This Day in Football History

1945 - League makes long socks mandatory

NFL commissioner Elmer Layden must have had plenty of time on his hands following the conclusion of the 1944-45 season. 

That's the only reasonable explanation for his decision to tackle what was obviously a terrible epidemic wreaking havoc on the league: players wearing low socks.

Layden implemented a new rule, making the wearing of the long stockings that are adorned by all players today mandatory.

Frank Gore probably wishes he didn't.

2001 - Troy Aikman announces retirement

After an illustrious, Hall of Fame career that saw him lead the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles - including consecutive victories in 1992 and 1993 - Troy Aikman announces his retirement during an understandably emotional press conference at Texas Stadium.

The MVP of Super Bowl XXVII, which saw Dallas hammer the Buffalo Bills 52-17 on the strength of his four touchdown passes, saw his career cut short after a multitude of concussions forced the Cowboys to release him.

With no other team willing to put their faith in a 12-year veteran with a history of head injuries, Aikman decided to call it quits.

Aikman, enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, remains the all-time passing leader in Cowboys history, walking away from the gridiron and heading into the broadcast booth with 32,942 yards under his belt.

Birthdays

1949 - Clarence Scott

1976 - Aaron Smith

1991 - Zac Stacy