Yale's 1901 Bicentennial Team, The Most Accomplished Team Ever?

It's common to see writers and panels name all-time football teams that ignore those who did not play in the last 50 years. While acknowledging the difficulty of comparing players across eras, folks ought to occasionally give it the old college try.

Today's Tidbit flips the script by reviewing an old-time team that might have been the most accomplished ever to take the field. Among the twenty-two players suited up that day were eight Yale captains, seven College Football Hall of Fame members, and fifteen consensus All-Americans, including two four-time All-Americans. The All-American numbers do not count two College Football Hall of Famers whose careers preceded Caspar Whitney naming the first All-American team in 1889.

That team gathered on the occasion of Yale’s bicentennial celebration in October 1901 when the school turned its attention from more scholarly pursuits to enjoy a Wednesday afternoon football doubleheader. The early game was unremarkable, as Yale's varsity defeated Bates 21-0 before 10,000 fans. The nightcap, however, was something to behold, as the collection of Yale alums beat the varsity second team 12-0 in a game featuring 10-minute halves.

While one Yale alum in the game, Pudge Heffelfinger, is recognized as the first professional football player, pro football was in its infancy in 1901. So, most alums who took the field that day had not donned the cleats for some time other than in a coaching capacity. Some were out of shape, but they represented one of the finest collections of football talent ever assembled on one team. Plus, they beat a handful of strapping young lads.

According to New Haven's Morning Journal-Courier, twenty-two alumni took the field at one point or another, including a brief appearance by 42-year-old Walter Camp. The players wore uniforms from their playing days, though Camp added a modern helmet when he kicked off. He left the game after that play.

The photograph below identifies 27 former Yale players but does not include everyone who played in the game, according to the newspaper box score. The image includes a few who did not take the field.

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