Fordham University: The Seven Blocks of Granite
In the 1930s, Fordham University fielded one of the toughest and most famous teams in the nation. Under coach "Sleepy Jim" Crowley, one of Notre Dame's legendary "Four Horsemen," the Fordham Rams became an East Coast powerhouse known for their grit and impenetrable defense.
Crowley built his team around a legendary offensive line known as the "Seven Blocks of Granite." This dominant unit punished opponents and anchored one of the country's best teams from 1936 to 1937.
The line's most famous member was a young guard named Vince Lombardi. Lombardi learned the principles of discipline and power at Fordham, which shaped his legendary professional coaching career.
During this golden age, Fordham played in major bowl games and consistently ranked among the nation's elite.
Though the program later de-emphasized football, the legend of the "Seven Blocks of Granite" and its connection to Vince Lombardi give Fordham a special and enduring place in college football history. 🏈
