Red Grange was a star college football player in the 1920s, earning All-America honors for three straight years while playing for the University of Illinois. He then signed a contract with George Halas’ Chicago Bears for a barnstorming tour which is credited with the increasing the popularity of pro football in the United States. Grange’s famous nickname was placed upon him by legendary sportswriter Grantland Rice, who wrote a description of Grange after one of his great games.

It was during that game, against Michigan in 1924, that Grange first made a name for himself. He ran back the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, and within the next 12 minutes, scored three more touchdowns on runs totaling 167 yards. The four touchdowns were as many as Michigan had given up in the previous two seasons, and the legend of the Galloping Ghost was made. Grange was given that nickname because he was too fast to be caught by opposing players.

- The Wanna Be Sports Guy

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