Long before kneeling knuckleheads and politicized multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on October 17 in football at the professional level (especially in 1937 and 1971):

OCTOBER 17

• Brooklyn Dodgers HB Al Akins (forward was hoops letterman for Washington in 1944 after lettering with Washington State previous two years) opened game's scoring with an 18-yard rushing touchdown in 14-14 AAFC tie against the Buffalo Bills in 1947.

• Washington Redskins RB Cliff Battles (four seasons of varsity hoops for West Virginia Wesleyan) scored three touchdowns from at least 60 yards (interception return from 65 and rushes from 60 and 62) in a 34-20 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1937.

• Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (Texas Christian three-year hoops letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw four touchdown passes in a 33-7 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1943.

• New York Jets QB Bob Davis (sixth man for Virginia in 1964-65 when averaging 9.1 ppg and 4.1 rpg) threw two touchdown passes for first of three consecutive contests to finish month in 1971.

• Chicago Bears B-PK John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern basketball letterman in 1916) accounted for all of game's scoring with one rushing touchdown, three field goals and one extra point in a 16-0 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1926.

• Chicago Bears HB Beattie Feathers (Tennessee hoops regular in 1931-32) opened the game's scoring with a four-yard rushing touchdown in 16-7 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1937.

• Pittsburgh Steelers QB Jim Finks (led Tulsa with 8.9 ppg as sophomore in 1946-47) threw four touchdown passes - including 78-yarder to Ray Mathews - in a 55-27 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1954. Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw three TD passes.

• Atlanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two touchdown passes in a 31-17 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010.

• Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw four touchdown passes in a 41-3 win against the New England Patriots in 1971. Five years later, Griese passed for 306 yards in a 20-17 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1976.

• Detroit Lions rookie E Chuck Hanneman (three-year Eastern Michigan hoops letterman in mid-1930s) rushed for a 50-yard touchdown in 30-0 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1937. Lions rookie B Vern Huffman (All-American was All-Big Ten Conference selection for Indiana in 1935-36 and 1936-37) returned an interception 100 yards for TD.

• Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice hoops letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) threw for 321 yards - including three touchdown passes - in a 35-27 setback against the New York Giants in 1965.

• Arizona Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins (played in seven basketball games for Clemson in 2010-11 in coach Brad Brownell's inaugural season with the Tigers) caught two touchdown passes from Kyler Murray in a 37-14 win against the Cleveland Browns in 2021.

• Chicago Cardinals E Mal Kutner (two-year Texas hoops letterman in early 1940s) caught three touchdown passes - including two 45-yarders in second quarter - in a 63-35 win against the New York Giants in 1948. E Ray Poole (Ole Miss' leading hoops scorer in 1942-43 with 12.3 ppg) opened the Giants' scoring with a TD reception from QB Charlie Conerly.

• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie HB Johnny Lattner (Notre Dame forward in 1951-52) scored a touchdown in each of his first four games in 1954.

• Green Bay Packers WR Bob Long (Wichita State hooper in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Ralph Miller) caught a 62-yard touchdown pass from Bart Starr in 31-21 win against the Detroit Lions in 1965. It was Long's third consecutive contest with a TD reception. Lions DB Wayne Rasmussen (MVP in 1963 NCAA College Division Tournament for South Dakota State) returned an interception 36 yards for TD.

• Philadelphia Eagles HB Bosh Pritchard (four-sport letterman for VMI) had a 32-yard rushing touchdown in 45-0 win against the Washington Redskins in 1948.

• Cleveland Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) rushed for 191 yards on 26 carries - including two touchdowns - in a 20-17 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1976.

• Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 24-14 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 1971. Cowboys P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67 averaged 14.5 ppg and 8.3 rpg as sophomore, 17.3 ppg and 8 rpg as junior and 22.1 ppg and 8.7 rpg as senior) punted five times for 246 yards (49.2 average).

• Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton (SMU hooper for three games in 2015-16 under coach Larry Brown) contributed eight pass receptions in a 34-24 setback against the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021.

• Minnesota Vikings CB Charlie West (collected two points and one rebound in two UTEP games in 1967-68 under coach Don Haskins) returned two kickoffs for 69 yards in a 24-13 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1971.

Long before kneeling knuckleheads and politicized multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on October 16 in football at the professional level (especially in 1966):

OCTOBER 16

• Chicago Bears DE Doug Atkins (third-leading scorer as Tennessee center with 9.9 ppg in 1950-51) had an interception in 17-0 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1966.

• Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (Texas Christian three-year hoops letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw four touchdown passes in a 38-14 win against the New York Bulldogs in 1949.

• Kansas City Chiefs LB Bobby Bell (first African-American hooper for Minnesota in 1960-61) returned a fumble recovery seven yards for touchdown in 34-13 AFL setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1966.

• New York Giants B Chris Cagle (four-year hoops letterman for USL and Army in mid-1920s) scored two first-quarter touchdowns (rush and 40-yard reception) in a 20-12 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1932.

• Chicago Bears rookie FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) rushed for two touchdowns - including an NFL-long 81 yards for his first pro score - in a 38-10 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1955.

• WR Ray Crittenden (scored four points in four Virginia Tech basketball games in 1988-89) contributed a career-high six pass receptions, opening the New England Patriots' scoring with a touchdown reception from QB Drew Bledsoe in 24-17 setback against the New York Jets in 1994.

• Baltimore Ravens PK Billy Cundiff (played in nine basketball contests with Drake in 1999-00 and 2000-01) converted all five of his field-goal attempts in a 29-14 win against the Houston Texans in 2011.

• Chicago Bears B-PK John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern basketball letterman in 1916) opened the game's scoring with a rushing touchdown in 12-0 win against the New York Yankees in 1927.

• Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 21-17 win against the New York Jets in 1977.

• Houston Oilers rookie WR Bill Groman (Heidelberg OH scoring average leader as sophomore and junior while averaging 14.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg from 1954-55 through 1957-58) had a career-high 10 pass receptions in 20-10 AFL win against the Dallas Texans in 1960.

• Minnesota Vikings DB Dale Hackbart (averaged 4 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 10 contests for Wisconsin in 1958-59) had two interceptions in a 35-7 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1966.

• New York Jets RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) rushed for 122 yards in a 24-17 win against the New England Patriots in 1994.

• Green Bay Packers rookie E Bill Kelley (Texas Tech hoops letterman in 1945 and 1946) caught a touchdown pass in 39-17 setback against the Chicago Cardinals in 1949.

• Chicago Bears TE Greg Latta (two-year Morgan State letterman averaged 9.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 15 games in 1970-71) caught a touchdown pass in his third contest of four-game span in 1977.

• Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw three touchdown passes in a 35-0 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1954.

• San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (Southern California hooper as junior in 1979-80) had two interceptions in a 24-21 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1988.

• Detroit Lions TE Marcus Pollard (JC transfer averaged 7.3 ppg and 5 rpg for Bradley in 1992-93 and 1993-94) had three pass receptions for 105 yards in a 21-20 setback against the Carolina Panthers in 2005.

• Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught two touchdown passes from Cotton Davidson in a 43-43 AFL tie against the Boston Patriots in 1964.

• Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team) returned a punt 72 yards for touchdown in 23-17 setback against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2005.

• Kansas City Chiefs WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes from Elvis Grbac in a 31-3 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1997.

• Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 31-14 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1966.

• Buffalo All-Americans rookie LE Luke Urban (player-coach for Boston College's hoops squad from 1918-19 through 1920-21) caught a touchdown pass from Elmer Oliphant (All-Big Ten Conference hoops selection with Purdue in 1912-13 and 1913-14) in 1921 game against the New York Giants.

• Cincinnati Bengals DE Alfred Williams (Colorado hooper in 1989-90) had four sacks in a 14-10 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1994.

• Tennessee Titans WR Kendall Wright (Baylor hooper as freshman in 2008-09) caught eight passes for 133 yards - including 48-yard touchdown from Marcus Mariota - in a 28-26 win against the Cleveland Browns in 2016.

Long before kneeling knuckleheads and politicized multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on October 15 in football at the professional level (especially in 1967):

OCTOBER 15

• New York Giants E O'Neal Adams (three-year letterman was third-leading scorer in 1941 when Arkansas reached NCAA Tournament national semifinals) caught a 35-yard touchdown pass in fourth quarter for decisive score in 14-7 win against the Brooklyn Tigers in 1944.

• New York Giants DB Erich Barnes (played hoops briefly for Purdue as sophomore in 1955-56) returned an interception 102 yards for touchdown in 31-10 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1961.

• Los Angeles Rams LB Connor Barwin (Cincinnati hooper in 2006 NCAA Tournament) contributed seven solo tackles in a 27-17 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017.

• Chicago Bears E Connie Mack Berry (All-Southern Conference second-team hoops selection as North Carolina State center in 1937 and 1938) caught two touchdown passes (51 and 15 yards) in a 34-7 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1944.

• Dallas Cowboys DE Shante Carver (Arizona State hooper in 1992-93) had two sacks in a 23-9 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1995.

• New York Giants B Stu Clancy (Holy Cross hoops letterman from 1928 through 1930 was captain as senior) scored a 46-yard rushing touchdown in 56-0 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1933. Giants rookie B Kink Richards (Simpson IA hoops letterman) scored two fourth-quarter TDs.

• Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) completed 24-of-37 passes for 364 yards in a 45-31 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 1967. Chiefs FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) caught nine of Dawson's passes for 134 yards. Five years later, Taylor had 10 receptions in a 23-16 setback against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1972.

• New York Giants rookie B Scott Eaton (three-year Oregon State letterman averaged 6 ppg and 2.8 rpg) had an 18-yard pass reception in 27-24 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1967.

• Dallas Cowboys TE Steve Folsom (Utah hooper in 1980-81) caught a career-high five passes from Steve Walsh in 31-14 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1989.

• San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 35-24 setback against the Denver Broncos in 2012.

• Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 34-24 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1950.

• Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice hoops letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) punted six times for 283 yards (47.2 average) in a 20-7 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1961.

• Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) rushed for three touchdowns in a 28-14 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1950.

• Minnesota Vikings DB Earsell Mackbee (teammate of Utah State All-American Wayne Estes averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.4 rpg in 1964-65) had two interceptions in a 10-7 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1967.

• Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two third-quarter touchdown passes in a 27-24 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 2006.

• Frankfort Yellow Jackets rookie B Ken Mercer (three-year hoops letterman as Simpson IA forward) rushed for two touchdowns in a 54-0 win against the Buffalo Bisons in 1927.

• Chicago Bears B Ray Nolting (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1936) scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns (pass reception and interception return) in a 44-7 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1939.

• San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Jeff Garcia in a 31-28 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 2000. Six years later with the Dallas Cowboys, Owens caught three second-half TD passes in a 34-6 win against the Houston Texans in 2006.

• Cleveland Rams E Steve Pritko (Villanova two-year hoops letterman) caught two second-half touchdown passes in a 20-17 win against the Detroit Lions in 1944.

• Atlanta Falcons LB Marion Rushing (Southern Illinois hooper from 1954-55 through 1956-57) had an interception in 20-20 tie against the Washington Redskins in 1967.

• Pittsburgh Steelers DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for UMES) had two interceptions in a 20-0 win against the Washington Redskins in 1961.

• New York Jets TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins (averaged 1.1 ppg and 2.1 rpg as Washington freshman in 2011-12) had career-high eight pass receptions - including touchdown in second of three straight games - in a 24-17 setback against the New England Patriots in 2017.

• Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught three touchdown passes from Brian Griese in a 44-10 win against the Cleveland Browns in 2000.

• Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-27 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1967.

• Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw three touchdown passes in a 24-21 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1978.

• New York Jets SS Shafer Suggs (averaged 10.7 ppg and 7.9 rpg in three-year career, setting Ball State record with nine consecutive field goals without miss and leading Cardinals in rebounding in 1974-75) returned an interception 32 yards for touchdown in 14-7 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1979.

Long before kneeling knuckleheads and politicized multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on October 14 in football at the professional level (especially in 1962 and 1973):

OCTOBER 14

• Detroit Wolverines E Carl Bacchus (three-year Missouri hoops letterman in mid-1920s) opened and completed game's scoring with touchdown receptions in a 35-12 win against the New York Yankees in 1928.

• Green Bay Packers WR Don Beebe (Aurora College IL junior varsity hooper in 1983-84) delivered career highs of 11 pass receptions and 220 receiving yards - including 59-yard touchdown catch from Brett Favre - in a 23-20 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1996.

• Baltimore Colts DE Ordell Braase (first-team All-NCC pick for South Dakota in 1952-53 and 1953-54) returned a fumble recovery 10 yards for touchdown in 36-14 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1962. Colts E R.C. Owens (led small colleges with 27.1 rpg in 1953-54 while also averaging 23.5 ppg for College of Idaho) caught two TD passes from Johnny Unitas.

• Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught 12 passes for 187 yards, including two touchdown receptions from Roman Gabriel, in a 27-24 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1973.

• Chicago Bears FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) rushed for two second-half touchdowns in a 31-7 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1956.

• Chicago Bears TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) caught eight passes for 132 yards in a 34-27 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1962.

• Chicago Cardinals B-PK John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1916) accounted for all of game's scoring with two touchdowns, two field goals and one extra point in a 19-0 win against the Akron Pros in 1923.

• Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught nine passes - including two touchdowns - in a 27-20 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2007.

• Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw six touchdown passes - five in first half - in a 61-14 AAFC win against the Los Angeles Dons in 1949. Browns QB Cliff Lewis (Duke hoops letterman in 1945) threw for one TD and rushed for another in second half.

• Houston Oilers WR Bill Groman (Heidelberg OH scoring average leader as sophomore and junior while averaging 14.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg from 1954-55 through 1957-58) caught two first-quarter touchdown passes from George Blanda in a 56-17 AFL win against the New York Titans in 1962. TE teammate Bob McLeod (all-time leading rebounder for Abilene Christian TX with 1,237 from 1957-58 through 1960-61) also caught two TD passes from Blanda.

• Carolina Panthers WR Donald Hayes (played in two basketball games for Wisconsin in 1995-96 under coach Dick Bennett) had a career-high seven pass receptions in 27-25 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 2001.

• Los Angeles Rams rookie E Norb Hecker (four-sport letterman including hoops with Baldwin-Wallace OH) caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Bob Waterfield in 27-21 win against the Detroit Lions in 1951.

• Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting hoops center for Michigan in 1944) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 24-21 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1956.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught two touchdown passes in a 38-10 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw three second-half touchdown passes in a 31-28 setback against the Tennessee Titans in 2001.

• Denver Broncos QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw four touchdown passes in a 48-20 win against the Houston Oilers in 1973.

• Pittsburgh Steelers RB John Henry Johnson (made 5-of-8 FGAs in five games for Saint Mary's in 1950-51) rushed for more than 110 yards in third consecutive game in 1962.

• Baltimore Ravens WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) returned a kickoff 108 yards for touchdown in 31-29 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2012.

• Chicago Bears DB R.W. McQuarters (Oklahoma State hooper in 1995-96 and 1996-97 started two games) returned a fumble recovery 69 yards for touchdown in 20-13 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2001.

• Pittsburgh Steelers E Elbie Nickel (Cincinnati's second-leading scorer in 1942 also earned hoop letter in 1947) caught two touchdown passes - one for 77 yards - in a 28-24 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1951.

• Philadelphia Eagles WR John "Red" O'Quinn (scored 91 points for Wake Forest's basketball team in 1947-48 under coach Murray Greason) had a career-long 38-yard pass reception in 37-24 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1951.

• San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had three of his league-high 16 touchdown receptions - including a 52-yarder in overtime to finish with nine catches for 183 yards - in 37-31 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 2001. The next year, Owens caught two TD passes from Garcia in a 28-21 win against the Seattle Seahawks in 2002.

• Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) had nine pass receptions for 172 yards - including two touchdowns - in a 45-35 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1990. Three years later, Rison had two TD catches in a 30-24 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1993.

• Washington Redskins LB Dave Robinson (made two free throws and grabbed five rebounds in two basketball games for Penn State in 1960-61) returned an interception 28 yards for touchdown in 21-3 win against the New York Giants in 1973.

• In his pro debut, Oakland Raiders RB Willie Simpson (San Francisco State letterman in 1960 and 1961 as hoops forward) rushed six times for 22 yards in a 23-6 AFL setback against the Denver Broncos in 1962.

• Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 37-31 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1973. Cowboys WR Otto Stowe (collected 12 points and five rebounds in four Iowa State basketball games in 1968-69) had two TD receptions. Six years later, Staubach completed 13-of-18 passes - including three TDs - in a 30-6 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1979.

• Kansas City Chiefs TE Morris Stroud Jr. (tallest TE in NFL history averaged 7.2 ppg and 10.2 rpg in 1967-68 when 6-10 junior shot team-high 50.9 FG% from floor for Clark Atlanta GA) opened game's scoring with a touchdown reception from Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) in 10-10 tie against the Green Bay Packers in 1973.

• New York Giants DB Emlen Tunnell (forward was top reserve for Toledo team compiling 22-4 record and finishing second in 1943 NIT) returned a punt 81 yards for touchdown in 28-17 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1951.

• Boston Redskins rookie HB Ted Wright (North Texas State hoops letterman in 1932) scored his lone NFL touchdown with a 59-yard rush in 39-0 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1934.

Long before kneeling knuckleheads and politicized multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on October 13 in football at the professional level (especially in 1963):

OCTOBER 13

• Chicago Bears DE Doug Atkins (center was Tennessee's third-leading scorer with 9.9 ppg in 1950-51) had an interception in 52-14 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1963. Bears TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) caught nine passes for 110 yards (including four touchdowns). Rookie PK Bob Jencks (collected 3 points and 12 rebounds in five basketball games for Miami of Ohio in 1960-61) kicked a career-high seven extra points.

• Washington Redskins B Steve Bagarus (Notre Dame hooper in early 1940s) caught two go-ahead touchdown passes (51 and 13 yards) in a 24-14 win against the New York Giants in 1946. Redskins FB Jack Jenkins (Vanderbilt hoops letterman in 1941 and 1942) opened game's scoring with a rushing touchdown.

• Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year hoops letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes - including one for 81 yards to Dick Todd - in a 28-21 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1940.

• Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) scored three touchdowns - including 72-yard pass reception - in a 35-24 win against the New York Giants in 1963.

• Chicago Cardinals E Billy Dewell (three-time All-SWC first-team hoops pick for SMU in late 1930s) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Paul Christman in a 36-14 win against the Detroit Lions in 1946.

• Green Bay Packers FB Ted Fritsch Sr. (Wisconsin-Stevens Point hoops letterman in 1940-41 and 1941-42) scored two touchdowns - one receiving/one rushing - in a 19-7 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1946.

• Denver Broncos DB Charlie Greer (played seven games for Colorado in 1965-66 as sophomore) had two interceptions in a 21-13 AFL win against the New York Jets in 1968.

• Cincinnati Bengals rookie DE Harry Gunner (J.C. transfer averaged 4.4 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Oregon State, playing on NCAA playoff team in 1966) returned an interception 20 yards in 13-3 AFL setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1968.

• Los Angeles Rams rookie B Tom Harmon (averaged 7.6 ppg as sophomore in 1938-39 when leading Michigan in scoring in five contests) scored two touchdowns - including 84-yard run from scrimmage - in a 28-28 tie against the Chicago Bears in 1946.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught nine passes for 114 yards - including two second-quarter touchdowns - in a 31-20 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013.

• St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. TX to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 428 yards - including two fourth-quarter touchdowns - in a 24-23 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1963.

• Chicago Bears LB-C Eddie Kawal (Illinois hoops letterman in 1930) returned an interception 13 yards for touchdown in 39-0 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1935.

• Oakland Raiders RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) had nine pass receptions in a 28-13 setback against the St. Louis Rams in 2002.

• Green Bay Packers E Ron Kramer (three-time All-Big Ten Conference hoops selection was Michigan's MVP each season and All-American as senior in 1956-57) had a career-high 87 receiving yards on four catches in 37-28 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1963.

• Baltimore Colts TE John Mackey (Syracuse hooper in 1960-61) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes (52 and 15 yards) in a 42-14 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1968.

• San Francisco 49ers rookie E R.C. Owens (led small colleges with 27.1 rpg in 1953-54 while also averaging 23.5 ppg for College of Idaho) caught two second-half touchdown passes from Y.A. Tittle in a 21-17 win against the Chicago Bears in 1957. WR teammate Clyde Conner (two-time All-CBA second-team selection averaged 11.5 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Pacific in 1953-54 and 1954-55) contributed career highs of nine pass receptions and 142 receiving yards.

• Carolina Panthers rookie DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had three sacks and an interception in 14-13 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 2002.

• Cleveland Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) threw his second touchdown pass in a three-game span in 1974.

• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team) returned a kickoff 99 yards for touchdown in 34-7 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2002.

• Detroit Lions TE Mikhael Ricks (played three basketball games for Stephen F. Austin in 1995-96) opened game's scoring with a 41-yard touchdown pass reception from Joey Harrington in 31-24 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 2002.

• Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) caught two touchdown passes in a 39-34 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1991.

• Buffalo Bills DE Reggie Rogers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Washington from 1982-83 through 1984-85) registered a sack in 42-6 win against the Indianapolis Colts in 1991.

• Washington Redskins QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw two touchdown passes to Bobby Mitchell (66 and 35 yards) in a 37-24 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1963.

• B Wilbur White (Colorado State hoops letterman from 1932 to 1935) accounted for the Brooklyn Dodgers' lone score with a four-yard touchdown pass in fourth quarter of 10-7 setback against the New York Giants in 1935.

• Dallas Cowboys TE Rayfield Wright (All-SIAC pick for Fort Valley State GA averaged 17 ppg and 15 rpg as junior and 21 ppg and 17.4 rpg as senior) caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Don Meredith in 34-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1968.

Long before kneeling knuckleheads and politicized multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on October 12 in football at the professional level (especially in 2003):

OCTOBER 12

• Philadelphia Eagles LB Connor Barwin (Cincinnati hooper in 2006 NCAA Tournament) contributed five solo tackles and three of his 14 1/2 sacks in 27-0 win against the New York Giants in 2014.

• Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for three touchdowns in a 35-28 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1958.

• Chicago Bears QB Young Bussey (Louisiana State hoops letterman in late 1930s) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes for second straight week in 1941.

• Cleveland Browns TE Jordan Cameron (redshirt freshman forward for Brigham Young in 2006-07 before playing briefly for Southern California in 2008-09 under coach Tim Floyd) had three pass receptions for 102 yards - including a 51-yard touchdown - in 31-10 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014.

• Pittsburgh Steelers HB Lynn Chandnois (forward scored 15 points in 11 games for Michigan State in 1946-47 and 1947-48) returned a kickoff 93 yards for touchdown in 26-21 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1952.

• New York Giants DB Percy Ellsworth (appeared in all four of Virginia's NCAA tourney contests for 1995 Midwest Regional finalist) had two interceptions in a 27-13 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 1997.

• In 2015, San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-Mid-American Conference selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) posted career touchdown reception #100 in his first contest following a four-game suspension.

• Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught four passes for 121 yards in a 40-34 win against the Green Bay Packers in 2003.

• Brooklyn Dodgers B Swede Hagberg (three-year West Virginia hoops letterman in late 1920s) returned an interception 30 yards for touchdown in 32-0 win against the Newark Tornadoes in 1930.

• Los Angeles Rams B Tom Harmon (averaged 7.6 ppg as sophomore in 1938-39 when leading Michigan in scoring in five contests) scored two touchdowns in a 27-13 win against the Detroit Lions in 1947.

• New England Patriots SS Rodney Harrison (averaged 7.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3 apg and 1.6 spg for Western Illinois in 1992-93) intercepted two passes in a 17-6 win against the New York Giants in 2003.

• Chicago Bears E Harlon Hill (Florence State AL hoops letterman in 1951) had two touchdown receptions in a 28-6 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1958.

• San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught five passes for 134 yards in a 30-10 win against the New England Patriots in 2008.

• New York Giants' Dave Jennings (forward averaged 5.9 ppg for St. Lawrence NY in 1972-73 and 1973-74) punted for more than 49-yard average for fourth time in a five-game span in 1980.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw four touchdown passes in a 35-13 win against the Washington Redskins in 2003.

• Rookie TE Teyo Johnson (part-time starting forward for Stanford averaged 4.9 ppg and 3 rpg in 2000-01 and 2001-02) scored the Oakland Raiders' only touchdown with a 10-yard pass reception from Rich Gannon in 13-7 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 2003.

• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie B Art Jones (averaged 4.9 ppg as starting center for Richmond in 1940-41) caught a 59-yard touchdown pass in 24-20 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1941.

• Houston Texans WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) returned a punt 70 yards for touchdown in 29-28 win against the Miami Dolphins in 2008.

• New York Yankees rookie B Wild Bill Kelly (two-year Montana hoops letterman in mid-1920s) rushed for two second-half touchdowns in a 19-8 win against the Buffalo Bisons in 1927.

• Atlanta Falcons CB Rolland Lawrence (captain of Tabor KS hoops squad as senior in 1972-73) had two interceptions in a 17-3 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1975.

• Washington Redskins WR Bob Long (Wichita State hooper in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Ralph Miller) had nine pass receptions in a 33-17 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969.

• Buffalo Bills HB Chet Mutryn (Xavier hoops letterman in 1943) rushed for two touchdowns in a 20-15 AAFC win against the Baltimore Colts in 1947.

• San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UT Chattanooga hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two touchdown passes from Steve Young in a 30-10 win against the St. Louis Rams in 1997.

• New York Giants E Buster Poole (three-year Arkansas hoops letterman was senior captain in 1936-37) scored a touchdown in his third consecutive contest in 1941.

• New York Yanks QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw three of his NFL-high 22 touchdown passes in a 29-24 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1950.

• Detroit Lions WR Freddie Scott (averaged 5.3 ppg as sophomore forward for Amherst MA in 1972-73) had a go-ahead 48-yard rushing touchdown in 24-13 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1980.

• Denver Broncos TE Julius Thomas (averaged 6.8 ppg and 4.3 rpg while shooting 66.3% from floor with Portland State from 2006-07 through 2009-10) caught two touchdown passes from Peyton Manning in a 31-17 win against the New York Jets in 2014. Thomas had a total of nine TD receptions in his first five games of season.

• Chicago Rockets rookie QB Sam Vacanti (averaged 2.8 ppg as backup swingman for Iowa in 1942-43) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 42-28 AAFC setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1947.

• San Francisco 49ers TE Bob Windsor (played two games for Kentucky in 1965-66 under coach Adolph Rupp) had a career-high seven pass receptions in 27-21 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1969.

Provocative proliferation of transfers probably will result in the 2024-25 season breaking new ground in premier player profiles. Featuring returning All-Americans Johni Broome (Auburn/originally attended Morehead State), Hunter Dickinson (Kansas/from Michigan), Caleb Love (Arizona/from North Carolina) and Mark Sears (Alabama/from Ohio University), this will likely become the first campaign to finish with more than one multiple-year A-A who began his college career playing for another four-year college prior to transferring.

Kyle Macy, who originally attended Purdue, is the only transfer in this category to become a three-time A-A (Kentucky from 1978 through 1980). Macy is among the following first nine individuals to earn All-American acclaim multiple seasons (from Associated Press/Converse/National Association of Basketball/United Press International/United States Basketball Writers of America) after previously competing with another four-year college:

NOTE: Larry Bird was a three-time All-American for Indiana State from 1977 through 1979 after transferring from Indiana but he never played in a game with the Bob Knight-coached Hoosiers.

Extra! Extra! Instead of lamenting misguided #MessMedia misfits, political pestilence and big-tech censorship putting the sick into sycophant as callous #Demonrats condone Hamas via their Odd Squad silence regarding brutality against Israelis, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Two former hoopers from Pennsylvania small colleges - Clyde Barnhart (Shippensburg) and Dick Hall (Swarthmore) - made World Series news on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 11 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 11

• In 1925, Pittsburgh Pirates LF Clyde Barnhart (played basketball for Shippensburg PA predecessor Cumberland Valley State Normal School prior to World War I) went hitless for only time in 11 World Series games.

• In 1948, SS Lou Boudreau (leading scorer for Illinois' 1937 Big Ten Conference co-champion) doubled for third consecutive World Series contest with the champion Cleveland Indians in Game 6 against the Boston Braves.

• Los Angeles Dodgers CF Glenn Burke (averaged 16.3 ppg in six basketball games with Nevada-Reno in 1974-75) stroked a sixth-inning single in 1977 World Series opener against the New York Yankees prior to him being pinch-hit for by Manny Mota the next frame (extra-inning victory for Yanks).

• St. Louis Cardinals RHP Roger Craig (forward with North Carolina State's 1949-50 freshman hoops team) earned a victory by fanning eight New York Yankees batters in 4 2/3 innings of shutout relief in Game 4 of 1964 World Series.

• RHP Dave Giusti (made 6-of-10 field-goal attempts in two games for Syracuse in 1959-60) traded by the Houston Astros to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1968.

• In 1971, Baltimore Orioles RHP Dick Hall (averaged 12.8 ppg from 1948-49 through 1950-51 with Swarthmore PA for three Southern Division champions in MASC) earned a save in Game 2 of World Series for second straight season.

• RHP Jim Hearn (Georgia Tech hoops letterman in 1941-42) traded by the New York Giants to the Philadelphia Phillies for P Stu Miller in 1956.

• INF Davey Johnson (averaged 1.7 ppg with Texas A&M in 1961-62) was the on-deck batter in Japan in 1976 when Sadaharu Oh stroked his 715th homer to pass Babe Ruth's mark. Incredibly, Johnson was also next hitter in April 1974 when Atlanta Braves OF Hank Aaron hammered his 715th round-tripper.

• Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman hoops squad in 1953-54) hurled a four-hit shutout in Game 5 of 1965 World Series against the Minnesota Twins.

• Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) whacked a homer but it wasn't enough to prevent 5-3 defeat against the New York Yankees in Game 5 of 1998 ALCS.

• Rookie RF Bud Metheny (William & Mary hoops letterman from 1935-36 through 1937-38) supplied his lone World Series hit by singling in a 2-0 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 5 to help the New York Yankees clinch 1943 title.

• Detroit Tigers OF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) drove in winning run in bottom of 10th inning in a 4-3 triumph against the Oakland Athletics in Game 4 of 1972 ALCS.

• Cleveland Indians 1B Jim Thome (juco hooper for Illinois Central in 1988-89) smashed a pair of homers against the Boston Red Sox in Game 5 of 1999 ALDS.

• OF Leon Wagner (Tuskegee AL hooper in 1952-53) traded by the St. Louis Cardinals with a player to be designated and cash to Toronto (International League) in 1960.

• INF Jay Ward (McKendree IL hooper in 1956-57 before forgoing hoops to concentrate solely on pro baseball) traded by the Kansas City Athletics to Los Angeles Dodgers in 1961.

Extra! Extra! Instead of encouraging Plagiarist Biledumb to swap useless Odd Squad #Dimorat idiots via hang glider (especially on World Mental Health Day) for hostages or taking physical exam before deciding whether to "pass" on gender you want to select for your passport, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Two former hoopers from Iowa small colleges - Davey Lopes (Iowa Wesleyan) and Paul Splittorff (Morningside) - supplied significant MLB postseason competition performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 10 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 10

• Texas Rangers RHP Mike Adams (played basketball for Texas A&M-Kingsville in 1996-97) registered the victory in Game 2 of 2011 ALCS against the Detroit Tigers after posting holds in his first four postseason relief appearance that year.

• OF Ethan Allen (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) and LHP Jim Mooney (hooper for East Tennessee State) traded by the New York Giants to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1932.

• Increasing his hitting streak in World Series competition to eight in a row, Philadelphia Athletics SS Jack Barry (hoops letterman for Holy Cross in 1908) banged out two doubles among three safeties against the New York Giants in Game 4 of 1913 World Series.

• 1B Kevin "Chuck" Connors (scored 32 points in 15 varsity games for Seton Hall in 1941-42 before leaving school for military service) traded by the Brooklyn Dodgers to the Chicago Cubs in 1950. Connors, star of the television series The Rifleman, gained critical acclaim playing the role of a slave owner in the TV mini-series Roots (1977).

• In 1961 N.L. expansion draft, the New York Mets selected 1B Ed Bouchee (Washington State's 1951-52 freshman hoops squad) from the Chicago Cubs (30th pick overall), RHP Roger Craig (forward with North Carolina State's 1949-50 freshman hoops team) from the Los Angeles Dodgers (6th), OF John DeMerit (hoops letterman for Wisconsin in 1956-57) from the Milwaukee Braves (20th), OF Jim Hickman (freshman hooper for Ole Miss in 1955-56) from the St. Louis Cardinals (36th), 1B Gil Hodges (hooper for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) from the Dodgers (14th) and RHP Jay Hook (Northwestern's third-leading scorer with 10.7 ppg as sophomore in 1955-56) from the Cincinnati Reds (39th). The same expansion draft also had the Houston Colt .45s selecting INF Joey Amalfitano (Loyola Marymount hooper in 1952-53) from the San Francisco Giants (38th), 1B-OF Dick Gernert (letterman with Temple in 1948-49 when averaging 2.7 ppg) from the Reds (31st) and RHP Jim Umbricht (Georgia's hoops captain in 1951-52) from the Pittsburgh Pirates (35th).

• Baltimore Orioles LHP Mike Flanagan (averaged 13.9 ppg for Massachusetts' 15-1 freshman squad in 1971-72 when Rick Pitino and Al Skinner were members of hoop program) won 1979 World Series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

• New York Yankees rookie OF Harvey Hendrick (Vanderbilt hoops letterman in 1918) made his lone World Series at-bat in 1923 opener against the New York Giants.

• Los Angeles Dodgers LF "Sweet" Lou Johnson (Kentucky State teammate of legendary coach Davey Whitney averaged 5.7 ppg and 2 rpg in 1951-52) lashed a Game 4 homer in 7-2 win against the Minnesota Twins in 1965 World Series.

• RHP Clyde King (started two basketball games for North Carolina in December 1944 under coach Ben Carnevale traded by the Brooklyn Dodgers to the Cincinnati Reds in 1952.

• Brooklyn Dodgers C Ernie Krueger (Lake Forest IL hoops captain graduated in 1915) collected his only World Series hit (against Cleveland Indians in Game 5 in 1920).

• OF Joe Lahoud (hoops letterman for New Haven CT in mid-1960s) traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Milwaukee Brewers in a 10-player swap in 1971.

• Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) reached base five times with three hits and two walks against the Seattle Mariners in opener of 1995 ALCS.

• Los Angeles Dodgers 2B Davey Lopes (NAIA All-District 15 selection for Iowa Wesleyan averaged 16.9 ppg as All-Iowa Conference freshman selection in 1964-65 and 12.1 as sophomore in 1965-66 before transferring with his coach to Washburn KS where he was an All-CIC choice for 1968 NAIA Tournament team) collected two homers and five RBI in an 11-5 triumph against the New York Yankees in Game 1 of 1978 World Series.

• In decisive Game 7, Chicago White Sox RHP Ted Lyons (two-time All-SWC first-team selection for Baylor in early 1920s) tossed his second five-hit win in 1939 World Series in City Series against the Cubs.

• Boston Braves RF Les Mann (Springfield MA hooper in 1913 and 1914) drove in only run of opening game of 1914 World Series with RBI single off Eddie Plank of the Philadelphia Athletics in top of ninth inning.

• Houston Astros RHP Joe Niekro (averaged 8.9 ppg and 3.8 rpg for West Liberty WV from 1963-64 through 1965-66) hurled 10 shutout innings in winning his first postseason game (against Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of 1980 NLCS).

• Los Angeles Dodgers CF Billy North (played hoops briefly for Central Washington in 1967-68) stroked a pinch two-run double in 1978 World Series opener against the New York Yankees. North contributed only one more hit in 24 other career at-bats in WS competition.

• Breaking up a scoreless duel in Game 7 of 1968 World Series, Detroit Tigers RF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) stroked a decisive seventh-inning triple off St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame RHP Bob Gibson (Creighton's leading scorer in 1955-56 and 1956-57). Gibson won his previous seven WS starts.

• Washington Senators RHP Curly Ogden (Swarthmore PA hoops center in 1919, 1920 and 1922) started Game 7 of 1924 World Series as a decoy to get Bill Terry out of the New York Giants' lineup.

• New York Giants RF Dave Robertson (one of two reserves on North Carolina State's first basketball team in 1911) contributed three safeties (including a triple) in 2-0 win against the Chicago White Sox in Game 3 of 1917 World Series.

• New York Yankees LHP Marius Russo (member of LIU teams compiling a 50-2 record in 1934-35 and 1935-36 under legendary coach Clair Bee) hurled a complete game and knocked in decisive run with double in a 2-1 decision over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4 of 1943 World Series.

• 1B Bill "Moose" Skowron (scored 18 points in eight games for Purdue in 1949-50) smashed a grand slam to help the New York Yankees win Game 7 of 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers.

• Kansas City Royals LHP Paul Splittorff (runner-up in scoring and rebounding for Morningside IA in 1967-68) won Game 2 of 1976 ALCS with 5 2/3 innings of scoreless relief against the New York Yankees.

• Philadelphia Athletics SS Dib Williams (Hendrix AR hooper in mid-1920s) delivered his third two-hit outing of 1931 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Extra! Extra! Instead of wondering how much longer insufferable Odd Squad #Dimorat members can have any Congressional sway after long-term support for Hamas-dominated Palestinians, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former college hoopers Boo Ferriss (Mississippi State) and Christy Mathewson (Bucknell) hurled World Series shutouts on this date. Joining Mathewson among ex-hoopers from Pennsylvania colleges making WS news on this date were Monte Irvin (Lincoln), Red Murray (Lock Haven) and Dave Ricketts (Duquesne). Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 9 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 9

• C Benny Bengough (Niagara basketball letterman from 1916-17 through 1918-19) secured a hit for third straight 1928 World Series game to help the New York Yankees sweep the St. Louis Cardinals.

• Boston Red Sox LHP Ray Collins (Vermont hoops letterman in 1907 and 1908) started Game 2 of 1912 World Series against the New York Giants when they tied, 6-6, in a contest called after 11 innings.

• Before a crowd of 81,897, CF Larry Doby (reserve guard for Virginia Union's 1943 CIAA hoops titlist) contributed first homer of 1948 World Series to spark the Cleveland Indians to a 2-1 victory against the Boston Braves in Game 4.

• Boston Red Sox RHP Boo Ferriss (Mississippi State hoops letterman in 1941) hurled a 4-0 shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of 1946 World Series.

• Cincinnati Reds RHP Ken Hunt (freshman hooper for Brigham Young in 1957-58) hurled a hitless ninth inning of relief in 13-5 Game 5 defeat against the New York Yankees in 1961 World Series, closing out frame by fanning Elston Howard.

• New York Giants LF Monte Irvin (Lincoln PA hooper 1 1/2 years in late 1930s) provided his fourth multiple-hit outing in first five World Series games in 1951 against the New York Yankees.

• New York Giants CF Hank Leiber (Arizona hooper in 1931) contributed two hits, two runs and two RBI in a 7-3 win against the New York Yankees in Game 4 of 1937 World Series.

• In the first World Series utilizing a seven-game format, New York Giants Hall of Fame RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century) blanked the Philadelphia Athletics, 3-0, in opener of all-shutout 1905 World Series. Mathewson also tossed whitewashes in Game 3 and Game 5.

• New York Giants OF Red Murray (played hoops for Lock Haven PA in early 1900s) banged out two extra-base hits among his three safeties in a 6-6 tie against the Boston Red Sox in Game 2 of 1912 World Series.

• Pittsburgh Pirates SS Paul Popovich (teammate of Jerry West for West Virginia's 1960 NCAA playoff team) hit safely in all three 1974 NLCS games against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

• Despite yielding only one earned run in 9 2/3 innings in two starts against the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Browns RHP Nels Potter (leading scorer in early 1930s for Mount Morris IL) lost his lone World Series decision (3-1 in Game 6 in 1944).

• Pittsburgh Pirates 1B Gary Redus (J.C. hooper for Athens AL and father of Centenary/South Alabama guard with same name) went 3-for-3, including two extra-base hits, and scored decisive run in a 3-2 triumph against the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of 1992 NLCS.

• St. Louis Cardinals C Dave Ricketts (three-year starter led Duquesne in scoring senior season with 17.9 ppg in 1956-57) registered his lone World Series hit with a pinch single off Detroit Tigers P Denny McLain in Game 6 in 1968.

• St. Louis Cardinals RF Wally Roettger (Illinois hoops letterman in 1921-22 and 1922-23) hit safely in all three of 1931 World Series games he started against the Philadelphia Athletics.

• Boston Red Sox RHP Mike Smithson (teammate of Tennessee All-American Ernie Grunfeld averaged 1.9 ppg and 1.6 rpg under coach Ray Mears in 1974-75 and 1975-76) hurled 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief in Game 4 of 1988 ALCS against the Oakland Athletics.

• Cleveland Indians 1B Jim Thome (juco hooper for Illinois Central in 1988-89) clobbered two homers against the New York Yankees in Game 3 of 1998 ALCS.

• CF Bill Virdon (Drury MO hooper in 1949) stroked a two-run single propelling the Pittsburgh Pirates to 3-2 triumph against the New York Yankees in Game 4 of 1960 World Series.

• Washington Senators LHP Tom Zachary (Guilford NC hoops letterman in 1916) hurled a complete-game, 2-1 win against the New York Giants in Game 6 of 1924 World Series. Zachary also won Game 2.

Long before kneeling knuckleheads and multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on October 8 in football at the professional level (especially in 1967):

OCTOBER 8

• In 1933, Boston Braves RB Cliff Battles (four seasons of varsity hoops for West Virginia Wesleyan) became the first NFL player to rush for 200 yards in a game (215 yards in 16 carries against New York Giants).

• Cleveland Rams E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) had two touchdown receptions in a 35-21 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1939. Bears rookie HB Bob MacLeod (All-EIL choice for Dartmouth league champions in 1937-38 and 1938-39) caught a 21-yard TD pass and returned interception 41 yards for TD.

• Baltimore Colts DE Ordell Braase (first-team All-NCC hoops pick for South Dakota in 1952-53 and 1953-54) returned a fumble recovery nine yards for touchdown in 24-3 win against the Chicago Bears in 1967.

• New York Giants T Victor Carroll (three-year hoops letterman for Nevada-Reno in mid-1930s) returned a blocked punt return 28 yards for touchdown in 22-10 win against the Boston Yanks in 1944.

• New York Giants TB Ed Danowski (Fordham hoops letterman in 1932-33) threw two third-quarter touchdown passes in a 14-7 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1939.

• Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw five touchdown passes in a 41-0 win against the Miami Dolphins in 1967. Chiefs FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) had two first-half TD catches - one for 71 yards. Dolphins QB Archie Roberts (averaged 2.2 ppg and 1.3 rpg in 14 contests as Columbia junior in 1963-64) played in his lone AFL game, completing 5-of-10 passes.

• Detroit Lions TE Darren Fells (led UCI in rebounding each of last three seasons while averaging 10.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg from 2004-05 through 2007-08) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Matthew Stafford in a 27-24 setback against the Carolina Panthers in 2017.

• Los Angeles Dons rookie WR Len Ford (center for Morgan State's CIAA hoops titlist in 1944) caught two touchdown passes from Glenn Dobbs in a 49-28 AAFC win against the Chicago Rockets in 1948.

• Minnesota Vikings DB Dale Hackbart (averaged 4 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 10 contests for Wisconsin in 1958-59) returned an interception 21 yards for touchdown in 34-24 setback against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1967. Vikings QB Joe Kapp (backup forward averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for California's PCC champions in 1957 and 1958) passed for 281 yards.

• Carolina Panthers WR Donald Hayes (played in two basketball games for Wisconsin in 1995-96 under coach Dick Bennett) opened game's scoring with a 43-yard touchdown pass reception from QB Steve Beuerlein in 26-3 win against the Seattle Seahawks in 2000.

• Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice hoops letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) punted five times for 238 yards (47.6 average) in a 21-16 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1961.

• Houston Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (played in seven hoop games for Clemson in 2010-11) had career-high 11 pass receptions in a 27-20 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 2015. It was his third of four consecutive contests with at least eight pass receptions for more than 100 receiving yards. Two years later, Hopkins caught three touchdown passes from Deshaun Watson in a 42-34 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017.

• Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (teammate of All-American Jack Stephens averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) scored four touchdowns - including 54-yard run from scrimmage opening game's scoring - in a 45-7 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1961.

• Miami Dolphins RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) rushed for two first-half touchdowns in a 27-24 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 1995.

• Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 24-7 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1950. The next year, Layne threw three TD passes - two to HB Doak Walker (SMU hoops letterman as freshman in 1945-46) - in a 37-10 win against the New York Yanks in 1951.

• Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) rushed for two second-quarter touchdowns in a 27-6 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1950.

• Baltimore Ravens WR Vince Mayle (averaged 8 ppg for Shasta CC in 2009-10) opened game's scoring with a rushing touchdown in 30-17 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2017.

• Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) passed for 354 yards - including two second-half touchdowns - in a 38-24 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2006.

• Green Bay Packers DE Dan Orlich (Nevada-Reno hoops letterman in 1947-48 and 1948-49) returned a fumble recovery 15 yards for touchdown in 44-31 setback against the New York Yanks in 1950. Yanks QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw three of his NFL-high 22 TD passes.

• San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught 12 passes for 176 yards - including two touchdowns from Jeff Garcia - in a 34-28 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 2000.

• St. Louis Rams rookie LB Tommy Polley (played in one basketball game for Florida State in 1996-97 under coach Pat Kennedy) had 10 solo tackles in a 35-0 win against the Detroit Lions in 2001.

• Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught 11 passes for 206 yards - including two touchdowns from Tom Flores - in a 24-10 AFL win against the Boston Patriots in 1965.

• WR Sonny Randle (scoreless in seven basketball games in Virginia's third season in ACC in 1955-56) caught fourth-quarter touchdown pass from QB John Brodie to give the San Francisco 49ers a 27-24 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1967.

• Chicago Cardinals TB Jack Robbins (repeated as All-SWC first-team selection in 1938 for Arkansas) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 27-20 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1939.

• Pittsburgh Steelers DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for UMES) had three interceptions in a 21-16 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1961.

• New York Giants QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw three touchdown passes in a 45-21 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1972. Eleven years earlier, WR Tom Osborne (scored 1,291 points for Hastings NE during last half of 1950s) accounted for the Washington Redskins' only TD by catching a pass from Snead in 31-7 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1961.

• Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw three touchdown passes in a 24-3 win against the New York Giants in 1978.

• Jacksonville Jaguars WR Cedric Tillman (averaged 4.3 ppg and 2.6 rpg while serving as part-time starter for Alcorn State in 1990-91) opened game's scoring with a touchdown catch from Mark Brunell in 20-16 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1995.

Long before kneeling knuckleheads and multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on October 7 football at the professional level (especially in 2001):

OCTOBER 7

• Chicago Bears FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) rushed for two touchdowns in a 37-21 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1956.

• Pittsburgh Steelers HB Lynn Chandnois (forward scored 15 points in 11 games for Michigan State in 1946-47 and 1947-48) scored two second-quarter touchdowns - one receiving/one rushing - in a 35-33 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1951. Steelers DB Jim Finks (led Tulsa with 8.9 ppg as sophomore in 1946-47) returned an interception 25 yards for TD.

• Los Angeles Rams RB Glenn Davis (Army hooper in 1944-45 and 1945-46) scored two second-half touchdowns (one rushing/one receiving) in a 38-23 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1951.

• Dallas Texans QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three touchdown passes for the third consecutive AFL contest in 1962.

• Chicago Cardinals B-PK John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1916) accounted for 27 points with four touchdowns and three extra points in a 60-0 win against the Rochester Jeffersons in 1923.

• Houston Texans TE Darren Fells (led UCI in rebounding each of last three seasons while averaging 10.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg from 2004-05 through 2007-08) caught two second-half touchdown passes from Deshaun Watson in 53-32 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 2019.

• Green Bay Packers FB Ted Fritsch Sr. (Wisconsin-Stevens Point hoops letterman in 1940-41 and 1941-42) returned an interception 69 yards for touchdown in 57-21 win against the Detroit Lions in 1945.

• Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught eight passes for 129 yards in a 20-6 setback against the Denver Broncos in 2001. Eleven years later with the Atlanta Falcons, Gonzalez caught 13 passes in a 24-17 win against the Washington Redskins in 2012.

• Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw three touchdown passes in a 31-3 win against the New York Jets in 1973.

• Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan in 1944) caught two second-half touchdown passes in a 33-30 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1956.

• Houston Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (played in seven hoop games for Clemson in 2010-11) caught nine passes for 151 yards in a 19-16 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2018. First NFL reception for Cowboys TE Rico Gathers (two-time All-Big 12 Conference selection averaged 8.6 ppg and 8 rpg for Baylor from 2012-13 through 2015-16) was a 32-yard pass from Dak Prescott.

• RB-K Paul Hornung (teammate of All-American Jack Stephens averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) accounted for all of the Green Bay Packers' scoring by kicking three field goals in a 9-7 win against the Detroit Lions in 1962.

• New York Giants' Dave Jennings (forward averaged 5.9 ppg for St. Lawrence NY in 1972-73 and 1973-74) punted eight times for 48.9-yard average in a 17-14 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1979.

• B Wild Bill Kelly (two-year Montana hoops letterman in mid-1920s) supplied the New York Yankees' lone touchdown with a 15-yard rush in 9-7 setback against the Pottsville Maroons in 1928.

• San Francisco 49ers B Billy Kilmer (hooper under legendary UCLA coach John Wooden in 1959-60) rushed for two touchdowns for the second straight game in 1962.

• Cleveland Browns WR Dave Logan (averaged 14.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Colorado in mid-1970s) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Brian Sipe in a 51-35 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1979.

• Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 28-14 setback against the Chicago Cardinals in 1951.

• Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 21-20 setback against the Arizona Cardinals in 2001.

• Frankfort Yellow Jackets B Ken Mercer (three-year hoops letterman as Simpson IA forward) threw a fourth-quarter, go-ahead touchdown pass in 10-6 win against the Providence Steam Roller in 1928.

• Cleveland Browns WR Jordan Norwood (collected one rebound and one assist in four basketball games for Penn State in 2006-07) had a career-high nine pass receptions in 41-27 setback against the New York Giants in 2012.

• San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two third-quarter touchdown passes from Jeff Garcia in a 24-14 win against the Carolina Panthers in 2001.

• The second of two second-half touchdown catches by WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) gave the Atlanta Falcons a 28-27 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1990.

• New York Giants CB Jason Sehorn (averaged 12.5 ppg and 6 rpg for Shasta Community College CA in 1990-91) had two interceptions - returning one 34 yards for touchdown - in a 23-9 win against the Washington Redskins in 2001.

• Washington Redskins QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 20-14 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1962.

• Denver Broncos rookie WR Courtland Sutton (collected three points and two rebounds in three SMU basketball games in 2015-16 when Larry Brown was coach) opened game's scoring with a touchdown reception from Case Keenum in 34-16 setback against the New York Jets in 2018.

• Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) recovered a fumble for touchdown in 30-10 win against the New England Patriots in 2001.

• Buffalo All-Americans E Luke Urban (player-coach for Boston College's hoops squad from 1918-19 through 1920-21) returned an interception for touchdown in 1923 game against the Akron Pros.

• Tennessee Titans rookie WR Kendall Wright (Baylor hooper as freshman in 2008-09) caught nine passes in a 30-7 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 2012.