The longest consecutive win streak in the series is 9 games, from 1943-1955 by the Tar Heels. The Tar Heels have currently lost five straight to the Wolfpack, matching a five-game losing streak from 1988-92. The all-time series is 63-32-6 in favor of the Tar Heels.
Virginia Cavaliers
The Tar Heels' rivalry with the Virginia Cavaliers began in 1892, and the rivalry has come to be known as the "South's Oldest Rivalry." The teams played twice during the 1892 season, with the Cavaliers winning the first game and the Tar Heels winning the second. The is also known as the "Gentlemen's Rivalry." One reason is because of the stereotypical image of both schools' fanbases as being subdued, well behaved & mannered, wine-n-cheese crowds who dress up for games and do more socializing than being rowdy during sporting events, especially when compared to other ACC fan bases. The Tar Heels did go through a losing streak in Charlottesville, the home of the Cavaliers. After the Tar Heels 1981 victory in Charlottesville, they lost every game played there until the 2010 game. The two teams have played a total of 116 times, more than the two teams have played any other program. It is the 4th most played rivalry game among college football's BCS conference schools. The all-time series record is 58–54–4, in favor of the Tar Heels.Head Coaches
| Tenure | Coach | Years | Record | Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1889 | Hector Cowan Hector Cowan -External links:... |
1 | 2–2 | .500 |
| 1894 | V. K. Irvine Vernon Irvine Vernon K. Irvine was the head football coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1894.-Head coaching record:-External links:... |
1 | 6–3 | .667 |
| 1895 | T. C. Trenchard Thomas Trenchard -External links:... |
1 | 7–1–1 | .833 |
| 1896 | Gordon Johnston | 1 | 3–4–1 | .438 |
| 1897–00 | W. A. Reynolds William A. Reynolds -External links:... |
4 | 27–7–4 | .763 |
| 1901 | Charles Jenkins Charles Jenkins (football coach) Charles Orlando Jenkins was the head football coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1901. He graduated from Yale University in 1894.-Head coaching record:-External links:... |
1 | 7–2 | .778 |
| 1902–03 | H. S. Olcott Herman Olcott Herman Parker "Bo" Olcott was an American football player and coach. In 1900, he was an All-American center for Yale. From 1902 to 1903, he served as the head football coach at North Carolina, where he compiled an 11–4–3 record. From 1907 to 1912, he coached at New York, where he... |
2 | 11–4–3 | .694 |
| 1904 | R. R. Brown Robert Brown (football coach) -External links:... |
1 | 5–2–2 | .667 |
| 1905 | William Warner Bill Warner William J. "Bill" Warner was an American football player and coach. Warner graduated from Cornell University in 1903 and was a member of the Sphinx Head Society... |
1 | 4–3–1 | .563 |
| 1906 | W. S. Keinholz Willis Keinholz -External links:... |
1 | 1–4–2 | .286 |
| 1907 | Otis Lamson Otis Lamson -External links:... |
1 | 4–4–1 | .500 |
| 1908 | Edward Green Edward Green (football coach) -External links:... |
1 | 3–3–3 | .500 |
| 1909–10 | A. E. Brides Arthur Brides -External links:... |
2 | 8–8 | .500 |
| 1911 | Branch Bocock Branch Bocock Branch Bocock was an American football, basketball, and baseball coach. He served as the head football coach at the University of Georgia , Virginia Tech , the University of North Carolina , Louisiana State University , the University of South Carolina , and The College of... |
1 | 6–1–1 | .813 |
| 1912 | W. C. Martin William Martin (football coach) William C. Martin was the head football coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 1912.-Head coaching record:-External links:... |
1 | 3–4–1 | .438 |
| 1913–15 | T. C. Trenchard Thomas Trenchard -External links:... |
4 | 19–8–1 | .696 |
| 1916–19 | Thomas Campbell Thomas Campbell (coach) Thomas J. Campbell was a college football head coach. From 1916 to 1919, he served as the head coach at North Carolina, where he compiled a 9-7-1 record. His 1916 team went 5-4, whereas his 1919 team went 4-3-1. From 1917 to 1918, he had served in the military for World War I, and the football... |
2 | 9–7–1 | .559 |
| 1920 | M. E. Fuller Myron Fuller Myron E. Fuller was an American football player and coach. He served as the head coach at Stevens Institute of Technology , the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , and Tulane University , compiling a career college football record of 10–34–1... |
1 | 2–6 | .250 |
| 1921–25 | Bill Fetzer Bill Fetzer -External links:... |
5 | 30–12–4 | .696 |
| 1926–33 | Chuck Collins Chuck Collins (coach) -External links:... |
8 | 38–31–9 | .545 |
| 1934–35 | Carl Snavely Carl Snavely Carl "The Grey Fox" Snavely was an American football player and coach. He served as the head coach at Bucknell University , the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Cornell University , and Washington University in St... |
2 | 15-2-1 | .833 |
| 1936–41 | Ray Wolf Raymond Wolf Raymond Bernard "Bear" Wolf was an American football player and coach. Wolf was a native of Illinois and an alumnus of Texas Christian University, where he played college football and baseball... |
6 | 38–17–3 | .681 |
| 1942 | Jim Tatum Jim Tatum James M. "Big Jim" Tatum was an American football and baseball player and coach. Tatum served as the head football coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , the University of Oklahoma , and the University of Maryland, College Park , compiling a career college football record of... |
1 | 5-2-2 | .667 |
| 1943 | Tom Young | 1 | 6–3 | .667 |
| 1944 | Gene McEver Gene McEver -External links:... |
1 | 1–7–1 | .167 |
| 1945–52 | Carl Snavely Carl Snavely Carl "The Grey Fox" Snavely was an American football player and coach. He served as the head coach at Bucknell University , the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Cornell University , and Washington University in St... |
8 | 44–33–4 | .568 |
| 1953–55 | George Barclay | 3 | 11–18–1 | .383 |
| 1956–58 | Jim Tatum Jim Tatum James M. "Big Jim" Tatum was an American football and baseball player and coach. Tatum served as the head football coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , the University of Oklahoma , and the University of Maryland, College Park , compiling a career college football record of... |
3 | 12–15–1 | .429 |
| 1959–66 | Jim Hickey | 8 | 36–45 | .444 |
| 1967–77 | Bill Dooley Bill Dooley Bill Dooley is a former American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator. He served as the head at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , and Wake Forest University , compiling a career college football record of... |
11 | 69–53–2 | .565 |
| 1978–87 | Dick Crum Dick Crum (football coach) Dick Crum is a former American football player and coach. He served as head coach at Miami University , the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , and Kent State University , compiling a career college football record of 113–77–4... |
10 | 72–41–3 | .634 |
| 1988–97 | Mack Brown Mack Brown William Mack Brown is head coach of The University of Texas at Austin Longhorn football team.Prior to his head coach position at Texas, Brown was head coach at Appalachian State, Tulane, and North Carolina. Brown is credited with revitalizing the Texas and North Carolina football programs... |
10 | 69–46–1 | .599 |
| 1998–00 | Carl Torbush Carl Torbush Carl William Torbush Jr. was the college football Defensive Coordinator for the Kansas Jayhawks in Lawrence, KS... |
3 | 17–18 | .486 |
| 2001–06 | John Bunting | 6 | 27–45 | .375 |
| 2007–10 | Butch Davis Butch Davis Paul Hilton "Butch" Davis, Jr. is an American football coach and former player in the United States. He was the head coach at the University of Miami from 1995 to 2000, the Cleveland Browns of the NFL from 2001 to 2004, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 2007 to 2011.-Early... |
4 | 12–23** | .343 |
| 2011– | Everett Withers Everett Withers -External links:*... (Interim) |
- | 6-3 | .667 |
| 1889–2010 | 33 coaches | 114 | 629–484–54 | .568 |
- During the years 1888 and 1891–93, North Carolina had no official head coach. Over those four seasons, the team went 8–9.
- In 1890, the North Carolina Tar Heels did not field a team.
- On September 19, 2011, North Carolina self-imposed sanctions against their football program, including forfeiting their wins from the 2008 and 2009 seasons.
Conference Affiliations
- 1888–1894: Independent
- 1895–1921: Southern Conference Athletic Association
- 1922–1952: Southern Conference
- 1953–current: ACCAtlantic Coast ConferenceThe Atlantic Coast Conference is a collegiate athletic league in the United States. Founded in 1953 in Greensboro, North Carolina, the ACC sanctions competition in twenty-five sports in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association for its twelve member universities...
Championships
| Year | Conference | Overall record | Conference record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1895 | SIAA | 7-1-1 | 5-0 |
| 1922 | Southern | 9–1 | 5–1 |
| 1946 | Southern | 8–2–1 | 4–0–1 |
| 1949 | Southern | 7–4 | 5–0 |
| 1963 | ACC | 9–2 | 5–1 |
| 1971 | ACC | 9–3 | 6–0 |
| 1972 | ACC | 11–1 | 6–0 |
| 1977 | ACC | 8–3–1 | 5–0–1 |
| 1980 | ACC | 11–1 | 7–0 |
- 9 conference championships
Bowl Record
North Carolina has played in 28 bowl games in its history with a record of 13–15.| Date | Bowl Name | Result | Opponent | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 1947 | Sugar Bowl 1947 Sugar Bowl The 1947 Sugar Bowl was played between the third-ranked Georgia Bulldogs and the ninth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels. Georgia won 20–10.In the second quarter, North Carolina scored on a four-yard Walt Pupa touchdown run to take a 7–0 halftime lead. In the third quarter, Georgia scored on a 4-yard... |
L | Georgia | 10 | 20 |
| January 1, 1949 | Sugar Bowl 1949 Sugar Bowl The 1949 edition to the Sugar Bowl featured the third ranked North Carolina Tar Heels and the fifth ranked Oklahoma Sooners.In the first quarter, Oklahoma scored on a 1 yard Mitchell touchdown run as the Sooners jumped out to a 7-0 lead. North Carolina answered with a 2 yard touchdown run from... |
L | Oklahoma | 6 | 14 |
| January 2, 1950 | Cotton Bowl Classic | L | Rice Rice Owls football The Rice Owls football team represents Rice University in NCAA Division I college football. The Owls have competed in Conference USA's Western Division since 2005. Rice Stadium, built in 1950, hosts the Owls' home football games.-Venue:... |
13 | 27 |
| December 28, 1963 | Gator Bowl | W | Air Force Air Force Falcons football The Air Force Falcons are a college football team from the United States Air Force Academy, located just outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The team competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision of the NCAA Division I and the Mountain West Conference.-Style:... |
35 | 0 |
| December 30, 1970 | Peach Bowl | L | Arizona State 1970 Arizona State Sun Devils football team The 1970 Arizona State Sun Devils football team represented Arizona State University in the 1970 college football season. The offense scored 405 points while the defense allowed 148 points. Led by head coach Frank Kush, the Sun Devils won the Peach Bowl.... |
26 | 48 |
| December 31, 1971 | Gator Bowl | L | Georgia | 3 | 7 |
| December 30, 1972 | Sun Bowl | W | Texas Tech Texas Tech Red Raiders football Texas Tech Red Raiders football program is a college football team that represents Texas Tech University . The team competes, as a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association... |
32 | 28 |
| December 28, 1974 | Sun Bowl | L | Mississippi State Mississippi State Bulldogs football The Mississippi State Bulldogs football program represents Mississippi State University in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, competing as a member of the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference. Mississippi State has produced 38 All-Americans, 171 All-SEC selections, and 124... |
24 | 26 |
| December 31, 1976 | Peach Bowl 1976 Peach Bowl 1976 Peach Bowl was a postseason college football match between the Kentucky Wildcats and the North Carolina Tar Heels at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The University of Kentucky represented the Southeastern Conference and North Carolina represented the Atlantic Coast... |
L | Kentucky 1976 Kentucky Wildcats football team The 1976 Kentucky Wildcats football team represented the University of Kentucky in the 1976 college football season. The Wildcats beat four different ranked teams during the season, scoring 209 points while allowing 151 points... |
0 | 21 |
| December 19, 1977 | Liberty Bowl Liberty Bowl The Liberty Bowl is an annual U.S. American college football bowl game played in December of each year from 1959 to 2007 and in January in 2009 and 2010. The Liberty Bowl was sponsored by AXA Financial and was known as the AXA Liberty Bowl from 1997 to 2003... |
L | Nebraska | 17 | 21 |
| December 28, 1979 | Gator Bowl | W | Michigan Michigan Wolverines football The Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history... |
17 | 15 |
| December 31, 1980 | Bluebonnet Bowl Bluebonnet Bowl The Bluebonnet Bowl was an annual college football bowl game played in Houston, Texas. A civic group was appointed by the Houston Chamber of Commerce Athletics Committee in 1959 to organize the bowl game. It was held at Rice Stadium from 1959 through 1967, and again in 1985 and 1986. The game was... |
W | Texas Texas Longhorns football The Texas Longhorns football program is the intercollegiate football team representing The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas. The team currently competes in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Big 12 Conference which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National... |
16 | 7 |
| December 28, 1981 | Gator Bowl | W | Arkansas | 31 | 27 |
| December 25, 1982 | Sun Bowl | W | Texas | 26 | 10 |
| December 30, 1983 | Peach Bowl | L | Florida State Florida State Seminoles football The Florida State Seminoles football team represents Florida State University in college football. The Florida State Seminoles compete in NCAA Division I-FBS and are members of the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference... |
3 | 28 |
| December 27, 1986 | Aloha Bowl Aloha Bowl The Aloha Bowl was a National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Bowl Subdivision college football bowl game played in Honolulu, Hawaii at Aloha Stadium. With the exception of the 1983-86 playings, the Aloha Bowl was traditionally played on Christmas morning in Honolulu. For most of its... |
L | Arizona Arizona Wildcats football The Arizona Wildcats football team is the football team of the University of Arizona, located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The team competes in the Pacific-12 Conference at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level.-Early years:... |
21 | 30 |
| January 2, 1993 | Peach Bowl | W | Mississippi State Mississippi State University The Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science commonly known as Mississippi State University is a land-grant university located in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi, United States, partially in the town of Starkville and partially in an unincorporated area... |
21 | 17 |
| December 31, 1993 | Gator Bowl | L | Alabama 1993 Alabama Crimson Tide football team The 1993 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama for the 1993–94 college football season, competing in the Southeastern Conference Western Division... |
10 | 24 |
| December 30, 1994 | Sun Bowl 1994 Sun Bowl The 1994 Sun Bowl was a post-season college football game played on December 29, 1994. The game pitted the unranked against the #20 North Carolina Tar Heels and eventual Texas head coach Mack Brown. The game was a seesaw offensive battle... |
L | Texas | 30 | 35 |
| December 30, 1995 | CarQuest Bowl | W | Arkansas Arkansas Razorbacks football The Arkansas Razorbacks football program is a college football team that represents the University of Arkansas. The team is a member of the Southeastern Conference's Western Division, which is in Division I's Football Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association... |
20 | 10 |
| January 1, 1997 | Gator Bowl | W | West Virginia West Virginia University West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;... |
20 | 13 |
| January 1, 1998 | Gator Bowl 1998 Gator Bowl The 1998 Gator Bowl was a post-season American college football bowl game between the and the Tar Heels from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida on January 1, 1998... |
W | Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Hokies football The Virginia Tech Hokies football team is a college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-FBS, in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They have more wins in team history than any other program in the ACC. Their home games are played at Lane Stadium which seats over... |
42 | 3 |
| December 19, 1998 | Las Vegas Bowl 1998 Las Vegas Bowl The 1998 edition to the Las Vegas Bowl was the 7th edition of that annual game. It featured the , and the North Carolina Tar Heels. It remains the only bowl game in NCAA history where three teams participated in it that started the season 0-3.... |
W | San Diego State | 20 | 13 |
| December 31, 2001 | Peach Bowl 2001 Peach Bowl The 2001 edition to the Peach Bowl featured the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Auburn Tigers.North Carolina scored on a 10 yard Willie Parker touchdown run, as UNC led 7-0 after 1 quarter of play. In the second quarter, Jeff Reed kicked a 22 yard field goal, extending North Carolina's lead to 10-0... |
W | Auburn 2001 Auburn Tigers football team The 2001 Auburn Tigers football team represented Auburn University in the 2001 NCAA Division I-A football season.They posted a 7–5 record, including a record of 5–3 in the Southeastern Conference... |
16 | 10 |
| December 30, 2004 | Continental Tire Bowl 2004 Continental Tire Bowl The 2004 edition of the Continental Tire Bowl featured the Boston College Eagles, and the North Carolina Tar Heels. The game was played on Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 1:00 PM EST. The game was the third edition to this bowl game, but the last one under the name Continental Tire Bowl. It would... |
L | Boston College Boston College Eagles football The Boston College Eagles football team is the collegiate football program of Boston College. The team is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, a Division I Bowl Subdivision league governed by the NCAA. Within the ACC, the Eagles are one of six teams in the Atlantic Division... |
24 | 37 |
| December 27, 2008 | Meineke Car Care Bowl 2008 Meineke Car Care Bowl The 2008 Meineke Car Care Bowl was the seventh edition of the college football bowl game, and was played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game started at 1:00 PM US EST on Saturday, December 27, 2008. The game, telecast on ESPN, pitted the North Carolina Tar Heels... |
L | West Virginia 2008 West Virginia Mountaineers football team The 2008 West Virginia Mountaineers football team competed on behalf of West Virginia University during the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Bill Stewart, who took over after he led the Mountaineers to a 2008 Fiesta Bowl victory over the #3 Oklahoma Sooners as the... |
30 | 31 |
| December 26, 2009 | Meineke Car Care Bowl 2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl The 2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl was the eighth edition of the college football bowl game, and was played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game started at 4:30 PM US EST on Saturday, December 26, 2009 and was telecasted on ESPN and ESPN360... |
L | Pittsburgh 2009 Pittsburgh Panthers football team The 2009 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The season was the fifth under head coach Dave Wannstedt. The 2009 season marked the team's ninth at Heinz Field and the University's 120th season overall. The 2009... |
17 | 19 |
| December 30, 2010 | Music City Bowl 2010 Music City Bowl The 2010 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl was the 13th edition of the college football bowl game and was played at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee. The game was played on Thursday, December 30, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. CST and telecast on ESPN... |
W | Tennessee 2010 Tennessee Volunteers football team The 2010 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 2010 college football season. The team was coached by Derek Dooley who is in his first season as the 22nd coach in UT football history. The Vols played their home games at Neyland Stadium and competed in the... |
30 | 27 (2OT) |
1947 Sugar Bowl
The 1947 Sugar Bowl1947 Sugar Bowl
The 1947 Sugar Bowl was played between the third-ranked Georgia Bulldogs and the ninth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels. Georgia won 20–10.In the second quarter, North Carolina scored on a four-yard Walt Pupa touchdown run to take a 7–0 halftime lead. In the third quarter, Georgia scored on a 4-yard...
, which pitted the Tar Heels against the Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia Bulldogs football
The Georgia Bulldogs football team represents the University of Georgia in football. The Bulldogs are a member of the Southeastern Conference and are frequently a top-25 team. The University of Georgia has had a football team since 1892 and has an all-time record of 738–398–54...
, took place on January 1, 1947. The game was played in Tulane Stadium
Tulane Stadium
Tulane Stadium was an outdoor football stadium located in New Orleans, Louisiana from 1926 to 1980. Officially known as the Third Tulane Stadium, it replaced the "Second Tulane Stadium" where the Telephone Exchange Building is now located...
, which was located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Through the first quarter of play the game remained scoreless. Bob Mitten, a Carolina defensive player, intercepted a Bulldog pass, which eventually led to the first score in the Sugar Bowl. North Carolina scored first, in the second quarter of play, off a 4 yard run by Walt Pupa. After the successful PAT, the score was 7-0 in favor of North Carolina. The score remained that way until halftime. In the third period, Georgia's defensive right end, Joe Tereshinski intercepted a Tar Heel pass, on the Georgia 24 yard line. Tereshinki the lateraled the ball to his teammate, Dick McPhee who ran 52 yards, being tackled on the Carolina 14 yard line. The Tar Heels argued that the lateral was a forward lateral, but the referees thought otherwise. The Bulldogs capitalized on the turnover, by scoring on a 1 yard quarterback sneak, executed by Johnny Rauch. North Carolina retaliated with a 27 yard field goal, kicked by Bob Cox. North Carolina regained the lead, 10-7. Less than three minutes later, after the UNC score, the Bulldogs scored off a 67 yard pass from Trippi to Dan Edwards. However, the PAT was missed, leaving the score at 13-10 in favor of the Bulldogs. In the fourth quarter, Johnny Rauch scored the final touchdown of the game, this time off a 13 yard run. With the made PAT, the score was 20-10 in favor of the Georgia Bulldogs. The Tar Heels lost their first bowl game.
1949 Sugar Bowl
The Tar Heels returned to the Sugar Bowl in 1949 and were defeated 14-6 by the University of Oklahoma, representing the Big Seven Conference. A record crowd of 85,000 turned out to see the Charlie Justice-led Tar Heels battle Bud Wilkinson’s Sooners. Carolina threatened early, advancing via a Justice to Art Weiner 23-yard pass play to the Oklahoma 15. Justice’s next pass, however, was intercepted by linebacker Myrle Greathouse who rumbled 59 yards to the Carolina 13. Sooners’ quarterback Jack Mitchell scored the first points of the day on a two-yard run. The Heels capitalized on an Oklahoma fumble later in the first quarter and Justice marched the team down to the two, from where Hosea Rodgers scored. The conversion was wide right. Carolina advanced to the Oklahoma eight yard line late in the first half, but could not score. The Sooners regained the lead for good in the third quarter. Quarterback Darrell Royal connected for 37 yards with Frankie Anderson and two plays later, Lindell Pearson ran it in from eight yards out. Justice was brilliant, rushing for 84 yards and passing for another 57 yards.1950 Cotton Bowl
Charlie Justice had another great day in the 1950 Cotton Bowl, but it just wasn’t enough as the Tar Heels fell to fifth ranked Rice, 27-13. The Owls had a 9-1-0 record, while Carolina came in at 7-3 and was ranked 16th. Rice and Carolina played to a scoreless draw in the opening quarter, but Rice opened the scoring in the second quarter when quarterback Tobin Rote hooked up with Billy Burkhalter for a 44-yard touchdown. Bobby Lantrip’s three yard run built a 14-0 halftime lead, and the Owls kept right on rolling i n the third quarter. On its second possession of the second half, Rice traveled 77 yards in six plays, capped by Rote’s 17-yard scoring pass to “Froggie” Williams. Burkhalter made it 27-0 with a 12-yard fourth quarter score. The Tar Heels got two touchdowns in the final eight minutes. Justice hit Paul Rizzo for a two-yard touchdown pass and then Rizzo ran it in from two yards. Justice managed 59 yards rushing and another 63 in the air, while Art Weiner led the Tar Heels with five receptions for 41 yards. Billy Hayes topped the UNC rushing attack with 107 yards on 19 carries. The 1950 Cotton Bowl marked the end of the “Choo-Choo” Justice era that began in 1946. The Tar Heels went 32-9-2 in that time and played in three major bowl games.1963 Gator Bowl
It had been 13 years since Charlie Justice had led Carolina to the 1950 Cotton Bowl, so when the Tar Heels got a chance to play in the 1963 Gator Bowl, they made the most of it. The Tar Heels walloped the Air Force, 35-0. Ken Willard was the hero of the day. He ran for 94 yards on 18 carries and scored the first touchdown which keyed the runaway victory. When Willard wasn’t running in this rout, he did his share of the offensive blocking. Joe Robinson scored on a five-yard pass and also caught a two-yard conversion to give the Tar Heels a 20-0 lead at intermission. Coach Jim Hickey’s Tar Heels had 23 first downs to the Academy’s 14, and piled up 370 yards in total offense compared to 260 for the Falcons. Gary Black completed all six of his passes for 71 yards and one touchdown and he rushed for another score. Junior Edge was good on five of his nine throws for 42 yards. Carolina finished the season 9-2, its best record in Hickey’s eight years at the helm.1970 Peach Bowl
The Tar Heels exploded for 26 second quarter points but couldn’t hold off Arizona State in the final two quarters as the Sun Devils rallied for an exciting 48-26 victory before 52,126 fans at Grant Field. Carolina spotted unbeaten Sun Devils 14 points on a pair of touchdowns runs, from eight and 33 yards, by Bob Thomas. Don McCauley got the Tar Heels on the scoreboard with a one-yard plunge set up by a long pass from Paul Miller to Ricky Lanier. Arizona State scored on its next series, though, on a 67-yard TD catch by J.D. Hill. Carolina then scored the final three touchdowns of the first half to go into the intermission with a 26-21 lead. First, Miller passed 37 yards for a score toTony Blanchard. Then McCauley rushed in from 17 yards out. And finally, the All-America McCauley scored again from four yards. Arizona State dominated a second half which was played in a heavy Atlanta snowstorm and without Miller, who left with an injury. Monroe Ely scored twice and Thomas reached the end zone for the third time in the Sun Devils’ 27-point second half.1971 Gator Bowl
For the first time since 1950, the Tar Heels were playing in a bowl game for the second consecutive season. This time, the Tar Heels would fall, 7-3, to the Georgia Bulldogs. The game produced a bowl first — brothers coaching against each other. Bill Dooley led theTar Heels and older brother Vince coached the Bulldogs. The game was a defensive struggle with all the points coming in the third quarter. In the opening half, Carolina had the best chance as linebacker Jimmy Webster, voted the Tar Heels’ MVP this day, blocked a punt out of bounds at the Georgia 24. A fumble, though, denied Carolina any points. A pair of long runs by Lewis Jolley brought the Tar Heels down to the Georgia 16 on North Carolina’s first possession of the second half. But a procedure penalty forced the Heels to settle for a 35-yard field goal by Ken Craven. A 31-yard pass play from Andy Johnson to Roy Hunnicutt set up the Georgia touchdown. Jimmy Poulos, on the very next play following Hunnicutt’s catch, took it in for a score from 25 yards. Poulos rushed for 161 yards on the afternoon and was named the Georgia MVP.
1972 Sun Bowl
Carolina capped an 11-1 season in the 1972 Sun Bowl by defeating Texas Tech, 32-28. Quarterback Nick Vidnovic brought the Tar Heels from behind with a late scoring drive which he capped by tossing a 13-yard touchdown pass to wingback Ted Leverenz. That play, with a minute to go in the game, gave Carolina a 30-28 lead. Carolina added two points moments later as Ronnie Robinson sacked quarterback Joe Barnes in the end zone. The Tar Heels led 9-0 in the second quarter on a field goal by Ellis Alexander and touchdown run by Dick Oliver. The Red Raiders rallied, however, for the next 21 points and a 21-9 lead. Vidnovic hit Leverenz for a 62-yard touchdown and Billy Hite carried it in from three yards to reestablish a 24-21 Carolina lead. Tech gained the advantage, 28-24, with 7:41 to play in the game. Vidnovic completed 14 of 26 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns. Ike Oglesby rushed for 71 yards and Sammy Johnson added 52. The Red Raiders had a touchdown called back in the second quarter. All-America guard Donald Rives ran a blocked punt back for an apparent score, but Tech was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and the points were nullified.1974 Sun Bowl
Despite mounting 402 yards in total offense, the Tar Heels dropped a 26-24 decision to Mississippi State in a record setting Sun Bowl. Terry Vitrano’s two-yard touchdown with 3:41 remaining was the game-winner. That capped a 16-play, 80-yard drive which lasted nearly seven minutes. Carolina had taken a 24-20 lead with 10:26 to play on an Ellis Alexander field goal. The Bulldogs totaled a Sun Bowl record 499 yards in total offense — 455 of those yards came on the ground via the veer offense. Walter Packer rushed for 189 yards, Vitrano added 164 and quarterback Rockey Felker gained another 69. The Tar Heels also got big ground gains from Mike Voight and James Betterson. Voight picked up 90 yards on 19 carries and Betterson chipped in with 84 on 17 rushes. But Voight was stopped a yard shy of a first down on Carolina’s last offensive play of the game. Chris Kupec, who led the nation in pass completion percentage, connected with Jimmy Jerome for 29 yards and a touchdown.1976 Peach Bowl
Playing without an injured Mike Voight, the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, the Tar Heels managed just five first downs and 108 yards total offense in a 21-0 loss to Kentucky. Voight, who had rushed for 1,407 yards, injured his ankle in practice two days before the game when he stepped in a hole going out on a pass play. Ironically, Voight had caught just four passes the entire season. The teams battled to a tie at the half, but Carolina thought it had put up points in the first quarter. On the Tar Heels’ opening drive, Matt Kupec hit split end Walker Lee with a 50-yard touchdown pass, but officials ruled the Tar Heels offside and the play came back. Early in the third quarter, Kentucky defensive end Bud Diehl knocked the ball from Kupec’s grasp and the Wildcats recovered at the North Carolina 21 yard line. That set up the first of three rushing touchdowns by fullback Rod Stewart. Stewart, who finished with 104 yards and the game’s MVP trophy, added fourth quarter scores from 13 and three yards. Subbing for Voight, freshman Doug Paschal led the Tar Heels with 41 yards rushing.1977 Liberty Bowl
No. 12 Nebraska scored two fourth quarter touchdowns and rallied for a 21-17 victory over 13th-rated North Carolina. Reserve quarterback Randy Garcia came off the Cornhuskers’ bench in the final period to toss a pair of touchdown passes, including a 33-yard game-winner to Tim Smith with 3:16 left in the game. That came six plays after Nebraska recovered a fumble at the Carolina 43 yard line. Tar Heel quarterback Matt Kupec, voted the game’s Most Valuable Player despite the loss, had led the Tar Heels to a 17-7 lead in the third quarter. Kupec, who connected on seven of his 11 passes, threw touchdown passes to Brooks Williams and Bob Loomis. Tom Biddle added Carolina’s final points with 4:17 left in the third on a Liberty Bowl record 47-yard field goal. Carolina led the nation in scoring defense in 1977, allowing just 7.4 points per game through the regular season. Nebraska was the only team to score more than 14 points against North Carolina all season. Bill Dooley resigned in January 1978 to accept the dual position of head football coach and athletic director at Virginia Tech.1979 Gator Bowl
Matt Kupec completed 18 of 28 passes for 161 yards and one touchdown and Amos Lawrence rushed for 118 yards to lead North Carolina to a 17-15 win over Michigan. Trailing 9-0, the Tar Heels rallied for the next 17 points and then held off a Michigan threat late in the game to post the first of Dick Crum’s four consecutive bowl wins. Carolina had two chances early on to score first, but high winds knocked down a pair of Jeff Hayes field goal attempts. Michigan did score first following a turnover and added a 53-yard touchdown reception by Anthony Carter to move ahead 9-0. Doug Paschal put the Heels on the board with a two-yard touchdown. Early in the third, Kupec engineered a 16-play, 97-yard touchdown drive which culminated in a 12-yard pass to Phil Farris. Hayes added a 32-yard field goal in the fourth for a 17-9 North Carolina lead. Michigan, thwarted once already in the fourth when Lawrence Taylor scooped up a loose ball, did manage another Carter touchdown with 1:28 left, but the two-point conversion pass to Carter fell short. Kupec and Lawrence were named co-Most Valuable Players.1980 Bluebonnet Bowl
Amos Lawrence rushed for 104 yards and one touchdown and the Tar Heel defense allowed just two first downs and 36 total yards in the second half as Carolina played error-free football to defeat Texas, 16-7, in the Bluebonnet Bowl. Lawrence, the game’s Most Valuable Offensive Player, scampered 59 yards for a touchdown on the Tar Heels’ fourth play from scrimmage for a 7-0 lead. Following a Texas touchdown in the second quarter by Mike Luck, Carolina regained the advantage for good on a one-yard run by Kelvin Bryant. Jeff Hayes converted a fumbled punt snap by the Longhorns into a 31-yard field goal with 2:03 to play in the third quarter. The defense, which allowed 224 yards and 11 Texas first downs in the opening half, dominated the second 30 minutes. Carolina safety Steve Streater was named the defensive MVP as he had an interception, recovered a fumble and also boomed a 63-yard punt, longest in Bluebonnet Bowl history. Carolina’s 11-1 record matched the best season in North Carolina history. The Tar Heels finished ranked eighth by the Associated Press and ninth by UPI.1981 Gator Bowl
Kelvin Bryant rushed for 148 yards and Ethan Horton added 144 to lead the Tar Heels to a 31-27 victory over Arkansas in the Gator Bowl. Bryant and Horton shared Most Valuable Player honors, but it was a key defensive stop by seldom-used freshman Ronnie Snipes which saved the night for Carolina. After building a 31-10 lead midway through the fourth quarter, Carolina watched as Arkansas rallied for two touchdowns and had the ball again inside Tar Heel territory with less than a minute to play. But on third down, Snipes, who had played just two previous downs in the contest, sacked quarterback Brad Taylor for a 17-yard loss. The game was deadlocked at 10-10 at the half, but Carolina came right out to open the third quarter and put together a 13-play, 85-yard drive which was capped by Horton’s one-yard scoring run. North Carolina quarterback Rod Elkins scored on a one yard sneak on the Tar Heels’ next drive. He was set up by a 21-yard run by Horton and a 13-yard scamper by Bryant. Horton then churned out 42 yards on six plays and went in from four yards out to give the Heels a 31-10 lead with 7:29 to play in the game. The Razorbacks scored with 5:05 to play, recovered an onside kick and scored again with 2:44 left. North Carolina's punter Jeff Hayes took an intentional safety with 1:44 to play. That gave the ball back to Arkansas and set up Snipes’ defensive gem.1982 Sun Bowl
North Carolina scored the final 23 points of the game in the final quarter and held seventh-ranked Texas to 48 total yards in the second half as the Tar Heels became the first ACC team to win four consecutive bowl games. Ethan Horton was the offensive star of the game, rushing for 119 yards in the second half as Carolina won 26-10. He replaced injured starter Kelvin Bryant, who totaled 45 yards before leaving the game with an injured ankle. Trailing 10-3 after three quarters, the Tar Heels vaulted into the lead via three consecutive field goals. Sophomore walk-on Rob Rogers, who had connected from 53 yards in the second quarter, hit a 47-yard field goal with 14:51 to play to narrow the Texas lead to 10-6. Brooks Barwick was then successful from 24 and 42 yards, the latter putting the Heels into the lead at 12-10 with 4:56 left. Horton tacked on a three-yard touchdown with 2:17 remaining and Mike Wilcher fell on a loose ball in the end zone for another touchdown with 1:35 to play. The defensive series of the game came five minutes into the third quarter with Texas leading 10-3 and with the ball, third-and-goal at the Carolina one. Two times, Texas fullback Ervin Davis tried to find the end zone, but twice he was hurled back. First, it was Wilcher who made the hit and then on 4th-andgoal, Greg Poole made the stop which changed the game. The Christmas Day affair was played with intermittent snow flurries and a wind-chill reading that hovered around 12 degrees.1983 Peach Bowl
Florida State scored the first two times it had the ball and penalties and turnovers cost the Tar Heels dearly, as the Seminoles whipped Carolina 28-3 in a miserably cold and half-empty Peach Bowl. Played before only 25,648 fans in low-20 degree temperatures, the Peach Bowl loss snapped the Tar Heels’ consecutive bowl- game winning streak at four. The Seminoles held the Tar Heels’ running game to just 32 yards and three first downs. One thousand yard rushers Ethan Horton and Tyrone Anthony were held to 30 and 27 yards, respectively. Florida State quarterback Eric Thomas, making his first start, connected with Weegie Thompson on touchdown passes on the Seminoles first two series. Midway through the second quarter, the Tar Heels fumbled away a punt at their own 16 and Florida State converted via a 1-yard touchdown run. Carolina put up its only points of the day on Brooks Barwick’s 36-yard field goal. The loss was the fourth in the final five games of the season and ended a season in which Carolina had been ranked third in the nation.1986 Aloha Bowl
Arizona converted four North Carolina fumbles into 20 points and then held off a furious Tar Heel rally in the fourth quarter to win the 1986 Aloha Bowl, 30-21. Carolina dug itself a 30-0 hole and did not put points on the board until freshman tailback Torin Dorn broke a 58-yard touchdown run with 2:19 left in the third quarter. The Tar Heels fumbled five times in the first three periods and the Wildcats turned them into two touchdowns and two field goals. Following Dorn’s electrifying run, the Tar Heels quickly moved back within striking distance with two more touchdowns in the next seven minutes. Mark Maye hit Randy Marriott with a six-yard touchdown pass after a Norris Davis interception and then followed a Davis punt block with a two yard scoring run of his own to narrow the margin to30-21 with 9:10 to play. That, however, was as close as Carolina could challenge. A couple of dropped passes thwarted two more Carolina drives. Dorn was the game’s leading ground-gainer, rushing for 101 yards on only seven carries. Maye completed 17 of 34 passes for 171 yards; he hooked up with Eric Starr a game-high seven times for 53 yards.1993 Peach Bowl
Defensive MVP Bracey Walker blocked consecutive third-quarter punts, returning one of them for the tying touchdown, and forced a fourth quarter interception which Cliff Baskerville returned 44 yards for a touchdown to lead Carolina to a 21-17 Peach Bowl win over Mississippi State. Walker’s heroics capped a fierce second-half comeback in which the Tar Heels came from 14 points behind to score three times, although just once on an offensive possession. Mississippi State took a two-touchdown lead in the first quarter and had two more scores in the second quarter called back due to holding penalties. Carolina regrouped at halftime, however, and cut the lead to 14-7 just six plays into the third quarter. Mike Thomas connected with Bucky Brooks for a 53-yard completion on the fourth play of the half and Natrone Means scored from a yard out two snaps later. Means led the Tar Heel offense with 128 yards rushing and was named the game’s Offensive MVP. Later in the third quarter, Walker blocked a punt but Carolina’s field goal try was unsuccessful. On the next series Carolina again forced the Bulldogs to punt and this time Walker blocked the kick, picked up the loose ball and raced 24 yards untouched for the tying score. Early in the final quarter Walker forced a midair loose ball with a jarring hit and Baskerville plucked the ball out of the air and sprinted 44 yards down the left sideline for what proved to be the winning score.1993 Gator Bowl
Quarterback Brian Burgdorf threw for two touchdowns and ran for another to lead 18thranked and defending national champion Alabama to a 24-10 victory over 11th-ranked Carolina in Outback Steakhouse Gator Bowl. Corey Holliday caught nine passes for 125 yards and was North Carolina’s MVP. After a scoreless first period, Alabama took the lead on a 22-yard field goal by Michael Proctor. Carolina quarterback Jason Stanicek then led a seven- play, 80-yard touchdown drive in just 1:36 to take the lead, 7-3, on the ensuing possession. Stanicek hit Holliday with completions of 29 and 22 yards and executed one of his trademark option pitches to freshman tailback Leon Johnson for an 18-yard gain. William Henderson plunged in from a yard out for the lead. The Crimson Tide went up 10-7 Burgdorf scored from 33 yards out on a quarterback draw. With 1:44 left before intermission, Stanicek led what would be the final Tar Heel scoring drive. He hit Holliday with passes of 12 and nine yards and Curtis Johnson ran twice for 20 yards before the drive stalled and Tripp Pignetti hit a 23-yard field goal to tie the game at 10. The Alabama defense was the key to the game, holding North Carolina to a season-low 42 net yards rushing on 25 carries. Carolina could only muster 40 total yards and four first downs in the second half.1994 Sun Bowl
Priest Holmes rushed for 161 yards and four touchdowns, including the game-winner with 1:17 to play, to lead Texas to a 35-31 win over the Tar Heels before a Sun Bowl record crowd of 50,612. Holmes’ four-touchdown performance wrestled away MVP honors from North Carolina quarterback Mike Thomas, who had the finest passing day of his career. Thomas completed 23 of 39 passes for 298 yards and two touchdowns. He set North Carolina bowl game records for completions and yards and tied the mark with two scoring tosses. He was 15 for 19 in the first half and completed 20 of 29 before a final desperation drive. Wide receivers Marcus Wall and Octavus Barnes were two more standouts for the Tar Heels. Wall was selected the game’s Most Valuable Special Teams Player. He gave the Tar Heels a 24-21 lead in the fourth quarter when he returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown. Barnes set North Carolina bowl game records for most catches and yards with nine receptions for 165 yards and one score. The 165 yards were also the most in Sun Bowl history. With Carolina up, 31-21, Texas quickly went on a 68-yard touchdown drive in only 2:38. On the next series, Texas took over at its own 32 and drove 68 yards in 10 plays for the winning score. Holmes carried the last three plays on the drive for nine, two and finally the five yard touchdown run.1995 CarQuest Bowl
Leon Johnson rushed for a Carolina bowl record 195 yards and Mike Thomas threw for two scores as the Tar Heels knocked off Arkansas, 20-10, in the Carquest Bowl. Johnson’s 195-yard effort topped the previous high of 148 yards by Kelvin Bryant, also against Arkansas, in the 1981 Gator Bowl. Johnson had just 23 yards on eight carries in the first half, but exploded for 172 yards in the second half. All-America tackle Marcus Jones capped his career with four tackles for losses, including a quarterback sack on Arkansas’ last play from scrimmage - his final collegiate play. Trailing by a touchdown the Tar Heels quickly moved into position to tie the game. On third-and long quarterback Mike Thomas rolled right, threw back across the field to Ashford, who sprinted around the left flank into the end zone. The Razorbacks managed to take a 10-7 lead in the third quarter on a 26-yard field goal by Latourette. Two series later Carolina went into the lead for good. On third-and-eight from the 28, Thomas ran the option around the right corner, turned up field and then pitched the ball to Johnson, who was trailing the play perfectly. Johnson ran untouched for a 28-yard, go-ahead score.1997 Gator Bowl
Oscar Davenport, starting in place of injured first-team all-conference quarterback Chris Keldorf, completed 14 of 26 passes for 175 yards and one touchdown as Carolina defeated West Virginia 20-13 in the 52nd annual Toyota Gator Bowl. Davenport, who also rushed for one touchdown, was named the game’s MVP. Carolina broke the scoring drought early in the second quarter when Davenport found Octavus Barnes in the back corner of the end zone on an 18-yard pass. As time was running down in the first half, Davenport and Leon Johnson led the Tar Heels on a five-play touchdown drive. Johnson caught a pass for 13 yards and rushed twice for 19 yards in the drive. Davenport scored on a 5-yard option keeper for a 17-3 lead. West Virginia opened the second-half scoring with a 34-yard touchdown pass to close within seven points. A fumble recovery by Greg Williams ended one West Virginia threat, but West Virginia had one last chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. Carolina stopped the Mountaineers on 4th-and-6 at the North Carolina 24 yard line with just under two minutes remaining. Dre’ Bly, Carolina’s consensus first-team All-America, picked off two second-half passes. Carolina’s defense forced four West Virginia turnovers; the Mountaineers had 10 in 11 regular-season games.1998 Gator Bowl
Chris Keldorf threw for 290 yards and three scores and Carolina’s defense and special teams added touchdowns as the Tar Heels pounded Virginia Tech, 42-3, in the Toyota Gator Bowl. The victory, North Carolina’s most lopsided in a bowl game, secured a No. 4 final ranking in the coaches’ poll for the 11-1 Tar Heels. The game was Carl Torbush’s first as Carolina’s head coach. Torbush, North Carolina’s defensive coordinator the past 10 years, was elevated to head coach on December 8th after Mack Brown accepted the same position at the University of Texas. Keldorf completed 17 of 28 passes, including touchdown throws of 62 and 14 yards to wide receiver Octavus Barnes and four yards to fullback Jamie Carrick. Carolina amassed 427 total yards and held the Hokies to just 185 yards. Leading 3-0, Keldorf hit Barnes with a 62-yard bomb down the left sideline for a 10-0 lead. Later in the first quarter, Carolina forced Virginia Tech to punt deep in Hokie territory. Quinton Savage blocked the punt and Dre’ Bly scooped it up at the 6-yard line and scored for a 16-0 North Carolinaadvantage. One minute and 10 seconds after Bly’s touchdown, Ellis fell on a loose ball in the Tech end zone for another touchdown. Carolina scored 16 firstquarter points in the entire regular season, but scored 16 in the first quarter of the Gator Bowl and six more just seven seconds into the second quarter. The 42 points were the most in North Carolina postseason history and the three touchdown passes by Keldorf set a North Carolina bowl game record.1998 Las Vegas Bowl
Ronald Curry rushed for a season- high 93 yards and a touchdown, punter Brian Schmitz was outstanding despite windy conditions and the Tar Heel defense did not allow a TD in the last 59 minutes as Carolina defeated San Diego State, 20-13. Curry, the game’s Most Valuable Offensive Player, gave Carolina the lead for good with a 48-yard touchdown run on the final play of the opening quarter. He rushed for 93 yards on 10 carries and accounted for 96 of Carolina’s 196 total offense yards, despite playing just four series. The game was played winds gusting to 47 miles per hour. Passing was almost impossible. In fact, Carolina won the game despite completing just four passes for 33 yards. Schmitz averaged 44.0 yards on five punts and pinned the Aztecs inside their own 11-yard line four times. Late in the second quarter, Schmitz unloaded a 66-yard punt into the wind. San Diego State took an early 7-0 lead in the first minute of the game before the Tar Heels scored 20 unanswered points to close the first half. After two second-half field goals cut it to 20-13, the Aztecs had one final chance to tie the game. With just over a minute left, Dre’ Bly broke up a pass in the end zone. On the following play, Brandon Spoon tipped Brian Russell’s pass in the air and the ball was intercepted at the goal line by Keith Newman with 59 seconds remaining.2001 Peach Bowl
Willie Parker rushed for 131 yards and Ryan Sims led a spirited defensive effort as North Carolina won its fifth consecutive postseason bowl appearance with a 16-10 victory over Auburn in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. Parker, who started his first game since September, was spectacular, scoring on a 10-yard run in the first quarter and setting up a second-quarter field goal with a 43-yard dash. Parker had the fifth-best rushing day in North Carolina bowl history and it was the 11th time a Tar Heel had rushed for more than 100 yards in a bowl game. Parker’s touchdown was set up by Carolina’s defense, which allowed just 32 total rushing yards and shutout Auburn for three quarters. In the first quarter, cornerback Michael Waddell forced a fumble at the Auburn 26-yard line that defensive end Joey Evans picked up and rumbled to the Auburn 8-yard line. Two plays later, Parker’s touchdown gave Carolina a 7-0 lead. Curry, who was named the game’s Offensive MVP, scored on an incredible touchdown run in the third quarter to give Carolina a 16-0 advantage. Defensively, Carolina came up with several big plays throughout the game and held off a furious Auburn comeback in the fourth quarter. Sims, the Defensive MVP, had six tackles, including two sacks and was constantly disrupting the Auburn backfield. After scoring twice in the fourth quarter, Auburn attempted an onside kick, but North Carolina’s Richard Moore covered the ball and the Tar Heels ran out the clock.2004 Continental Tire Bowl
Kicker Ryan Ohliger scored on a 21-yard fake field goal run to seal Boston College’s 37-24 victory over North Carolina in the Continental Tire Bowl. Clinging to a 27-24 lead over North Carolina (6-6) in the fourth quarter, BC quarterback Paul Peterson was injured as he tried to run outside for a first down on third-and-1 and was brought down awkwardly by Tommy Davis. On the next play, Ohliger, a 5-foot-9 freshman, took the hand off from holder Matt Ryan and raced into the end zone, breaking a tackle along the way, for a 34-24 lead with 10:32 to play. Before leaving, Peterson went 24-of-33 for 236 yards and two touchdowns. Virginia represented the ACC in the first two Tire Bowls, so the inclusion of North Carolina was a welcome change of scenery. Tar Heels fans snapped up over 65,000 tickets, washing out the scattering of Boston College supporters in a sea of light blue. They had plenty to cheer about early as North Carolina seized the momentum by scoring a pair of touchdowns after Peterson’s fumble and Ohliger’s missed field goal. North Carolina quarterback Darian Durant threw for 260 yards and three TDs in his final game as a Tar Heel. He finished his storied career with 51 school records, including all major passing and total offense records. Wide receiver Derelle Mitchell caught seven passes for 116 yards.2008 Meineke Car Care Bowl
Pat White threw for 332 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown pass to Alric Arnett midway through the fourth quarter to send West Virginia to a 31-30 win over North Carolina in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. The senior quarterback was voted MVP, helping West Virginia (9-4) overcome Hakeem Nicks’ big day for North Carolina. Nicks caught eight passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns for the Tar Heels (8-5), but T.J. Yates was intercepted by Pat Lazear with under 2 minutes left to end Butch Davis’ hopes of a bowl win in his second year at North Carolina. White completed 26 of 32 passes and threw one interception. The NCAA’s all-time leading rushing quarterback added 55 more yards on the ground to finish with 4,480. After J.T. Thomas recovered Shaun Draughn’s fumble at the West Virginia 30, White threw a 41-yard pass over the middle to Jock Sanders, picked up nine yards on a running play and then rifled a pass between two defenders to Arnett for the go-ahead touchdown with 7:14 left. Yates couldn’t find the dynamic Nicks on the Tar Heels’ final drive, eventually throwing his first interception of the game. Nicks already set three school receiving records and shattered his career-high in yards receiving - with 10:37 left in the second quarter. It was part of a dizzying offensive display by both teams that produced six touchdowns in the game’s first 20 minutes. Nicks’ 25-yard TD catch from Yates early in the second quarter was his 178th career reception - another school record - and gave North Carolina a 23-21 lead. The action thrilled a sellout crowd at Bank of America Stadium that included thousands of fans from both schools.2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl
Dion Lewis rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown, and Dan Hutchins kicked a 33-yard field goal with 52 seconds left to give the 17th-ranked Pittsburgh Panthers a 19–17 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels. Winning 10 games for the first time since Dan Marino was the quarterback in 1981, Pitt (10–3) converted on fourth down at its own 30 and took advantage of a key offsides penalty to set up Hutchins' fourth field goal. T.J. Yates threw two touchdown passes to Greg Little, but his incomplete pass on fourth and 10 from his own 49 with 6 seconds left sent the Tar Heels (8–5) to their second straight bowl loss. Yates was 19 of 32 for 183 yards and an interception, while Little caught seven passes for 87 yards. Ryan Houston rushed for 83 yards. But North Carolina's defense, which came in sixth in the nation overall and ninth against the run, struggled to contain the shifty Lewis. The match-up featured old coaching buddies who won a national championship and Super Bowl together. Pitt's Dave Wannstedt and North Carolina's Butch Davis worked on Jimmy Johnson's staff at Oklahoma State, Miami, and the Dallas Cowboys. Their careers then included NFL head coaching jobs before they returned to college. It Took Wannstedt's big gamble to help Pitt end a two-game losing streak after North Carolina took a 17–16 lead late in the third quarter on Yates' second touchdown pass to Little.2010 Music City Bowl
1000-yard Rushers
North Carolina has been call "Tailback U" for their number of 1000-yard rushers. Over the years, there have been 24 1000-yard rushers. North Carolina did lead the NCAA among 1000-yard rushers, until the Trojans of Southern Cal broke their record in 2004 with Lendale White rushing for 1000 yards. Four times in Carolina's history, have two running backs rushed for over 1,000 yards in the same season. It occurred in 1974 (Jim Betterson & Mike Voight), 1980 (Amos Lawrence & Kelvin Bryant), 1983 (Ethan Horton & Tyrone Anthony), and 1993 (Curtis Johnson & Leon Johnson).When Jonathan Linton rushed for 199 yards in Carolina’s 50-14 win over Duke in the 1997 regular season finale, he became the 14th Tar Heel running back to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Linton finished that 11-1 season with 1,004 yards. North players have accomplished the feat 24 times, formerly an NCAA record. Those 24 1,000-yard seasons have been achieved in the last 33 years, beginning with Don McCauley, who had back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 1969 and 1970. Linton was the fourth different Tar Heel back to gain 1,000 yards in the 1990s. Natrone Means had 1,030 yards as a sophomore in 1991 and 1,195 yards in leading North Carolina to nine wins in 1992. In ‘91, Means topped 1,000 yards on his final carry of the season, a 68-yard touchdown run versus Duke. He vaulted past 1,000 in similar fashion a year later as he reached the magical figure on a wild, 76-yard scoring scamper at Maryland. Means entered the NFL Draft after his junior year, but Curtis Johnson and Leon Johnson responded with tandem 1,000- yard seasons in 1993. That was the fourth time in North Carolina history that not one, but two, players topped the 1,000-yard mark.
Carolina’s 24 1,000-yard seasons are more than the next two ACC schools have combined. Virginia is second in number of 1,000-yard seasons with 12 and Clemson is third with 10. NC State has nine, Wake Forest has eight, Florida State has seven, Georgia Tech and Maryland each have six and Duke has four. In a 12-year period from 1973 to 1984, Carolina had at least one player break the 1,000-yard mark each season. Three times in that era, the Tar Heels had two tailbacks get 1,000 yards in the same season. It has been rare in college football for a school to produce two 1,000-yard backs in one year. When it has happened it has generally been with option attacks– the veer or the wishbone. But, on all four occasions when Carolina has had a pair of 1,000- yard rushers, the players actually shared the same position– tailback in an I-formation. Carolina and USC have each had two players rush for 1,000 yards three times– Mike Voight and Kelvin Bryant of the Tar Heels and the Trojans’ Charles White and Anthony Davis. In addition, Carolina’s Amos Lawrence had an amazing four 1,000-yard seasons. Lawrence, Pittsburgh’s Tony Dorsett, New Mexico State’s Denvis Manns and Wisconsin’s Ron Dayne are the only major college players ever to hit the 1,000-yard mark four times. Lawrence rushed for a career-high 1,211 yards in 1977 as he earned ACC Rookie of the Year honors. Lawrence didn’t even play in the first game that year and still managed to run for over 1,200 yards in just 10 games. He was eighth in the nation in rushing and became the first freshman to ever lead the ACC in a major offensive category. Lawrence, from Norfolk, Va., added 1,043 yards in 1978, 1,019 yards in 1979 and 1,118 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns in 1980.
McCauley rushed for 1,720 yards in 1970. At that time it broke O.J. Simpson’s all-time NCAA single-season yardage record. McCauley’s 1970 season is one of the finest in ACC history. His 1,720 yards, 19 rushing touchdowns, 10 100-yard rushing games, 2,021 all-purpose yards and 126 points all were single season ACC records. The first UNC back to earn consensus All- America honors since Charlie Justice, McCauley capped his brilliant career with a memorable game against Duke as he rushed 47 times for 279 yards and five touchdowns in a 59-36 win over the Blue Devils. One local sportswriter wrote of McCauley’s final Kenan Stadium effort, "McCauley’s performance against Duke was the greatest one-man show since King Kong climbed the Empire State Building." Another scribe from the Charlotte Observer wrote, "Don McCauley may be the finest football player the Atlantic Coast Conference has ever seen." McCauley is one of only two Tar Heel 1,000-yard backs from outside the ACC’s geographic area. He is a native of Garden City, N.Y. Linton, from Catasauqua, Pa., added to that short list in 1997. Bryant, Tyrone Anthony, James Betterson, Ethan Horton, Sammy Johnson, Kennard Martin, Means, Curtis Johnson and Leon Johnson are all North Carolinians. Lawrence and Voight grew up in Virginia, and Derrick Fenner is from Maryland.
Many of Carolina’s 1,000-yard rushers went on to successful careers in the professional ranks. McCauley played with the Baltimore Colts for 11 seasons and broke many of the club’s rushing and scoring records set by Alan Ameche and Lenny Moore. Bryant was the USFL’s Player of the Year in that league’s first season. He joined the Washington Redskins in 1986. Means led the Chargers to the Super Bowl in 1994 and was named to the Pro Bowl. He set the single-season rushing record for the Chargers in just his second season when he compiled 1,350 yards in 1994. Means was second in the AFC and fourth in the NFL in rushing yards and he set a Charger record with five consecutive 100-yard games. He was the offensive spark which led Jacksonville to the AFC Championship Game in 1996 in the franchise’s second year of existence. Horton, Sammy Johnson and Leon Johnson were recruited as quarterbacks. All of the others were high school running backs, although McCauley was more highly regarded as a defensive back.
Fenner set the ACC rushing record in 1986 by gaining 328 yards against Virginia, although that mark was surpassed by Wake Forest’s John Leach in 1993 against Maryland. Martin had 291 in 1988 against Duke. Lawrence had 286 against Virginia in 1977 and McCauley gained 279 against Duke in 1970. Then comes Voight’s 261 against the Blue Devils in 1976. In 1990, Means rushed for 256 yards in the season finale vs. Duke. Two of the top single- season efforts ever in the ACC are McCauley’s 1,720 yards in 1970 and Voight’s 1,407 in 1976. McCauley and Voight are the only Carolina players to be named ACC Player of the Year in two seasons. McCauley was the top ACC player in 1969 and 1970 and Voight earned that award in 1975 and 1976.
Ethan Horton is the only other North Carolinaplayer to be named ACC Player of the Year in the same season he rushed for 1,000 yards. Leon Johnson is the only player in Atlantic Coast Conference history to be in the top five in career all-purpose yards, top five in career touchdowns, top five in career scoring, top 10 in career rushing yards and top 10 in career receptions. He is first in all-purpose yards in league history, second in touchdowns and fifth in scoring. He scored 50 touchdowns in his career, just one shy of the all-time ACC record held by Ted Brown of N.C. State. He scored 306 points, one of just four players in league history to top the 300- point mark. He and Brown are the only two non-kickers to accomplish that feat.
Linton alternated for much of his career between tailback and fullback. He was a reserve behind Leon Johnson for several years, but then became a standout as a senior. Linton became the first player in Carolina history to rush for 100 yards and catch passes for 100 yards in the same game. He rushed for 138 yards and added 137 receiving yards in Carolina’s 16-13 win at Georgia Tech. Despite suffering a knee injury days before the Gator Bowl, Linton rushed for 68 yards and caught six passes for 81 yards in Carolina’s 42-3 win over Virginia Tech.
| Year | Player | Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Don McCauley | 1,092 |
| 1970 | Don McCauley | 1,720 |
| 1973 | Sammy Johnson | 1,006 |
| 1974 | Jim Betterson | 1,082 |
| 1974 | Mike Voight | 1,033 |
| 1975 | Mike Voight | 1,250 |
| 1976 | Mike Voight | 1,407 |
| 1977 | Amos Lawrence | 1,211 |
| 1978 | Amos Lawrence | 1,043 |
| 1979 | Amos Lawrence | 1,019 |
| 1980 | Amos Lawrence | 1,118 |
| 1980 | Kelvin Bryant | 1,039 |
| 1981 | Kelvin Bryant | 1,015 |
| 1982 | Kelvin Bryant | 1,064 |
| 1983 | Ethan Horton | 1,107 |
| 1983 | Tyrone Anthony | 1,063 |
| 1984 | Ethan Horton | 1,247 |
| 1986 | Derrick Fenner | 1,250 |
| 1988 | Kennard Martin | 1,146 |
| 1991 | Natrone Means | 1,030 |
| 1992 | Natrone Means | 1,195 |
| 1993 | Curtis Johnson | 1,034 |
| 1993 | Leon Johnson | 1,012 |
| 1997 | Jonathan Linton | 1,004 |
All-Americans
| Year | Player(s) |
|---|---|
| 1929 | Ray Farris |
| 1933 | George Barclay |
| 1934 | George Barclay*, Jim Hutchins |
| 1935 | Don Jackson |
| 1936 | Andy Bershak |
| 1937 | Andy Bershak* |
| 1938 | Steve Maronic* |
| 1939 | George Sternweiss, Jim Lalanne, Paul Severin* |
| 1940 | Paul Severin* |
| 1943 | Ray Poole Ray Poole Ray Smith Poole was an American offensive and defensive end in the National Football League who played for the New York Giants from 1947 to 1952. Born in Gloster, Mississippi, he graduated from Crosby High School in Crosby, Mississippi, then attended the University of North Carolina before... |
| 1946 | Charlie Justice |
| 1947 | Charlie Justice, Walt Pupa |
| 1948 | Charlie Justice*, Art Weiner Art Weiner Art Weiner played American football as All American end at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1946-1949.... *, Len Szafaryn |
| 1949 | Charlie Justice*, Art Weiner*, Ken Powell* |
| 1950 | Irv Holdash* |
| 1958 | Al Goldstein*, Phil Blazer |
| 1961 | Jim LeCampte |
| 1963 | Bob Lacey* |
| 1964 | Ken Willard Ken Willard Kenneth Henderson Willard is a former American football running back/fullback in the National Football League. Willard was drafted with the second pick of the 1965 NFL Draft, by the San Francisco 49ers ahead of future NFL Hall of Famers Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers. He played nine seasons with the... |
| 1969 | Ed Chalupka |
| 1970 | Don McCauley Don McCauley Don McCauley was a tailback for the University of North Carolina from 1968 to 1970 and he attended the Garden City High School.He was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection and two-time Conference Player of the Year. He garnered the 1971 ACC Athlete of the Year award. He broke many rushing... * |
| 1972 | Ron Rusnak*, Jerry Sain |
| 1974 | Ken Huff Ken Huff Kenneth Wayne Huff is a former American football offensive lineman in the National Football League. He was also an All-American guard at the University of North Carolina.-College career:... *, Charles Waddell* |
| 1976 | Mike Voight, Mark Cantrell |
| 1977 | Dee Hardison Dee Hardison William David Hardison is a former American football defensive lineman in the National Football League for the Buffalo Bills , the New York Giants , the San Diego Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs... *, Mike Salzano |
| 1979 | Ricky Barden*, Ron Wooten Ron Wooten Ronald John Wooten was a guard who played seven professional seasons with the New England Patriots in the National Football League. Wooten attended the University of North Carolina... |
| 1980 | Ron Wooten*, Amos Lawrence, Donnell Thompson Donnell Thompson Donnell Thompson was a defensive end in the National Football League. Thompson attended the University of North Carolina.... , Lawrence Taylor Lawrence Taylor Lawrence Julius Taylor , nicknamed "L.T.", is a Hall of Fame former American football player. Taylor played his entire professional career as a linebacker for the New York Giants in the National Football League... *, Rick Donnalley Rick Donnalley William Frederick Donnalley is a former American football center in the National Football League. Donnalley was selected in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the University of North Carolina in the 1981 NFL Draft.His younger brother Kevin Donnalley also played in the NFL.... |
| 1981 | Greg Poole, David Drechsler* |
| 1982 | David Drechsler*, William Fuller William Fuller (American football) William Henry Fuller, Jr. is a retired American football player who played defensive end for 13 seasons in the National Football League... * |
| 1983 | William Fuller*, Brian Blados Brian Blados Brian Blados is a former American football guard and tackle who played nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League. He attended Washington-Lee High School with Sandra Bullock, who was two years behind him... *, Ethan Horton Ethan Horton Ethan Shane Horton is a former professional American football running back in the National Football League. He played one season for the Kansas City Chiefs , and seven seasons as a tight end for the Los Angeles Raiders , and the Washington Redskins... |
| 1986 | Harris Barton Harris Barton Harris Scott Barton is a former American football offensive lineman who played for the San Francisco 49ers.-Early life:... *, Derrick Fenner Derrick Fenner Derrick Steven Fenner , is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the 10th round of the 1989 NFL Draft. A 6'-3", 234-lb. running back from the North Carolina, Fenner played in 9 NFL seasons from 1989 to 1997... |
| 1987 | Carlton Bailey Carlton Bailey Carlton Wilson Bailey is a former professional American football player who played linebacker in the National Football League for the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, and Carolina Panthers... |
| 1988 | Jeff Garnica |
| 1989 | Pat Crowley* |
| 1990 | Kevin Donnalley Kevin Donnalley Kevin Thomas Donnalley was an American football guard in the NFL for the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Oilers, Miami Dolphins, and Carolina Panthers. Donnalley played college football at Davidson College for his first two years... |
| 1992 | Randall Parsons, Natrone Means |
| 1993 | Bracey Walker* |
| 1994 | Marcus Jones |
| 1995 | Marcus Jones* |
| 1996 | Dré Bly Dré Bly Donald André "Dré" Bly is a former American football cornerback who played for eleven seasons in the National Football League. After playing college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, Bly was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft... *, Greg Ellis, Brian Simmons Brian Simmons Brian Eugene Simmons is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals 17th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft... *, Freddie Jones Freddie Jones (American football) Freddie Jones is a former tight end in the National Football League. Jones was drafted by the San Diego Chargers with the 2nd pick in the 1997 NFL Draft. Jones became one of the best tight ends in the league in his 5 years with the Chargers. Before the 2002 season he signed with the Arizona... |
| 1997 | Dré Bly*, Greg Ellis*, Brian Simmons*, Kivuusama Mays Kivuusama Mays -Career:Kivuusama was drafted in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings and played that season with the team. He split the following season between the Vikings and the Green Bay Packers.... |
| 1998 | Dré Bly* |
| 1999 | Brian Schmitz* |
| 2000 | Julius Peppers Julius Peppers Julius Frazier Peppers is an American football defensive end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. Nicknamed The Freak of Nature, he was drafted by the Carolina Panthers second overall in the 2002 NFL Draft... * |
| 2001 | Julius Peppers*, Ryan Sims Ryan Sims Ryan O'Neal Sims is an American Football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. Sims' professional career began in 2002 with the Kansas City Chiefs, for whom he played through the end of the 2006 season... |
| 2004 | Jason Brown* |
(*) Denotes First Team All-American
Retired jerseys
| Number | Player |
|---|---|
| 22 | Charlie Justice |
| 46 | Bill Sutherland |
| 50 | Art Weiner Art Weiner Art Weiner played American football as All American end at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1946-1949.... |
| 59 | Andy Bershak |
| 99 | George Barclay |
Honored jerseys
Around the front of second tier of stands in Kenan Stadium, there are strips of metal with names of former Tar Heel footballers with their numbers, these are the honored jerseys.| Number | Player |
|---|---|
| 99 | George Barclay |
| 59 | Andy Bershak |
| 46 | Bill Sutherland |
| 22 | Charlie Justice |
| 50 | Art Weiner Art Weiner Art Weiner played American football as All American end at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1946-1949.... |
| 10 | Danny Talbott |
| 23 | Don McCauley Don McCauley Don McCauley was a tailback for the University of North Carolina from 1968 to 1970 and he attended the Garden City High School.He was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection and two-time Conference Player of the Year. He garnered the 1971 ACC Athlete of the Year award. He broke many rushing... |
| 62 | Ron Rusnak |
| 68 | Ken Huff Ken Huff Kenneth Wayne Huff is a former American football offensive lineman in the National Football League. He was also an All-American guard at the University of North Carolina.-College career:... |
| 44 | Mike Voight |
| 71 | Dee Hardison Dee Hardison William David Hardison is a former American football defensive lineman in the National Football League for the Buffalo Bills , the New York Giants , the San Diego Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs... |
| 98 | Lawrence Taylor Lawrence Taylor Lawrence Julius Taylor , nicknamed "L.T.", is a Hall of Fame former American football player. Taylor played his entire professional career as a linebacker for the New York Giants in the National Football League... |
| 95 | William Fuller William Fuller (American football) William Henry Fuller, Jr. is a retired American football player who played defensive end for 13 seasons in the National Football League... |
| 12 | Ethan Horton Ethan Horton Ethan Shane Horton is a former professional American football running back in the National Football League. He played one season for the Kansas City Chiefs , and seven seasons as a tight end for the Los Angeles Raiders , and the Washington Redskins... |
| 71 | Marcus Jones |
| 87 | Greg Ellis |
| 41 | Brian Simmons Brian Simmons Brian Eugene Simmons is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals 17th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft... |
| 31 | Dré Bly Dré Bly Donald André "Dré" Bly is a former American football cornerback who played for eleven seasons in the National Football League. After playing college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, Bly was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft... |
| 49 | Julius Peppers Julius Peppers Julius Frazier Peppers is an American football defensive end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. Nicknamed The Freak of Nature, he was drafted by the Carolina Panthers second overall in the 2002 NFL Draft... |
| 44 | Kelvin Bryant Kelvin Bryant Kelvin LeRoy Bryant is a former American football running back in the National Football League and the United States Football League.-College career:... |
| 67 | Harris Barton Harris Barton Harris Scott Barton is a former American football offensive lineman who played for the San Francisco 49ers.-Early life:... |
| 60 | Brian Blados Brian Blados Brian Blados is a former American football guard and tackle who played nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League. He attended Washington-Lee High School with Sandra Bullock, who was two years behind him... |
| 25 | Irv Holdash |
| 85 | Bob Lacey Bob Lacey Robert Joseph Lacey, Jr. is a former professional baseball pitcher. He played all or part of seven seasons in Major League Baseball for the Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, California Angels, and San Francisco Giants.... |
| 20 | Amos Lawrence Amos Lawrence Amos Lawrence, was an American merchant and philanthropist.-Biography:... |
| 87 | Paul Severin |
Captains
| Year | Player(s) |
|---|---|
| 1888 | Bob Bingham, Steve Bragaw |
| 1889 | Lacy Little, Steve Bragaw |
| 1891 | Mike Hoke, George Graham |
| 1892 | Mike Hoke |
| 1893 | A. S. Bernard |
| 1894 | Charles Baskerville |
| 1895 | Edwin Gregory |
| 1896 | Robert Wright |
| 1897 | Arthur Belden |
| 1898 | Frank Rogers |
| 1899 | Samuel Shull |
| 1900 | Frank Osborne |
| 1901 | Albert M. Carr |
| 1902 | Frank Foust |
| 1903 | G. Lyles Jones |
| 1904 | R. S. Stewart |
| 1905 | Foy Roberson |
| 1906 | Romy Story |
| 1907 | Joseph S. Mann |
| 1908 | George Thomas |
| 1909 | C.C. Garrett |
| 1910 | Earl Thompson |
| 1911 | Bob Winston |
| 1912 | William Tillett |
| 1913 | L.L. Abernethey |
| 1914 | Dave Tayloe |
| 1915 | Dave Tayloe |
| 1916 | George Tandy |
| 1919 | J.M. Coleman |
| 1920 | Beemer Harrell |
| 1921 | Robbins Lowe |
| 1922 | Grady Pritchard |
| 1923 | Roy Morris |
| 1924 | Pierce Matthews |
| 1925 | Herman McIver |
| 1926 | Manly Whisnant |
| 1927 | Garret Morehead |
| 1928 | Harry Schwartz |
| 1929 | Ray Farris |
| 1930 | Strud Nash |
| 1931 | - |
| 1932 | - |
| 1933 | Bill Croom |
| 1934 | George Barclay |
| 1935 | Herman Snyder, Harry Montgomery |
| 1936 | Dick Buck |
| 1937 | Andy Bershak, Crowell Little |
| 1938 | Steve Maronic, George Watson |
| 1939 | George Stirnweiss, Jim Woodson |
| 1940 | Paul Severin, Gates Kimball |
| 1941 | Harry Dunkle, Carl Suntheimer |
| 1942 | Joe Austin, Tank Marshall |
| 1943 | Craven Turner |
| 1944 | Bobby Weant |
| 1945 | Bill Voris, Bill Walker |
| 1946 | Chan Highsmith, Ralph Strayhorn |
| 1947 | George Sparger, Joe Wright |
| 1948 | Hosea Rodgers, Dan Stiegman |
| 1949 | Charlie Justice |
| 1950 | Dick Bunting, Irv Holdash |
| 1951 | Joe Dudeck, Bob Gantt |
| 1952 | George Norris, Bud Wallace |
| 1953 | Ken Yarborough |
| 1954 | - |
| 1955 | Will Frye, Roland Perdue |
| 1956 | George Stavnitski, Ed Sutton |
| 1957 | Dave Reed, Buddy Payne |
| 1958 | Phil Blazer, Curtis Hathaway |
| 1959 | Jack Cummings, Wade Smith |
| 1960 | Rip Hawkins, Frank Riggs |
| 1961 | Bob Elliott, Jim LeCompte |
| 1962 | Joe Craver, Ward Marslender |
| 1963 | Gene Sigmon, Roger Smith |
| 1964 | Chris Hanburger, Ron Tuthill |
| 1965 | Hank Barden, Ed Stringer |
| 1966 | Bob Hume, Hank Sadler, Danny Talbott |
| 1967 | Jack Davenport, David Riggs |
| 1968 | Gayle Bomar, Mike Smith |
| 1969 | Sam Bounds, Ed Chalupka, Bob Hanna, Don Hartig, David Jackson, Ken Price, Saulis Zemaitis |
| 1970 | Don McCauley, Flip Ray, Bill Richardson |
| 1971 | John Bunting, Paul Miller |
| 1972 | Gene Brown, Ron Rusnak |
| 1973 | Sammy Johnson, Terry Taylor |
| 1974 | Ken Huff, Chris Kupec |
| 1975 | Deke Andrews, Roc Bauman, James Betterson, Bill Paschall, Ray Stanford, Bobby Trott |
| 1976 | Craig Funk, Ronny Johnson |
| 1977 | Alan Caldwell |
| 1978 | Bernie Menapace, Bunn Rhames, Mike Salzano |
| 1979 | Buddy Curry |
| 1980 | Rick Donnalley, Steve Streater, Lawrence Taylor, Ron Wooten |
| 1981 | Shelton Robinson, Lee Shaffer |
| 1982 | David Dreschsler |
| 1983 | Brain Blados, William Fuller |
| 1984 | Brian Johnston |
| 1985 | Carl Carr |
| 1986 | Walter Bailey |
| 1987 | Carlton Bailey, Mark Maye |
| 1988 | Bryan Causey, Jeff Garnica, Antonio Goss, Creighton Incorminias, John Keller, Mitch Wike |
| 1989 | Clarence Carter, Pat Crowley, Torin Dorn, Cecil Gray, Jonathan Hall |
| 1990 | Dwight Hollier |
| 1991 | Dwight Hollier |
| 1992 | Corey Holliday, Randall Parsons, Jonathan Perry, Tommy Thigpen |
| 1993 | Corey Holliday, Rick Steinbacher |
| 1994 | Jimmy Hitchcock, William Henderson, Mike Morton, Jason Stanicek |
| 1995 | Eric Thomas, Marcus Wall |
| 1996 | Greg Ellis, James Hamilton, Leon Johnson, Freddie Jones, Chris Keldorf, Jeff Saturday, Brian Simmons, Rick Terry |
| 1997 | Greg Ellis, Vonnie Holliday, Jonathan Linton, Jeff Saturday, Brian Simmons |
| 1998 | Na Brown, Ebenezer Ekuban, Deon Dyer, Keith Newman, Brandon Spoon |
| 1999 | Ryan Carfley, Deon Dyer, Billy-Dee Greenwood, Brian Schmitz |
| 2000 | Alge Crumpler, Ronald Curry, Sedrick Hodge, Brandon Spoon |
| 2001 | Ronald Curry, Quincy Monk, Jeff Reed |
| 2002 | Sam Aiken, Dexter Reid, Ronald Brewer |
| 2003 | Dexter Reid, Jeb Terry, D.J. Walker |
| 2004 | Darian Durant, Jason Brown, Gerald Sensabaugh, Jonas Seawright, Greg Warren |
| 2005 | Matt Baker, Tommy Richardson, Wallace Wright |
| 2006 | Melik Brown, Ronnie McGill, Kareen Taylor |
| 2007 | Kentwan Balmer, Connor Barth, Scott Lenahan, Garret Reynolds, Hilee Taylor |
| 2008 | Ryan Taylor, Matt Merletti, Garrett Reynolds, Hakeem Nicks, Trimane Goddard, Mark Paschal |
| 2009 | Jordan Hembley, Kyle Jolly, Quan Sturdivant, Cam Thomas, Kennedy Tinsley, E.J. Wilson, T.J. Yates |
| 2010 | T.J. Yates, Johnny White, Bruce Carter, Tydreke Powell, Ryan Taylor, Zach Brown |
National Award Winners
- Chuck Bednarik AwardChuck Bednarik AwardThe Chuck Bednarik Award is presented annually to the defensive collegiate football player adjudged by the Maxwell Football Club to be the best in the United States...
: Julius PeppersJulius PeppersJulius Frazier Peppers is an American football defensive end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. Nicknamed The Freak of Nature, he was drafted by the Carolina Panthers second overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
(2001) - Lombardi AwardLombardi AwardThe Rotary Lombardi Award is awarded annually to the best college football lineman or linebacker. The Lombardi Award program was approved by the Rotary Club in Houston in 1970 shortly after the death of Vince Lombardi. The committee outlined the criteria for eligibility for the award, which...
: Julius Peppers (2001)
College football
- Charlie Justice
- Don McCauleyDon McCauleyDon McCauley was a tailback for the University of North Carolina from 1968 to 1970 and he attended the Garden City High School.He was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection and two-time Conference Player of the Year. He garnered the 1971 ACC Athlete of the Year award. He broke many rushing...
- Art WeinerArt WeinerArt Weiner played American football as All American end at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1946-1949....
- Jim TatumJim TatumJames M. "Big Jim" Tatum was an American football and baseball player and coach. Tatum served as the head football coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , the University of Oklahoma , and the University of Maryland, College Park , compiling a career college football record of...
- Carl SnavelyCarl SnavelyCarl "The Grey Fox" Snavely was an American football player and coach. He served as the head coach at Bucknell University , the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Cornell University , and Washington University in St...
Tar Heels in the NFL Draft
| Year | Player | Round # | Pick # | Overall # | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1938 1938 NFL Draft The 1938 National Football League Draft was held on December 12, 1937. The draft consisting of 12 rounds and 110 player selections, began with the leagues newest expansion team the Cleveland Rams taking Corbett Davis and ended with the Mr... |
Andy Bershak | 5 | 6 | 36 | Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... |
| 1938 1938 NFL Draft The 1938 National Football League Draft was held on December 12, 1937. The draft consisting of 12 rounds and 110 player selections, began with the leagues newest expansion team the Cleveland Rams taking Corbett Davis and ended with the Mr... |
Tom Burnette | 8 | 4 | 64 | Pittsburgh Pirates Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
| 1938 1938 NFL Draft The 1938 National Football League Draft was held on December 12, 1937. The draft consisting of 12 rounds and 110 player selections, began with the leagues newest expansion team the Cleveland Rams taking Corbett Davis and ended with the Mr... |
Henry Bartos | 12 | 9 | 109 | Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
| 1939 1939 NFL Draft The 1939 National Football League Draft was held on December 9, 1938.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round Two:-Round Three:-Round Four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Steve Maronic | 5 | 7 | 37 | Detroit Lions |
| 1939 1939 NFL Draft The 1939 National Football League Draft was held on December 9, 1938.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round Two:-Round Three:-Round Four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Jack Kraynick | 12 | 4 | 104 | Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 1939 1939 NFL Draft The 1939 National Football League Draft was held on December 9, 1938.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round Two:-Round Three:-Round Four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
George Watson | 14 | 10 | 130 | New York Giants New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 1940 1940 NFL Draft The 1940 National Football League Draft was held on December 9, 1939.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
George Stirnweiss Snuffy Stirnweiss George Henry "Snuffy" Stirnweiss was an American second baseman in Major League Baseball. From through , Stirnweiss played for the New York Yankees , St. Louis Browns and Cleveland Indians... |
2 | 1 | 11 | Chicago Cardinals |
| 1940 1940 NFL Draft The 1940 National Football League Draft was held on December 9, 1939.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Charley Slagle | 19 | 8 | 178 | Washington Redskins |
| 1941 1941 NFL Draft The 1941 National Football League Draft was held on December 10, 1940.Despite having three picks in the first round, only Norm Standlee ever played for the Chicago Bears.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:... |
Jim LaLanne | 10 | 8 | 88 | Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 1941 1941 NFL Draft The 1941 National Football League Draft was held on December 10, 1940.Despite having three picks in the first round, only Norm Standlee ever played for the Chicago Bears.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:... |
Paul Severin | 12 | 2 | 102 | Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
| 1941 1941 NFL Draft The 1941 National Football League Draft was held on December 10, 1940.Despite having three picks in the first round, only Norm Standlee ever played for the Chicago Bears.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:... |
Gates Kimball | 16 | 3 | 143 | Chicago Cardinals |
| 1942 1942 NFL Draft The 1942 National Football League Draft was held on December 22, 1941.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:-Round eleven:... |
Carl Suntheimer | 18 | 4 | 164 | Chicago Cardinals |
| 1943 1943 NFL Draft The 1943 National Football League Draft was held on April 8, 1943.This draft is the first and oldest NFL Draft not to produce a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:... |
Tank Marshall | 21 | 6 | 196 | New York Giants New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 1944 1944 NFL Draft The 1944 National Football League Draft was held on April 19, 1944.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:-Round eleven:... |
Hugh Cox | 18 | 6 | 181 | Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
| 1944 1944 NFL Draft The 1944 National Football League Draft was held on April 19, 1944.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:-Round eleven:... |
Ray Jordan | 26 | 6 | 269 | Green Bay Packers |
| 1945 1945 NFL Draft The 1945 National Football League Draft was held on April 8, 1945. It was the last draft held in Chicago; later in the year the league moved its offices to Philadelphia.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:... |
Chan Highsmith | 15 | 4 | 146 | Boston Yanks Boston Yanks The Boston Yanks were a National Football League team based in Boston, Massachusetts that played from 1944 to 1948. The team played its home games at Fenway Park. Games that conflicted with the Boston Red Sox schedule were held at the Manning Bowl in Lynn, Massachusetts... |
| 1945 1945 NFL Draft The 1945 National Football League Draft was held on April 8, 1945. It was the last draft held in Chicago; later in the year the league moved its offices to Philadelphia.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:... |
Ralph Strayhorn | 18 | 2 | 177 | Chicago Cardinals |
| 1946 1946 NFL Draft The 1946 National Football League Draft was held on January 14, 1946.The most notable draft choice in this player selection meeting was made by the Washington Redskins and remains one of the biggest draft blunders of all time. They chose Cal Rossi with the 9th overall pick. However, Rossi was a... |
Hosea Rodgers | 3 | 5 | 20 | New York Giants |
| 1946 1946 NFL Draft The 1946 National Football League Draft was held on January 14, 1946.The most notable draft choice in this player selection meeting was made by the Washington Redskins and remains one of the biggest draft blunders of all time. They chose Cal Rossi with the 9th overall pick. However, Rossi was a... |
Ted Hazelwood | 16 | 4 | 144 | Chicago Bears |
| 1946 1946 NFL Draft The 1946 National Football League Draft was held on January 14, 1946.The most notable draft choice in this player selection meeting was made by the Washington Redskins and remains one of the biggest draft blunders of all time. They chose Cal Rossi with the 9th overall pick. However, Rossi was a... |
Howard Weldon | 28 | 4 | 264 | Chicago Bears |
| 1946 1946 NFL Draft The 1946 National Football League Draft was held on January 14, 1946.The most notable draft choice in this player selection meeting was made by the Washington Redskins and remains one of the biggest draft blunders of all time. They chose Cal Rossi with the 9th overall pick. However, Rossi was a... |
Bill Voris | 30 | 5 | 285 | New York Giants |
| 1947 1947 NFL Draft The 1947 National Football League Draft was held on December 16, 1946.The National Football League in this draft made the first overall pick a bonus pick determined by lottery. The Chicago Bears won the first lottery... |
Ernie Williamson | 10 | 4 | 79 | Washington Redskins |
| 1947 1947 NFL Draft The 1947 National Football League Draft was held on December 16, 1946.The National Football League in this draft made the first overall pick a bonus pick determined by lottery. The Chicago Bears won the first lottery... |
Jack Fitch | 12 | 3 | 98 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 1947 1947 NFL Draft The 1947 National Football League Draft was held on December 16, 1946.The National Football League in this draft made the first overall pick a bonus pick determined by lottery. The Chicago Bears won the first lottery... |
Walt Pupa | 18 | 10 | 165 | Chicago Bears |
| 1947 1947 NFL Draft The 1947 National Football League Draft was held on December 16, 1946.The National Football League in this draft made the first overall pick a bonus pick determined by lottery. The Chicago Bears won the first lottery... |
Baxter Jerrell | 28 | 7 | 262 | Green Bay Packers |
| 1947 1947 NFL Draft The 1947 National Football League Draft was held on December 16, 1946.The National Football League in this draft made the first overall pick a bonus pick determined by lottery. The Chicago Bears won the first lottery... |
Don Clayton | 32 | 7 | 300 | New York Giants |
| 1948 1948 NFL Draft The 1948 National Football League Draft was held on December 19, 1947 at the Fort Pitt Hotel in Pittsburgh.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:... |
Bill Smith | 3 | 10 | 23 | Chicago Cardinals |
| 1948 1948 NFL Draft The 1948 National Football League Draft was held on December 19, 1947 at the Fort Pitt Hotel in Pittsburgh.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:... |
Jim Camp | 8 | 10 | 65 | Chicago Cardinals |
| 1949 1949 NFL Draft The 1949 National Football League Draft was held on December 21, 1948.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Len Szafaryn Len Szafaryn Leonard Adolph Szafaryn was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins, Green Bay Packers, and the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at the University of North Carolina and was drafted in the third round of the 1949 NFL Draft.... |
3 | 7 | 28 | Washington Redskins |
| 1949 1949 NFL Draft The 1949 National Football League Draft was held on December 21, 1948.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Mike Rubish | 8 | 2 | 73 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 1949 1949 NFL Draft The 1949 National Football League Draft was held on December 21, 1948.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Bob Kennedy Bob Kennedy (American football) Robert Michael Kennedy was a professional American football defensive back and halfback in the All-America Football Conference for the Los Angeles Dons. He played college football at the University of North Carolina and was drafted in the eighth round of the 1949 NFL Draft by the Washington... |
8 | 7 | 78 | Washington Redskins |
| 1949 1949 NFL Draft The 1949 National Football League Draft was held on December 21, 1948.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Bob Mitten | 19 | 8 | 189 | Chicago Bears |
| 1949 1949 NFL Draft The 1949 National Football League Draft was held on December 21, 1948.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Joe Romano | 20 | 1 | 192 | Detroit Lions |
| 1949 1949 NFL Draft The 1949 National Football League Draft was held on December 21, 1948.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Bob Cox | 23 | 9 | 230 | Chicago Cardinals |
| 1949 1949 NFL Draft The 1949 National Football League Draft was held on December 21, 1948.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Stan Marczyk | 25 | 8 | 249 | Chicago Bears |
| 1950 1950 NFL Draft The 1950 National Football League Draft was held on January 20–21, 1950.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Art Weiner Art Weiner Art Weiner played American football as All American end at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1946-1949.... |
2 | 2 | 16 | New York Bulldogs |
| 1950 1950 NFL Draft The 1950 National Football League Draft was held on January 20–21, 1950.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Charlie Justice | 16 | 5 | 201 | Washington Redskins |
| 1950 1950 NFL Draft The 1950 National Football League Draft was held on January 20–21, 1950.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Kenneth Powell | 18 | 8 | 230 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 1951 1951 NFL Draft The 1951 National Football League Draft was held on January 18–January 19, 1951. The Baltimore Colts folded after the 1950 season. The NFL placed their players in the 1951 NFL draft.-Player selections:-Round one:... |
Irv Holdash | 7 | 8 | 82 | Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 1951 1951 NFL Draft The 1951 National Football League Draft was held on January 18–January 19, 1951. The Baltimore Colts folded after the 1950 season. The NFL placed their players in the 1951 NFL draft.-Player selections:-Round one:... |
Roscoe Hansen | 29 | 7 | 346 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1953 1953 NFL Draft The 1953 National Football League Draft was held on January 22, 1953.-Player selections:-Round one:* HOF Member of the Professional Football Hall of Fame-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:... |
Tom Higgins | 6 | 9 | 70 | Chicago Cardinals |
| 1953 1953 NFL Draft The 1953 National Football League Draft was held on January 22, 1953.-Player selections:-Round one:* HOF Member of the Professional Football Hall of Fame-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:... |
Bud Wallace | 16 | 8 | 189 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1954 1954 NFL Draft The 1954 National Football League Draft was held on January 28, 1954.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:-Round eleven:... |
Jack Maultsby | 12 | 9 | 142 | Los Angeles Rams |
| 1954 1954 NFL Draft The 1954 National Football League Draft was held on January 28, 1954.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:-Round eleven:... |
Ken Yarborough | 27 | 7 | 320 | Washington Redskins |
| 1955 | Larry Parker | 11 | 3 | 124 | Washington Redskins |
| 1956 1956 NFL Draft The 1956 National Football League Draft was held on November 29, 1955.-Player selections:-Round one:* HOF Member of the Professional Football Hall of Fame-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:... |
Bill Koman Bill Koman William John Koman is a former professional American football linebacker who played in the National Football League for the Baltimore Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Chicago / St. Louis Cardinals... |
8 | 6 | 91 | Baltimore Colts |
| 1956 1956 NFL Draft The 1956 National Football League Draft was held on November 29, 1955.-Player selections:-Round one:* HOF Member of the Professional Football Hall of Fame-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:... |
Stew Pell | 11 | 2 | 123 | San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
| 1956 1956 NFL Draft The 1956 National Football League Draft was held on November 29, 1955.-Player selections:-Round one:* HOF Member of the Professional Football Hall of Fame-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:... |
Ken Keller | 11 | 5 | 126 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1957 1957 NFL Draft The 1957 National Football League Draft was held on November 27, 1956.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Ed Sutton Ed Sutton Edward Wike Sutton was an American football halfback and defensive back in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants... |
3 | 8 | 33 | Washington Redskins |
| 1957 1957 NFL Draft The 1957 National Football League Draft was held on November 27, 1956.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Don Klochak | 12 | 3 | 136 | Los Angeles Rams |
| 1957 1957 NFL Draft The 1957 National Football League Draft was held on November 27, 1956.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Jack Stillwell | 20 | 4 | 233 | Cleveland Browns |
| 1958 1958 NFL Draft The 1958 National Football League Draft was held on December 2, 1957 and January 28, 1958 .This was the last year in which the Lottery Bonus pick was used.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:... |
Buddy Payne | 8 | 5 | 90 | Washington Redskins |
| 1958 1958 NFL Draft The 1958 National Football League Draft was held on December 2, 1957 and January 28, 1958 .This was the last year in which the Lottery Bonus pick was used.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:... |
Phil Blazer Phil Blazer Philip Paul Blazer is a former American football offensive guard. He played college football at the University of North Carolina, and played professionally in the American Football League for the Buffalo Bills in 1960.-See also:* Other American Football League players... |
8 | 12 | 97 | Detroit Lions |
| 1958 1958 NFL Draft The 1958 National Football League Draft was held on December 2, 1957 and January 28, 1958 .This was the last year in which the Lottery Bonus pick was used.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:... |
Leo Russavage | 10 | 11 | 120 | Cleveland Browns |
| 1959 1959 NFL Draft The 1959 National Football League Draft was held on December 2, 1958 and January 21, 1959 .-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:... |
Ron Koes | 3 | 6 | 30 | Detroit Lions |
| 1959 1959 NFL Draft The 1959 National Football League Draft was held on December 2, 1958 and January 21, 1959 .-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:... |
Emil DeCantis | 10 | 3 | 111 | Chicago Cardinals |
| 1959 1959 NFL Draft The 1959 National Football League Draft was held on December 2, 1958 and January 21, 1959 .-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:... |
Alan Goldstein | 10 | 9 | 117 | Los Angeles Rams |
| 1959 1959 NFL Draft The 1959 National Football League Draft was held on December 2, 1958 and January 21, 1959 .-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:... |
John Schroeder | 15 | 2 | 170 | Chicago Cardinals |
| 1959 1959 NFL Draft The 1959 National Football League Draft was held on December 2, 1958 and January 21, 1959 .-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:... |
Don Redding | 16 | 8 | 188 | Chicago Bears |
| 1959 1959 NFL Draft The 1959 National Football League Draft was held on December 2, 1958 and January 21, 1959 .-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:... |
Fred Swearingen | 21 | 11 | 251 | New York Giants |
| 1959 1959 NFL Draft The 1959 National Football League Draft was held on December 2, 1958 and January 21, 1959 .-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:... |
Rabe Walton | 30 | 3 | 351 | Chicago Cardinals |
| 1960 1960 NFL Draft The 1960 National Football League Draft Annual Player Selection Meeting in which NFL teams take turns selecting amateur college American football players and other first-time eligible players, was held in secret in order to fend off increased competition for college players from the American... |
Jack Cummings | 4 | 9 | 45 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1960 1960 NFL Draft The 1960 National Football League Draft Annual Player Selection Meeting in which NFL teams take turns selecting amateur college American football players and other first-time eligible players, was held in secret in order to fend off increased competition for college players from the American... |
Don Stallings Don Stallings Alva Donald Stallings is a former American football defensive lineman in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of North Carolina and was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NFL Draft.... |
5 | 4 | 52 | Washington Redskins |
| 1960 1960 NFL Draft The 1960 National Football League Draft Annual Player Selection Meeting in which NFL teams take turns selecting amateur college American football players and other first-time eligible players, was held in secret in order to fend off increased competition for college players from the American... |
Earl Butler | 12 | 6 | 138 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 1960 1960 NFL Draft The 1960 National Football League Draft Annual Player Selection Meeting in which NFL teams take turns selecting amateur college American football players and other first-time eligible players, was held in secret in order to fend off increased competition for college players from the American... |
Jim Williams | 12 | 10 | 142 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 1961 1961 NFL Draft The 1961 National Football League Draft took place on December 27–28, 1960. The league would later hold an expansion draft for the Minnesota Vikings expansion franchise, and the Vikings were also awarded the first selection position in this draft. This draft was also the first regular draft for... |
Rip Hawkins Rip Hawkins Ross Cooper "Rip" Hawkins is a former professional American football player. He played 5 seasons in the National Football League with the Minnesota Vikings.... |
2 | 2 | 15 | Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960... |
| 1961 1961 NFL Draft The 1961 National Football League Draft took place on December 27–28, 1960. The league would later hold an expansion draft for the Minnesota Vikings expansion franchise, and the Vikings were also awarded the first selection position in this draft. This draft was also the first regular draft for... |
Henry Clement | 11 | 6 | 146 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 1961 1961 NFL Draft The 1961 National Football League Draft took place on December 27–28, 1960. The league would later hold an expansion draft for the Minnesota Vikings expansion franchise, and the Vikings were also awarded the first selection position in this draft. This draft was also the first regular draft for... |
Bob Elliott | 14 | 8 | 190 | St. Louis Cardinals Arizona Cardinals The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 1964 1964 NFL Draft The 1964 National Football League Draft took place on December 2, 1963.-Player selections:-Round one:* HOF Member of the Professional Football Hall of Fame-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:... |
Bob Lacey | 6 | 5 | 75 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 1964 1964 NFL Draft The 1964 National Football League Draft took place on December 2, 1963.-Player selections:-Round one:* HOF Member of the Professional Football Hall of Fame-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:... |
Ed Kesler | 16 | 9 | 219 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 1965 1965 NFL Draft The 1965 National Football League Draft took place on November 28, 1964. The first player selected was Tucker Frederickson, back from Auburn, by the New York Giants. The draft was marked by the failure of the St... |
Ken Willard Ken Willard Kenneth Henderson Willard is a former American football running back/fullback in the National Football League. Willard was drafted with the second pick of the 1965 NFL Draft, by the San Francisco 49ers ahead of future NFL Hall of Famers Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers. He played nine seasons with the... |
1 | 2 | 2 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 1965 1965 NFL Draft The 1965 National Football League Draft took place on November 28, 1964. The first player selected was Tucker Frederickson, back from Auburn, by the New York Giants. The draft was marked by the failure of the St... |
Chris Hanburger Chris Hanburger Christian G. Hanburger, Jr. is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League who played his entire fourteen year career with the Washington Redskins from 1965 to 1978... |
18 | 7 | 245 | Washington Redskins |
| 1967 1967 NFL Draft The 1967 National Football League Draft was part of the Common Draft in the first year in which the NFL and AFL held a joint draft of college players on March 14–15.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:... |
Bo Wood | 6 | 21 | 159 | New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League .... |
| 1967 1967 NFL Draft The 1967 National Football League Draft was part of the Common Draft in the first year in which the NFL and AFL held a joint draft of college players on March 14–15.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:... |
Danny Talbott | 17 | 13 | 432 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 1968 1968 NFL Draft The 1968 National Football League Draft was part of the Common Draft, in the second year in which the NFL and AFL held a joint draft of college players on January 30–31.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:... |
Jeff Beaver | 15 | 23 | 404 | Baltimore Colts |
| 1969 1969 NFL Draft The 1969 National Football League Draft was part of the Common Draft, the third and final year in which the NFL and American Football League held a joint draft of college players. The draft took place on January 28–29, 1969.... |
Mike Richey | 4 | 1 | 79 | Buffalo Bills Buffalo Bills The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 1971 1971 NFL Draft The 1971 National Football League Draft was held on January 28–29, 1971.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Don McCauley Don McCauley Don McCauley was a tailback for the University of North Carolina from 1968 to 1970 and he attended the Garden City High School.He was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection and two-time Conference Player of the Year. He garnered the 1971 ACC Athlete of the Year award. He broke many rushing... |
1 | 22 | 22 | Baltimore Colts |
| 1971 1971 NFL Draft The 1971 National Football League Draft was held on January 28–29, 1971.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Tony Blanchard | 12 | 14 | 159 | Cleveland Browns |
| 1972 1972 NFL Draft The 1972 National Football League Draft was held on February 1–2, 1972.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Lewis Jolley | 3 | 4 | 56 | Houston Oilers |
| 1972 1972 NFL Draft The 1972 National Football League Draft was held on February 1–2, 1972.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
John Bunting | 10 | 14 | 248 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1973 1973 NFL Draft The 1973 National Football League Draft was held on January 30–31, 1973.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Bob Thornton | 14 | 22 | 360 | Dallas Cowboys Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas... |
| 1974 1974 NFL Draft The 1974 National Football League Draft took place at the Americana Hotel in New York City on January 29–30, 1974. Each of the 26 NFL teams was granted 17 selections for a total of 442 picks.... |
Robert Pratt | 3 | 15 | 67 | Baltimore Colts |
| 1974 1974 NFL Draft The 1974 National Football League Draft took place at the Americana Hotel in New York City on January 29–30, 1974. Each of the 26 NFL teams was granted 17 selections for a total of 442 picks.... |
Sammy Johnson | 4 | 12 | 90 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 1974 1974 NFL Draft The 1974 National Football League Draft took place at the Americana Hotel in New York City on January 29–30, 1974. Each of the 26 NFL teams was granted 17 selections for a total of 442 picks.... |
Paul Lamm | 14 | 1 | 339 | Buffalo Bills |
| 1975 1975 NFL Draft The 1975 National Football League Draft was held on January 28–29, 1975.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Ken Huff Ken Huff Kenneth Wayne Huff is a former American football offensive lineman in the National Football League. He was also an All-American guard at the University of North Carolina.-College career:... |
1 | 3 | 3 | Baltimore Colts |
| 1975 1975 NFL Draft The 1975 National Football League Draft was held on January 28–29, 1975.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Charles Waddell | 5 | 21 | 125 | San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 1975 1975 NFL Draft The 1975 National Football League Draft was held on January 28–29, 1975.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:... |
Chris Kupec | 15 | 19 | 383 | Buffalo Bills |
| 1976 1976 NFL Draft The 1976 National Football League Draft was an annual player selection meeting held on April 8–April 9, 1976. It lasted 17 rounds, with the expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks making the first two selections. The expansion teams were also given a pair of extra picks at the end of... |
James Betterson | 8 | 15 | 224 | Denver Broncos Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 1976 1976 NFL Draft The 1976 National Football League Draft was an annual player selection meeting held on April 8–April 9, 1976. It lasted 17 rounds, with the expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks making the first two selections. The expansion teams were also given a pair of extra picks at the end of... |
Milton Butts | 12 | 4 | 323 | New Orleans Saints |
| 1977 1977 NFL Draft The 1977 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held May 3–4, 1977... |
Mike Voight | 3 | 20 | 76 | Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati Bengals The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL... |
| 1977 1977 NFL Draft The 1977 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held May 3–4, 1977... |
Mark Griffin | 8 | 14 | 209 | Detroit Lions |
| 1977 1977 NFL Draft The 1977 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held May 3–4, 1977... |
Mark Cantrell | 9 | 25 | 248 | Dallas Cowboys |
| 1977 1977 NFL Draft The 1977 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held May 3–4, 1977... |
Tom Burkett | 10 | 18 | 269 | Cleveland Browns |
| 1978 1978 NFL Draft The 1978 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held May 2–3, 1978... |
Dee Hardison Dee Hardison William David Hardison is a former American football defensive lineman in the National Football League for the Buffalo Bills , the New York Giants , the San Diego Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs... |
2 | 4 | 32 | Buffalo Bills |
| 1978 1978 NFL Draft The 1978 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held May 2–3, 1978... |
Brooks Williams | 8 | 5 | 199 | New Orleans Saints |
| 1978 1978 NFL Draft The 1978 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held May 2–3, 1978... |
Walker Lee | 8 | 4 | 202 | Washington Redskins |
| 1979 1979 NFL Draft The 1979 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held May 3–4, 1979... |
Bob Hukill | 5 | 11 | 121 | Dallas Cowboys |
| 1979 1979 NFL Draft The 1979 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held May 3–4, 1979... |
Dave Simmons | 6 | 16 | 153 | Green Bay Packers |
| 1979 1979 NFL Draft The 1979 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held May 3–4, 1979... |
Mike Salzano | 6 | 23 | 160 | Dallas Cowboys |
| 1980 1980 NFL Draft The 1980 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 29–30, 1980. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft and... |
Buddy Curry Buddy Curry George Jessel "Buddy" Curry is a former NFL football player. He is a graduate from the University of North Carolina who played pro football from 1980–1987 for the Atlanta Falcons.... |
2 | 8 | 36 | Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 1980 1980 NFL Draft The 1980 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 29–30, 1980. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft and... |
Doug Paschal | 5 | 11 | 121 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 1980 1980 NFL Draft The 1980 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 29–30, 1980. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft and... |
Phil Farris | 11 | 20 | 297 | Denver Broncos |
| 1981 1981 NFL Draft The 1981 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 28–29, 1981... |
Lawrence Taylor Lawrence Taylor Lawrence Julius Taylor , nicknamed "L.T.", is a Hall of Fame former American football player. Taylor played his entire professional career as a linebacker for the New York Giants in the National Football League... |
1 | 2 | 2 | New York Giants |
| 1981 1981 NFL Draft The 1981 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 28–29, 1981... |
Donnell Thompson Donnell Thompson Donnell Thompson was a defensive end in the National Football League. Thompson attended the University of North Carolina.... |
1 | 18 | 18 | Baltimore Colts |
| 1981 1981 NFL Draft The 1981 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 28–29, 1981... |
Rick Donnalley Rick Donnalley William Frederick Donnalley is a former American football center in the National Football League. Donnalley was selected in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the University of North Carolina in the 1981 NFL Draft.His younger brother Kevin Donnalley also played in the NFL.... |
3 | 17 | 73 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 1981 1981 NFL Draft The 1981 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 28–29, 1981... |
Amos Lawrence | 4 | 20 | 103 | San Diego Chargers |
| 1981 1981 NFL Draft The 1981 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 28–29, 1981... |
Ron Wooten Ron Wooten Ronald John Wooten was a guard who played seven professional seasons with the New England Patriots in the National Football League. Wooten attended the University of North Carolina... |
6 | 19 | 157 | New England Patriots New England Patriots The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... |
| 1981 1981 NFL Draft The 1981 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 28–29, 1981... |
Harry Stanback | 6 | 26 | 164 | Atlanta Falcons |
| 1982 1982 NFL Draft The 1982 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 27–28, 1982... |
Calvin Daniels Calvin Daniels Calvin Richard Daniels is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of North Carolina and was drafted in the second round of the 1982 NFL Draft.... |
2 | 19 | 46 | Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a... |
| 1982 1982 NFL Draft The 1982 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 27–28, 1982... |
Darrell Nicholson | 6 | 17 | 156 | New York Giants |
| 1982 1982 NFL Draft The 1982 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 27–28, 1982... |
Bill Jackson | 8 | 16 | 211 | Cleveland Browns |
| 1983 1983 NFL Draft The 1983 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 26–27, 1983... |
Mike Wilcher Mike Wilcher Michael Wilcher was a former NFL linebacker. He is a graduate from the University of North Carolina who played pro football from 1983–1990 for the Los Angeles Rams and San Diego Chargers.... |
2 | 8 | 36 | Los Angeles Rams |
| 1983 1983 NFL Draft The 1983 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 26–27, 1983... |
Dave Drechsler Dave Drechsler Dave Drechsler is a former guard in the National Football League. In the 1983 NFL Draft, Dreschsler was drafted in the second round by the Green Bay Packers and played two seasons with the team. He played at the collegiate level at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.-References:... |
2 | 20 | 48 | Green Bay Packers |
| 1983 1983 NFL Draft The 1983 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 26–27, 1983... |
Kelvin Bryant Kelvin Bryant Kelvin LeRoy Bryant is a former American football running back in the National Football League and the United States Football League.-College career:... |
7 | 28 | 196 | Washington Redskins |
| 1984 1984 NFL Draft The 1984 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held May 1-2, 1984. No teams elected to claim any players in the regular supplemental draft that... |
Brian Blados Brian Blados Brian Blados is a former American football guard and tackle who played nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League. He attended Washington-Lee High School with Sandra Bullock, who was two years behind him... |
1 | 28 | 28 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 1984 1984 NFL Draft The 1984 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held May 1-2, 1984. No teams elected to claim any players in the regular supplemental draft that... |
Tyrone Anthony | 3 | 13 | 69 | New Orleans Saints |
| 1984 1984 NFL Draft The 1984 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held May 1-2, 1984. No teams elected to claim any players in the regular supplemental draft that... |
Mark Smith | 7 | 27 | 195 | Washington Redskins |
| 1984 1984 NFL Draft The 1984 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held May 1-2, 1984. No teams elected to claim any players in the regular supplemental draft that... |
Aaron Jackson | 10 | 10 | 262 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 1985 1985 NFL Draft The 1985 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 30 and May 1, 1985... |
Ethan Horton Ethan Horton Ethan Shane Horton is a former professional American football running back in the National Football League. He played one season for the Kansas City Chiefs , and seven seasons as a tight end for the Los Angeles Raiders , and the Washington Redskins... |
1 | 15 | 15 | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 1985 1985 NFL Draft The 1985 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 30 and May 1, 1985... |
Brian Johnston | 3 | 17 | 73 | New York Giants |
| 1985 1985 NFL Draft The 1985 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 30 and May 1, 1985... |
Greg Naron | 4 | 9 | 93 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1985 1985 NFL Draft The 1985 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 30 and May 1, 1985... |
Micah Moon | 9 | 4 | 228 | Atlanta Falcons |
| 1986 1986 NFL Draft The 1986 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 29–30, 1986... |
Larry Griffin | 8 | 5 | 199 | Houston Oilers |
| 1986 1986 NFL Draft The 1986 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 29–30, 1986... |
Tommy Barnhardt Tommy Barnhardt John Thomas Ray Barnhardt is a former American football punter in the National Football League. He played college football at the University of North Carolina and was selected in the ninth round of the 1986 NFL Draft.... |
9 | 2 | 223 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West... |
| 1986 1986 NFL Draft The 1986 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 29–30, 1986... |
Carl Carr | 10 | 23 | 272 | New York Jets New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 1986 1986 NFL Draft The 1986 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 29–30, 1986... |
Arnold Franklin | 11 | 21 | 303 | Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 1987 1987 NFL Draft The 1987 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 28–29, 1987... |
Harris Barton Harris Barton Harris Scott Barton is a former American football offensive lineman who played for the San Francisco 49ers.-Early life:... |
1 | 22 | 22 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 1988 1988 NFL Draft The 1988 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 24–25, 1988. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft and... |
Tim Goad Tim Goad Tim Goad is a former American football defensive tackle who played for three teams in a 9-year National Football League career. He is regarded as the first former professional athlete involved in a pit crew, as a jackman.... |
4 | 5 | 87 | New England Patriots |
| 1988 1988 NFL Draft The 1988 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 24–25, 1988. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft and... |
Reuben Davis Reuben Davis (American football) Reuben Cordell Davis is a former American football defensive lineman in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the ninth round of the 1988 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina.-External links:*... |
9 | 4 | 225 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 1988 1988 NFL Draft The 1988 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 24–25, 1988. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft and... |
Carlton Bailey Carlton Bailey Carlton Wilson Bailey is a former professional American football player who played linebacker in the National Football League for the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, and Carolina Panthers... |
9 | 14 | 235 | Buffalo Bills |
| 1989 1989 NFL Draft The 1989 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 23–24 , 1989... |
Darrell Hamilton | 3 | 13 | 69 | Denver Broncos |
| 1989 1989 NFL Draft The 1989 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 23–24 , 1989... |
Derrick Fenner Derrick Fenner Derrick Steven Fenner , is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the 10th round of the 1989 NFL Draft. A 6'-3", 234-lb. running back from the North Carolina, Fenner played in 9 NFL seasons from 1989 to 1997... |
10 | 17 | 268 | Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... |
| 1989 1989 NFL Draft The 1989 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 23–24 , 1989... |
Antonio Goss Antonio Goss Antonio Goss is a former professional American football player who played linebacker for seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams.... |
12 | 12 | 319 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 1990 1990 NFL Draft The 1990 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 22–23, 1990... |
Torin Dorn Torin Dorn Torin Damon Dorn is a former professional American football cornerback in the National Football League. He played seven seasons for the Los Angeles Raiders and the St. Louis Rams .... |
4 | 14 | 95 | Los Angeles Raiders |
| 1990 1990 NFL Draft The 1990 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 22–23, 1990... |
Cecil Gray Cecil Gray (American football) Cecil Tarik Gray is a former American football offensive tackle and defensive end who played for six seasons in the National Football League. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1990 to 1991, the Green Bay Packers in 1992, the New Orleans Saints in 1993, the Indianapolis Colts from 1993 to... |
9 | 24 | 244 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1991 1991 NFL Draft The 1991 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 21–22, 1991 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Manhattan, New York... |
Kevin Donnalley Kevin Donnalley Kevin Thomas Donnalley was an American football guard in the NFL for the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Oilers, Miami Dolphins, and Carolina Panthers. Donnalley played college football at Davidson College for his first two years... |
3 | 24 | 79 | Houston Oilers |
| 1992 1992 NFL Draft The 1992 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 26–27, 1992. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft... |
Brian Bollinger | 3 | 20 | 76 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 1992 1992 NFL Draft The 1992 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 26–27, 1992. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft... |
Dwight Hollier Dwight Hollier Dwight Hollier is a former linebacker in the NFL who played most of his career with the Miami Dolphins. He also played one season for the Indianapolis Colts. He attended the University of North Carolina for college.... |
4 | 13 | 97 | Miami Dolphins |
| 1992 1992 NFL Draft The 1992 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 26–27, 1992. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft... |
Roy Barker Roy Barker Roy Barker is a former professional American football player who played defensive end for nine seasons for the Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, and Green Bay Packers. Also played on the Central Islip, New York football Team in High School.... |
4 | 14 | 98 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 1992 1992 NFL Draft The 1992 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 26–27, 1992. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft... |
Deems May Deems May Bert Deems May is a former tight end who played eight seasons in the National Football League. Currently, he is a radio host for the North Carolina Tar Heels.... |
7 | 6 | 174 | San Diego Chargers |
| 1992 1992 NFL Draft The 1992 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 26–27, 1992. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft... |
Eric Blount | 8 | 6 | 202 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1992 1992 NFL Draft The 1992 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 26–27, 1992. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft... |
Andrew Oberg | 10 | 5 | 257 | Green Bay Packers |
| 1993 1993 NFL Draft The 1993 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 25-26, 1993... |
Thomas Smith | 1 | 28 | 28 | Buffalo Bills |
| 1993 1993 NFL Draft The 1993 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 25-26, 1993... |
Natrone Means | 2 | 12 | 41 | San Diego Chargers |
| 1993 1993 NFL Draft The 1993 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 25-26, 1993... |
Rondell Jones Rondell Jones Rondell Tony Jones is a former professional American football player who played safety for five seasons for the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League.... |
3 | 13 | 69 | Denver Broncos |
| 1993 1993 NFL Draft The 1993 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 25-26, 1993... |
Tommy Thigpen Tommy Thigpen Tommy Thigpen is an American college football assistant coach at Auburn University, serving as safeties coach under head coach Gene Chizik. He had spent the previous four seasons serving as linebackers coach at North Carolina... |
5 | 11 | 123 | New York Giants |
| 1994 1994 NFL Draft The 1994 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 24-25, 1994. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft and... |
Bucky Brooks Bucky Brooks William Eldridge Brooks, Jr. is a sportswriter covering the National Football League for Sports Illustrated and a former professional football player. He played for 5 NFL teams in a 5 year career, primarily as a kick returner.Brooks is in his second season as an analyst for NFL Network and NFL.com... |
2 | 19 | 48 | Buffalo Bills |
| 1994 1994 NFL Draft The 1994 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 24-25, 1994. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft and... |
Austin Robbins Austin Robbins Austin Dion Robbins is a former defensive lineman in the National Football League who played for the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, the New Orleans Saints, and the Green Bay Packers... |
4 | 17 | 120 | Los Angeles Raiders |
| 1994 1994 NFL Draft The 1994 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 24-25, 1994. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft and... |
Bracy Walker Bracy Walker Bracy Wardell Walker is an American football safety who is currently a free agent in the National Football League... |
4 | 24 | 127 | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 1994 1994 NFL Draft The 1994 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 24-25, 1994. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft and... |
Sean Crocker | 4 | 27 | 130 | Buffalo Bills |
| 1995 1995 NFL Draft The 1995 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 22–23, 1995 at the Paramount Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City... |
William Henderson | 3 | 2 | 66 | Green Bay Packers |
| 1995 1995 NFL Draft The 1995 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 22–23, 1995 at the Paramount Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City... |
Jimmy Hitchcock Jimmy Hitchcock (cornerback) Jimmy Davis Hitchcock, Jr. is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League. He played for the New England Patriots, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Carolina Panthers. He played college football at the University of North Carolina... |
3 | 24 | 88 | New England Patriots |
| 1995 1995 NFL Draft The 1995 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 22–23, 1995 at the Paramount Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City... |
Mike Morton Mike Morton Michael Anthony Morton is a former American football linebacker. Morton played college football for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and went on to play for four teams in a 7-year National Football League career.Since his retirement from the NFL, he is now a dentist and opened his... |
4 | 20 | 118 | Los Angeles Raiders |
| 1995 1995 NFL Draft The 1995 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 22–23, 1995 at the Paramount Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City... |
Eddie Mason Eddie Mason Eddie Lee Mason is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the New York Jets, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of North Carolina and was drafted in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft.... |
6 | 7 | 178 | New York Jets |
| 1995 1995 NFL Draft The 1995 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 22–23, 1995 at the Paramount Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City... |
Oscar Sturgis Oscar Sturgis Oscar Lee Sturgis is a former professional American football Defensive end in the National Football League. He would play with the Dallas Cowboys in 1995. He was a member of the Cowboys Super Bowl XXX championship season.-External links:*... |
7 | 28 | 236 | Dallas Cowboys |
| 1996 1996 NFL Draft The 1996 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 20–21, 1996... |
Marcus Jones | 1 | 22 | 22 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 1996 1996 NFL Draft The 1996 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 20–21, 1996... |
Sean Boyd | 5 | 16 | 148 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 1997 1997 NFL Draft The 1997 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 19–20, 1997. No teams elected to claim any players in the supplemental draft that... |
Rick Terry Rick Terry Richard Ross Terry, Jr. is a retired American football defensive tackle in the NFL. He played from 1997 to 1999 for the New York Jets and the Carolina Panthers. He played college football at the University of North Carolina. He was drafted by the Jets in the 2nd round of the 1997 NFL Draft.... |
2 | 1 | 31 | New York Jets |
| 1997 1997 NFL Draft The 1997 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 19–20, 1997. No teams elected to claim any players in the supplemental draft that... |
Freddie Jones Freddie Jones (American football) Freddie Jones is a former tight end in the National Football League. Jones was drafted by the San Diego Chargers with the 2nd pick in the 1997 NFL Draft. Jones became one of the best tight ends in the league in his 5 years with the Chargers. Before the 2002 season he signed with the Arizona... |
2 | 15 | 45 | San Diego Chargers |
| 1997 1997 NFL Draft The 1997 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 19–20, 1997. No teams elected to claim any players in the supplemental draft that... |
James Hamilton | 3 | 19 | 79 | Jacksonville Jaguars Jacksonville Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 1997 1997 NFL Draft The 1997 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 19–20, 1997. No teams elected to claim any players in the supplemental draft that... |
Leon Johnson Leon Johnson (American football) Walter Leon Johnson is a former professional American football running back. He played seven seasons for the New York Jets, the Chicago Bears, and the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League. Johnson played quarterback at Morganton's Freedom High School. He was moved to tailback at the... |
4 | 8 | 104 | New York Jets |
| 1997 1997 NFL Draft The 1997 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 19–20, 1997. No teams elected to claim any players in the supplemental draft that... |
Andre Purvis | 5 | 14 | 144 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 1998 1998 NFL Draft The 1998 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 18-19, 1998... |
Greg Ellis | 1 | 8 | 8 | Dallas Cowboys |
| 1998 1998 NFL Draft The 1998 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 18-19, 1998... |
Brian Simmons Brian Simmons Brian Eugene Simmons is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals 17th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft... |
1 | 17 | 17 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 1998 1998 NFL Draft The 1998 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 18-19, 1998... |
Vonnie Holliday Vonnie Holliday Dimetry Giovonni "Vonnie" Holliday is an American football defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers 19th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft... |
1 | 19 | 19 | Green Bay Packers |
| 1998 1998 NFL Draft The 1998 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 18-19, 1998... |
Omar Brown | 4 | 11 | 103 | Atlanta Falcons |
| 1998 1998 NFL Draft The 1998 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 18-19, 1998... |
Kivuusama Mays Kivuusama Mays -Career:Kivuusama was drafted in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings and played that season with the team. He split the following season between the Vikings and the Green Bay Packers.... |
4 | 18 | 110 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 1998 1998 NFL Draft The 1998 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 18-19, 1998... |
Robert Williams | 5 | 5 | 128 | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 1998 1998 NFL Draft The 1998 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 18-19, 1998... |
Jonathan Linton Jonathan Linton Jonathan C. Linton is a former professional American football running back in the National Football League... |
5 | 8 | 131 | Buffalo Bills |
| 1999 1999 NFL Draft The 1999 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 17-18, 1999... |
Ebenezer Ekuban Ebenezer Ekuban Ebenezer Ekuban, Jr. is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys 20th overall in the 1999 NFL Draft... |
1 | 20 | 20 | Dallas Cowboys |
| 1999 1999 NFL Draft The 1999 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 17-18, 1999... |
Dré Bly Dré Bly Donald André "Dré" Bly is a former American football cornerback who played for eleven seasons in the National Football League. After playing college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, Bly was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft... |
2 | 10 | 41 | St. Louis Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
| 1999 1999 NFL Draft The 1999 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 17-18, 1999... |
Russell Davis | 2 | 17 | 48 | Chicago Bears |
| 1999 1999 NFL Draft The 1999 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 17-18, 1999... |
Keith Newman Keith Newman Keith Anthony Newman is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted out of the University of North Carolina in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.... |
4 | 24 | 119 | Buffalo Bills |
| 1999 1999 NFL Draft The 1999 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 17-18, 1999... |
Na Brown | 4 | 35 | 130 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1999 1999 NFL Draft The 1999 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 17-18, 1999... |
Mike Pringley | 7 | 9 | 215 | Detroit Lions |
| 2000 2000 NFL Draft The 2000 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur U.S. college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 15–16, 2000... |
Deon Dyer Deon Dyer Deon Joseph Dyer is a former American football fullback in the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at the North Carolina.-External links:**... |
4 | 23 | 117 | Miami Dolphins |
| 2001 2001 NFL Draft The 2001 NFL Draft took place on April 21–22, 2001 at the theater at Madison Square Garden, in New York City. This was the 66th National Football League draft in league history. The draft was broadcast on ESPN both days and eventually moved to ESPN2. No teams elected to claim any players in the... |
Alge Crumpler Alge Crumpler -Atlanta Falcons:Crumpler was drafted by the Falcons in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Crumpler made the first start of his NFL career against the Carolina Panthers on September 23, 2001. He caught his first two passes for a total of 13 yards. His first touchdown was scored against the... |
2 | 4 | 35 | Atlanta Falcons |
| 2001 2001 NFL Draft The 2001 NFL Draft took place on April 21–22, 2001 at the theater at Madison Square Garden, in New York City. This was the 66th National Football League draft in league history. The draft was broadcast on ESPN both days and eventually moved to ESPN2. No teams elected to claim any players in the... |
Sedrick Hodge Sedrick Hodge Sedrick Hodge is an American football free agent linebacker in the NFL. He played for the New Orleans Saints from 2001–2005. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins before the 2006 season but was cut right before the season began. Before his NFL career, Sedrick was a standout linebacker at The... |
3 | 8 | 70 | New Orleans Saints |
| 2001 2001 NFL Draft The 2001 NFL Draft took place on April 21–22, 2001 at the theater at Madison Square Garden, in New York City. This was the 66th National Football League draft in league history. The draft was broadcast on ESPN both days and eventually moved to ESPN2. No teams elected to claim any players in the... |
Brandon Spoon Brandon Spoon Thomas Brandon Spoon is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League who played one season for the Buffalo Bills. In his only season he was the Bills starting middle linebacker.... |
4 | 15 | 110 | Buffalo Bills |
| 2001 2001 NFL Draft The 2001 NFL Draft took place on April 21–22, 2001 at the theater at Madison Square Garden, in New York City. This was the 66th National Football League draft in league history. The draft was broadcast on ESPN both days and eventually moved to ESPN2. No teams elected to claim any players in the... |
Dauntae' Finger | 7 | 5 | 205 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 2002 2002 NFL Draft The 2002 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. The draft is known officially as the "NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting" and has been conducted annually since 1936. The draft took place April 20–21, 2002 at the theater at... |
Julius Peppers Julius Peppers Julius Frazier Peppers is an American football defensive end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. Nicknamed The Freak of Nature, he was drafted by the Carolina Panthers second overall in the 2002 NFL Draft... |
1 | 2 | 2 | Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... |
| 2002 2002 NFL Draft The 2002 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. The draft is known officially as the "NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting" and has been conducted annually since 1936. The draft took place April 20–21, 2002 at the theater at... |
Ryan Sims Ryan Sims Ryan O'Neal Sims is an American Football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. Sims' professional career began in 2002 with the Kansas City Chiefs, for whom he played through the end of the 2006 season... |
1 | 6 | 6 | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 2002 2002 NFL Draft The 2002 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. The draft is known officially as the "NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting" and has been conducted annually since 1936. The draft took place April 20–21, 2002 at the theater at... |
David Thornton | 4 | 8 | 106 | Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... |
| 2002 2002 NFL Draft The 2002 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. The draft is known officially as the "NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting" and has been conducted annually since 1936. The draft took place April 20–21, 2002 at the theater at... |
Joey Evans | 7 | 8 | 219 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 2002 2002 NFL Draft The 2002 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. The draft is known officially as the "NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting" and has been conducted annually since 1936. The draft took place April 20–21, 2002 at the theater at... |
Ronald Curry Ronald Curry Ronald Antonio Curry is an American football wide receiver, currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at North Carolina.... |
7 | 24 | 235 | Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 2002 2002 NFL Draft The 2002 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. The draft is known officially as the "NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting" and has been conducted annually since 1936. The draft took place April 20–21, 2002 at the theater at... |
Quincy Monk Quincy Monk Quincy Omar Monk is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Houston Texans. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Giants. He played college football at North Carolina.-Early years:Monk was born in... |
7 | 34 | 245 | New York Giants |
| 2003 2003 NFL Draft The 2003 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. The draft is known officially as the "NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting" and has been conducted annually since 1936. The draft was held April 26–27, 2003 at the Theatre at... |
Sam Aiken Sam Aiken Samuel Aiken is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft... |
4 | 30 | 127 | Buffalo Bills |
| 2004 2004 NFL Draft The 2004 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 24-25, 2004 at the theater at Madison Square Garden... |
Dexter Reid Dexter Reid Dexter Devon Reid Jr. is an American football safety. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft after playing his college football at the University of North Carolina... |
4 | 17 | 113 | New England Patriots |
| 2004 2004 NFL Draft The 2004 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 24-25, 2004 at the theater at Madison Square Garden... |
Michael Waddell Michael Waddell Michael Waddell is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft... |
4 | 28 | 124 | Tennessee Titans Tennessee Titans The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter... |
| 2004 2004 NFL Draft The 2004 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 24-25, 2004 at the theater at Madison Square Garden... |
Jeb Terry Jeb Terry Jeb Barton Terry, Jr. is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina... |
5 | 14 | 146 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 2005 2005 NFL Draft The 2005 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 23–24, 2005. The league also held an supplemental draft that year, which was held after... |
Jason Brown | 4 | 23 | 124 | Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his... |
| 2005 2005 NFL Draft The 2005 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 23–24, 2005. The league also held an supplemental draft that year, which was held after... |
Gerald Sensabaugh Gerald Sensabaugh Gerald Lind Sensabaugh, Jr. is an American football Safety who is currently a safety for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft... |
5 | 21 | 157 | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 2005 2005 NFL Draft The 2005 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 23–24, 2005. The league also held an supplemental draft that year, which was held after... |
Madison Hedgecock Madison Hedgecock Madison Smith Hedgecock is a former American football fullback. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina.... |
7 | 37 | 251 | St. Louis Rams |
| 2006 2006 NFL Draft The 2006 National Football League Draft, the 71st in league history, took place in New York City at Radio City Music Hall on April 29 and April 30, 2006. For the 27th consecutive year, the draft was telecast on ESPN and ESPN2, with additional coverage offered by ESPNU and, for the first time, by... |
Chase Page Chase Page Chase Frederick Page is an American football defensive tackle who most recently played for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft... |
7 | 17 | 225 | San Diego Chargers |
| 2008 2008 NFL Draft The 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so... |
Kentwan Balmer Kentwan Balmer -San Francisco 49ers:Balmer was selected in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, 29th overall. He was originally drafted as a DT but was moved to DE due to the Niners 3-4 defensive scheme.... |
1 | 29 | 29 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 2008 2008 NFL Draft The 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so... |
Hilee Taylor Hilee Taylor Hilee Delano Taylor is an American football defensive end whose rights are held by the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
7 | 14 | 221 | Carolina Panthers |
| 2009 2009 NFL Draft The 2009 NFL Draft was the seventy-fourth annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. The draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25 and 26, 2009. The draft consisted of two rounds on the first day starting at 4:00... |
Hakeem Nicks Hakeem Nicks -New York Giants:On August 1, 2009, Nicks signed a five-year, $12.54 million contract. The deal includes a $6.5 million signing bonus. During training camp, Nicks vied for a starting position with the Giants other receivers, most notably Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith.2009Nicks made his first career... |
1 | 29 | 29 | New York Giants |
| 2009 2009 NFL Draft The 2009 NFL Draft was the seventy-fourth annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. The draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25 and 26, 2009. The draft consisted of two rounds on the first day starting at 4:00... |
Richard Quinn Richard Quinn (American football) Richard Emanuel Quinn, Jr. is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina.-Denver Broncos:... |
2 | 32 | 64 | Denver Broncos |
| 2009 2009 NFL Draft The 2009 NFL Draft was the seventy-fourth annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. The draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25 and 26, 2009. The draft consisted of two rounds on the first day starting at 4:00... |
Brandon Tate Brandon Tate -2009 season:Tate was drafted by the Patriots in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft. On July 16, he was signed to a four-year contract with a $755,000 signing bonus. He began the 2009 season on the non-football injury list, still recovering from his knee injury from the prior season. He was... |
3 | 14 | 83 | New England Patriots |
| 2009 2009 NFL Draft The 2009 NFL Draft was the seventy-fourth annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. The draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25 and 26, 2009. The draft consisted of two rounds on the first day starting at 4:00... |
Garrett Reynolds Garrett Reynolds (American football) Garrett Reynolds is an American football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. Garret is the nephew of former 49ers linebacker Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds.Reynolds played high school football at Carter High School.... |
5 | 20 | 156 | Atlanta Falcons |
| 2009 2009 NFL Draft The 2009 NFL Draft was the seventy-fourth annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. The draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25 and 26, 2009. The draft consisted of two rounds on the first day starting at 4:00... |
Brooks Foster Brooks Foster Foster broke Eddie Royal's record for most bench press reps ever for a wide receiver at the NFL combine.-St. Louis Rams:On April 26, 2009, Foster was drafted in the fifth round by the St. Louis Rams. Unfortunately, his rookie season would be cut short after injuring his ankle against the New York... |
5 | 24 | 160 | St. Louis Rams |
| 2010 2010 NFL Draft The 2010 NFL Draft was the 75th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. Unlike previous years, the 2010 draft took place over three days, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with the first round on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at 7:30 pm... |
E. J. Wilson E. J. Wilson Earl Wilson, Jr. is an American football defensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina.-Seattle Seahawks:Wilson was selected in the fourth... |
4 | 28 | 127 | Seattle Seahawks |
| 2010 2010 NFL Draft The 2010 NFL Draft was the 75th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. Unlike previous years, the 2010 draft took place over three days, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with the first round on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at 7:30 pm... |
Cam Thomas Cam Thomas Cam Thomas is an American football defensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft... |
5 | 15 | 146 | San Diego Chargers |
| 2011 2011 NFL Draft The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players... |
Robert Quinn Robert Quinn (American football) Robert Quinn is an American football defensive end for the St. Louis Rams.-Early years:Quinn attended Fort Dorchester High School in North Charleston, South Carolina. As a senior his season was shortened after undergoing brain surgery for a benign tumor. Quinn made a full recovery and will be able... |
1 | 14 | 14 | St. Louis Rams |
| 2011 2011 NFL Draft The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players... |
Bruce Carter | 2 | 8 | 40 | Dallas Cowboys |
| 2011 2011 NFL Draft The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players... |
Marvin Austin Marvin Austin Marvin Austin is an American football defensive tackle for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Giants in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina.-Early years:Austin attended Ballou High School in Washington, D.C.,... |
2 | 20 | 54 | New York Giants |
| 2011 2011 NFL Draft The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players... |
Greg Little Greg Little (American football) Greg Little is an American football wide receiver. He played college football and college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels, and currently plays for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League.-College career:... |
2 | 27 | 59 | Cleveland Browns |
| 2011 2011 NFL Draft The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players... |
Da'Norris Searcy Da'Norris Searcy Da'Norris Searcy is an American football safety for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Bills in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He signed a 4 year contract with the Buffalo Bills on July 29, 2011. He played college football for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.-References:... |
4 | 3 | 100 | Buffalo Bills |
| 2011 2011 NFL Draft The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players... |
Johnny White Johnny White (American football) Johnny White is an American football running back for the Buffalo Bills. White played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Johnny White was converted to running back for the Tar Heels 2010 season... |
5 | 2 | 133 | Buffalo Bills |
| 2011 2011 NFL Draft The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players... |
T. J. Yates T. J. Yates Taylor Jonathan Yates is a quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League.-High school and college career:... |
5 | 21 | 152 | Houston Texans |
| 2011 2011 NFL Draft The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players... |
Quan Sturdivant Quan Sturdivant Quan Sturdivant is an American football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL. He played as a middle linebacker for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. He was considered one of the top linebackers in the Atlantic Coast Conference... |
6 | 6 | 171 | Arizona Cardinals |
| 2011 2011 NFL Draft The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players... |
Ryan Taylor Ryan Taylor (American football) Ryan Lawrence Taylor is an American football tight end for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Packers out of University of North Carolina in the seventh round in the 2011 NFL Draft.-Green Bay Packers:Taylor was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the... |
7 | 15 | 218 | Green Bay Packers |
Tar Heels in the AFL Draft
| Year | Player | Round # | Pick # | Overall # | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Rip Hawkins Rip Hawkins Ross Cooper "Rip" Hawkins is a former professional American football player. He played 5 seasons in the National Football League with the Minnesota Vikings.... |
2 | 2 | 9 | Boston Patriots |
| 1961 | Roy (Milam) Wall | 11 | 3 | 73 | Buffalo Bills Buffalo Bills The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 1962 | Jim LeCompte | 7 | 4 | 52 | Buffalo Bills |
| 1962 | Bob Elliott | 31 | 1 | 241 | Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 1963 | Joe Craver | 12 | 3 | 91 | New York Jets New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| 1964 | Bob Lacey | 11 | 3 | 83 | New York Jets |
| 1964 | Ed Kesler | 22 | 6 | 174 | Houston Oilers |
Tar Heels with Super Bowl Rings
| Super Bowl | Player | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| XLIII Super Bowl XLIII Super Bowl XLIII was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Arizona Cardinals to decide the National Football League champion for the 2008 season. The game was played on February 1, 2009,... |
Willie Parker Willie Parker "Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina... |
RB | Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
| XLIII Super Bowl XLIII Super Bowl XLIII was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Arizona Cardinals to decide the National Football League champion for the 2008 season. The game was played on February 1, 2009,... |
Jeff Reed | K | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| XLIII Super Bowl XLIII Super Bowl XLIII was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Arizona Cardinals to decide the National Football League champion for the 2008 season. The game was played on February 1, 2009,... |
Greg Warren Greg Warren (American football) Gregory Robert Warren is an American football long snapper for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005... |
LS | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| XLII Super Bowl XLII Super Bowl XLII was an American football game on February 3, 2008 that featured the National Football Conference champion New York Giants and the American Football Conference champion New England Patriots to decide the National Football League champion for the 2007 season... |
Russell Davis | DT | New York Giants New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| XLII Super Bowl XLII Super Bowl XLII was an American football game on February 3, 2008 that featured the National Football Conference champion New York Giants and the American Football Conference champion New England Patriots to decide the National Football League champion for the 2007 season... |
Madison Hedgecock Madison Hedgecock Madison Smith Hedgecock is a former American football fullback. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina.... |
FB | New York Giants |
| XLI Super Bowl XLI Super Bowl XLI was an American football game that featured the American Football Conference champion Indianapolis Colts and the National Football Conference champion Chicago Bears to decide the National Football League champion for the 2006 season... |
Dexter Reid Dexter Reid Dexter Devon Reid Jr. is an American football safety. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft after playing his college football at the University of North Carolina... |
S | Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... |
| XLI Super Bowl XLI Super Bowl XLI was an American football game that featured the American Football Conference champion Indianapolis Colts and the National Football Conference champion Chicago Bears to decide the National Football League champion for the 2006 season... |
Jeff Saturday Jeff Saturday Jeffrey Bryant Saturday is an American football center for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He played college football at North Carolina. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the National Football League Players' Association.-Early years:Saturday attended... |
C | Indianapolis Colts |
| XL Super Bowl XL Super Bowl XL was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Seattle Seahawks to decide the National Football League champion for the 2005 season... |
Willie Parker Willie Parker "Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina... |
RB | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| XL Super Bowl XL Super Bowl XL was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Seattle Seahawks to decide the National Football League champion for the 2005 season... |
Jeff Reed | K | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| XL Super Bowl XL Super Bowl XL was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Seattle Seahawks to decide the National Football League champion for the 2005 season... |
Greg Warren Greg Warren (American football) Gregory Robert Warren is an American football long snapper for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005... |
LS | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| XXXIX Super Bowl XXXIX Super Bowl XXXIX was an American football game played on February 6, 2005, at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, to decide the National Football League champion following the 2004 regular season... |
Dexter Reid Dexter Reid Dexter Devon Reid Jr. is an American football safety. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft after playing his college football at the University of North Carolina... |
S | New England Patriots New England Patriots The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... |
| XXVI Super Bowl XXVI Super Bowl XXVI was an American football game played on January 26, 1992 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota to decide the National Football League champion following the 1991 regular season... |
Riddick Parker Riddick Parker Riddick Parker is a former professional American football defensive lineman for the Seattle Seahawks, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, and San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League.... |
DL | New England Patriots |
| XXXIV Super Bowl XXXIV Super Bowl XXXIV featured the National Football Conference champion St. Louis Rams and the American Football Conference champion Tennessee Titans in an American football game to decide the National Football League champion for the 1999 regular season... |
Dré Bly Dré Bly Donald André "Dré" Bly is a former American football cornerback who played for eleven seasons in the National Football League. After playing college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, Bly was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft... |
CB | St. Louis Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
| XXXIV Super Bowl XXXIV Super Bowl XXXIV featured the National Football Conference champion St. Louis Rams and the American Football Conference champion Tennessee Titans in an American football game to decide the National Football League champion for the 1999 regular season... |
Mike Morton Mike Morton Michael Anthony Morton is a former American football linebacker. Morton played college football for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and went on to play for four teams in a 7-year National Football League career.Since his retirement from the NFL, he is now a dentist and opened his... |
LB | St. Louis Rams |
| XXXIV Super Bowl XXXIV Super Bowl XXXIV featured the National Football Conference champion St. Louis Rams and the American Football Conference champion Tennessee Titans in an American football game to decide the National Football League champion for the 1999 regular season... |
Nate Hobgood-Chittick | DT | St. Louis Rams |
| XXXI Super Bowl XXXI Super Bowl XXXI was an American football game played on January 26, 1997, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the National Football League champion following the 1996 regular season. The National Football Conference champion Green Bay Packers defeated the American... |
Bucky Brooks Bucky Brooks William Eldridge Brooks, Jr. is a sportswriter covering the National Football League for Sports Illustrated and a former professional football player. He played for 5 NFL teams in a 5 year career, primarily as a kick returner.Brooks is in his second season as an analyst for NFL Network and NFL.com... |
DB | Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
| XXXI Super Bowl XXXI Super Bowl XXXI was an American football game played on January 26, 1997, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the National Football League champion following the 1996 regular season. The National Football Conference champion Green Bay Packers defeated the American... |
Bernardo Harris Bernardo Harris Bernardo Harris is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He attended Chapel Hill High School, graduating in 1990. He was recruited by Mack Brown to play at the University of North Carolina and graduated in 1994. After not being drafted, he was signed as a free... |
LB | Green Bay Packers |
| XXXI Super Bowl XXXI Super Bowl XXXI was an American football game played on January 26, 1997, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the National Football League champion following the 1996 regular season. The National Football Conference champion Green Bay Packers defeated the American... |
William Henderson | FB | Green Bay Packers |
| XXX Super Bowl XXX Super Bowl XXX was an American football game played on January 28, 1996 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona to decide the National Football League champion following the 1995 regular season... |
Oscar Sturgis Oscar Sturgis Oscar Lee Sturgis is a former professional American football Defensive end in the National Football League. He would play with the Dallas Cowboys in 1995. He was a member of the Cowboys Super Bowl XXX championship season.-External links:*... |
DE | Dallas Cowboys Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas... |
| XXIX Super Bowl XXIX Super Bowl XXIX was an American football game played on January 29, 1995 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 1994 regular season... |
Harris Barton Harris Barton Harris Scott Barton is a former American football offensive lineman who played for the San Francisco 49ers.-Early life:... |
OL | San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
| XXIX Super Bowl XXIX Super Bowl XXIX was an American football game played on January 29, 1995 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 1994 regular season... |
Brian Bollinger | OL | San Francisco 49ers |
| XXIX Super Bowl XXIX Super Bowl XXIX was an American football game played on January 29, 1995 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 1994 regular season... |
Antonio Goss Antonio Goss Antonio Goss is a former professional American football player who played linebacker for seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams.... |
LB | San Francisco 49ers |
| XXV Super Bowl XXV Super Bowl XXV was an American football game played on January 27, 1991 at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 1990 regular season. The National Football Conference Champion New York Giants defeated the American Football Conference ... |
Lawrence Taylor Lawrence Taylor Lawrence Julius Taylor , nicknamed "L.T.", is a Hall of Fame former American football player. Taylor played his entire professional career as a linebacker for the New York Giants in the National Football League... |
LB | New York Giants |
| XXIV Super Bowl XXIV Super Bowl XXIV was an American football game played on January 28, 1990 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the National Football League champion following the 1989 regular season... |
Harris Barton Harris Barton Harris Scott Barton is a former American football offensive lineman who played for the San Francisco 49ers.-Early life:... |
OL | San Francisco 49ers |
| XXIV Super Bowl XXIV Super Bowl XXIV was an American football game played on January 28, 1990 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the National Football League champion following the 1989 regular season... |
Antonio Goss Antonio Goss Antonio Goss is a former professional American football player who played linebacker for seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams.... |
LB | San Francisco 49ers |
| XXIII Super Bowl XXIII Super Bowl XXIII was an American football game played on January 22, 1989 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 1988 regular season. This was the first Super Bowl hosted in the Miami area in 10 years, and the first in Miami not held... |
Harris Barton Harris Barton Harris Scott Barton is a former American football offensive lineman who played for the San Francisco 49ers.-Early life:... |
OL | San Francisco 49ers |
| XXII Super Bowl XXII Super Bowl XXII was an American football game played on January 31, 1988 at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California to decide the National Football League champion following the 1987 regular season... |
Kelvin Bryant Kelvin Bryant Kelvin LeRoy Bryant is a former American football running back in the National Football League and the United States Football League.-College career:... |
RB | Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
| XXII Super Bowl XXII Super Bowl XXII was an American football game played on January 31, 1988 at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California to decide the National Football League champion following the 1987 regular season... |
Dave Truitt Dave Truitt David Moreland Truitt is a former American football tight end in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of North Carolina.... |
TE | Washington Redskins |
| XXII Super Bowl XXII Super Bowl XXII was an American football game played on January 31, 1988 at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California to decide the National Football League champion following the 1987 regular season... |
Tim Morrison Tim Morrison Timothy Morrison is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of North Carolina.... |
DB | Washington Redskins |
| XXII Super Bowl XXII Super Bowl XXII was an American football game played on January 31, 1988 at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California to decide the National Football League champion following the 1987 regular season... |
Danny Burmeister Danny Burmeister Daniel Joseph Burmeister is a former American football safety in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of North Carolina.... |
DB | Washington Redskins |
| XXI Super Bowl XXI Super Bowl XXI was an American football game played on January 25, 1987 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California to decide the National Football League champion following the 1986 regular season. The National Football Conference champion New York Giants won their first Super Bowl by defeating... |
Lawrence Taylor Lawrence Taylor Lawrence Julius Taylor , nicknamed "L.T.", is a Hall of Fame former American football player. Taylor played his entire professional career as a linebacker for the New York Giants in the National Football League... |
LB | New York Giants |
| XXI Super Bowl XXI Super Bowl XXI was an American football game played on January 25, 1987 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California to decide the National Football League champion following the 1986 regular season. The National Football Conference champion New York Giants won their first Super Bowl by defeating... |
Brian Johnston | C | New York Giants |
| XVII Super Bowl XVII Super Bowl XVII was an American football game played on January 30, 1983 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California to decide the National Football League champion following the strike-shortened 1982 regular season... |
Jeff Hayes Jeff Hayes Jeffrey Clyde Hayes is a former American football punter in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins, Cincinnati Bengals, and the Miami Dolphins. He played in Super Bowl XVII and XVIII for the Washington Redskins. Hayes played college football at the University of North Carolina... |
P | Washington Redskins |
| XVI Super Bowl XVI Super Bowl XVI was an American football game played on January 24, 1982, at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan to decide the National Football League champion following the 1981 regular season. It marked the first time that a Super Bowl was held at a cold-weather city... |
Amos Lawrence | RB | San Francisco 49ers |
AFC
- Sam AikenSam AikenSamuel Aiken is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, WR, Free AgentFree agentIn professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise.... - Matt BakerMatt Baker (American football)Matthew David Baker is an American football quarterback who is a currently a free agent. He was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
, QB, Free Agent - Greg Ellis, LB/DE, Oakland RaidersOakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
- Alge CrumplerAlge Crumpler-Atlanta Falcons:Crumpler was drafted by the Falcons in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Crumpler made the first start of his NFL career against the Carolina Panthers on September 23, 2001. He caught his first two passes for a total of 13 yards. His first touchdown was scored against the...
, TE, New England PatriotsNew England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... - Chase PageChase PageChase Frederick Page is an American football defensive tackle who most recently played for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
, DT, Free Agent - Richard QuinnRichard Quinn (American football)Richard Emanuel Quinn, Jr. is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina.-Denver Broncos:...
, TE, Denver BroncosDenver BroncosThe Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... - Jeff Reed, K, San Francisco 49ersSan Francisco 49ersThe San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
- Jeff SaturdayJeff SaturdayJeffrey Bryant Saturday is an American football center for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He played college football at North Carolina. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the National Football League Players' Association.-Early years:Saturday attended...
, C, Indianapolis ColtsIndianapolis ColtsThe Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... - Brandon TateBrandon Tate-2009 season:Tate was drafted by the Patriots in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft. On July 16, he was signed to a four-year contract with a $755,000 signing bonus. He began the 2009 season on the non-football injury list, still recovering from his knee injury from the prior season. He was...
, WR, New England Patriots - David Thornton, LB, Tennessee TitansTennessee TitansThe Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
- Greg WarrenGreg Warren (American football)Gregory Robert Warren is an American football long snapper for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
, LS, Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh SteelersThe Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... - Cam ThomasCam ThomasCam Thomas is an American football defensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
, NT, San Diego ChargersSan Diego ChargersThe San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... - T.J. Yates, QB, Houston TexansHouston TexansThe Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
NFC
- Willie ParkerWillie Parker"Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina...
, RB, Free Agent - Vonnie Holiday, DE, Arizona CardinalsArizona CardinalsThe Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
- Ethan AlbrightEthan AlbrightLawrence Ethan Albright is an American football long snapper who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 1995. He played college football at North Carolina. He is known mainly as a long snapper...
, LS, Free Agent - Kentwan BalmerKentwan Balmer-San Francisco 49ers:Balmer was selected in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, 29th overall. He was originally drafted as a DT but was moved to DE due to the Niners 3-4 defensive scheme....
, DT, Seattle SeahawksSeattle SeahawksThe Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... - Gerald SensabaughGerald SensabaughGerald Lind Sensabaugh, Jr. is an American football Safety who is currently a safety for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
, S, Dallas CowboysDallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas... - Garrett ReynoldsGarrett Reynolds (American football)Garrett Reynolds is an American football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. Garret is the nephew of former 49ers linebacker Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds.Reynolds played high school football at Carter High School....
, OT, Atlanta FalconsAtlanta FalconsThe Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... - Cedrick HoltCedrick HoltCedrick Leterris Holt is an American football cornerback, currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at the University of North Carolina.-External links:***...
, CB, Free agent - Julius PeppersJulius PeppersJulius Frazier Peppers is an American football defensive end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. Nicknamed The Freak of Nature, he was drafted by the Carolina Panthers second overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
, DE, Chicago BearsChicago BearsThe Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... - Ryan SimsRyan SimsRyan O'Neal Sims is an American Football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. Sims' professional career began in 2002 with the Kansas City Chiefs, for whom he played through the end of the 2006 season...
, DT, Tampa Bay BuccaneersTampa Bay BuccaneersThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West... - Hakeem NicksHakeem Nicks-New York Giants:On August 1, 2009, Nicks signed a five-year, $12.54 million contract. The deal includes a $6.5 million signing bonus. During training camp, Nicks vied for a starting position with the Giants other receivers, most notably Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith.2009Nicks made his first career...
, WR, New York Giants - Wallace WrightWallace WrightWallace S. Wright II is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at North Carolina....
, WR, Free Agent - Dré BlyDré BlyDonald André "Dré" Bly is a former American football cornerback who played for eleven seasons in the National Football League. After playing college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, Bly was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
, CB, Free Agent - Ronald CurryRonald CurryRonald Antonio Curry is an American football wide receiver, currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at North Carolina....
, WR, Free Agent - Jason Brown, OG, St. Louis RamsSt. Louis RamsThe St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
- Brooks FosterBrooks FosterFoster broke Eddie Royal's record for most bench press reps ever for a wide receiver at the NFL combine.-St. Louis Rams:On April 26, 2009, Foster was drafted in the fifth round by the St. Louis Rams. Unfortunately, his rookie season would be cut short after injuring his ankle against the New York...
, WR, St. Louis Rams - Jesse HolleyJesse HolleyJesse Holley is an American football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at North Carolina...
, WR, Dallas Cowboys - Connor BarthConnor BarthConnor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
, PK, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - E.J. Wilson, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Robert QuinnRobert Quinn (American football)Robert Quinn is an American football defensive end for the St. Louis Rams.-Early years:Quinn attended Fort Dorchester High School in North Charleston, South Carolina. As a senior his season was shortened after undergoing brain surgery for a benign tumor. Quinn made a full recovery and will be able...
, DE, St. Louis RamsSt. Louis RamsThe St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... - Marvin AustinMarvin AustinMarvin Austin is an American football defensive tackle for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Giants in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina.-Early years:Austin attended Ballou High School in Washington, D.C.,...
, DT, New York GiantsNew York GiantsThe New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
Future schedules
North Carolina has non-conference games scheduled at South CarolinaSouth Carolina Gamecocks football
The South Carolina Gamecocks football team represents the University of South Carolina in NCAA Division I college football. The Gamecocks have been a member of the Southeastern Conference since 1992. Steve Spurrier is the current head coach, and the team plays its home games at Williams-Brice...
and at home against Minnesota
Minnesota Golden Gophers football
The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers are one of the oldest programs in college football history. They compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and the Big Ten Conference. The Golden Gophers have claimed six national championships and have an all time record of 646–481–44 as...
in 2013 and at Minnesota in 2014.