Fordham University, a Jesuit Catholic institution located in the Bronx, New York, began its storied football history in 1881. Known as the Rams, Fordham’s football program achieved national prominence between 1929 and 1942. During this period, the Fordham Rams boasted an impressive record of 88 wins, 20 losses, and 12 ties, earning them a remarkable .783 winning percentage. This achievement was second only to Alabama, making Fordham a formidable force in college football during the early 20th century. The Rams are best remembered for their legendary offensive line, famously nicknamed the “Seven Blocks of Granite,” which became one of the most iconic and storied lines in college football history.
The foundation of Fordham’s football success in the 1930s was built under the guidance of Coach Frank “Iron Major” William Cavanaugh, who took over the team in 1927. Cavanaugh, a World War I veteran who was nearly blinded by shrapnel, earned his nickname due to his resilience and determination. By 1930, just three years after his arrival, Fordham had an undefeated season. Despite losing his sight, Cavanaugh continued to coach with the help of his assistant, William Joy. Under his leadership, the Rams achieved a stellar record, reinforcing their status as a national powerhouse. After Cavanaugh resigned in 1932, Sleepy Jim Crowley, one of Notre Dame’s famed Four Horsemen, took over as head coach. Crowley continued the Rams’ dominance, leading the team to a 56-13-7 record from 1933 to 1941.
The “Seven Blocks of Granite” nickname, a term that originated earlier than often believed, became synonymous with Fordham’s stout defensive line. This line gained widespread acclaim for its ability to shut down opposing offenses, earning five shutouts in the 1936 season alone. The nickname gained further recognition in 1936 when sportswriter Grantland Rice famously referenced the “Fordham Wall” in his poetic descriptions of the team’s defense. Over three seasons from 1935 to 1937, the Seven Blocks of Granite achieved an impressive 18-2-5 record, cementing their legacy in college football lore. The 1936 line included the now-legendary Vince Lombardi, who would later become one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.
Despite their success, Fordham’s football program faced challenges. A critical 1936 loss to New York University cost the Rams a chance to play in the Rose Bowl. Allegations of some players participating in semi-pro games under false names surfaced, casting a shadow over the team’s reputation. This loss remained a significant regret for Lombardi, marking one of the most painful moments of his football career. The late 1930s also saw Fordham’s unusual rivalry with Pittsburgh, where three consecutive scoreless ties from 1935 to 1937 won them the “Oddity of the Year” in the AP Poll.
After World War II, Fordham’s football program declined, largely due to institutional changes and a shift away from big-time athletics. Nevertheless, the legacy of the Seven Blocks of Granite endures, commemorated by a monument dedicated in 2008. Fordham’s impact on college football history remains significant, particularly through its influence on legendary figures like Vince Lombardi and the enduring mythos of the Seven Blocks of Granite.
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