Vince Lombardi was an iconic American football coach who is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders in sports history. He is best known for his time as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers in the 1960s, during which he led the team to unprecedented success, including five NFL championships and the first two Super Bowls. Lombardi's leadership, discipline, and dedication to excellence left an enduring legacy on the sport and continue to inspire generations of athletes and coaches.
June 11, 1913: Birth of Vince Lombardi
On June 11, 1913, Vince Lombardi was born in the Sheepshead Bay neighborhood of Brooklyn to Enrico "Harry" Lombardi and Matilda "Mattie" Izzo.
1928: Lombardi Graduates Eighth Grade and Enters Seminary
At the age of 15 in 1928, Vince Lombardi graduated from eighth grade. He subsequently enrolled at the Cathedral Preparatory Seminary in Brooklyn with the aspiration of becoming a Catholic priest.
1929: Lambeau's Packers Begin Championship Streak
Curly Lambeau, co-founder and coach of the Green Bay Packers, led the team to their first of three consecutive NFL championships in 1929.
1930: Packers Secure Second Straight Championship Under Lambeau
The Green Bay Packers, led by Curly Lambeau, continued their winning ways in 1930, capturing their second straight NFL championship.
1931: Lambeau's Packers Complete Championship Three-Peat
Curly Lambeau's Green Bay Packers achieved a historic three-peat in 1931, winning their third consecutive NFL championship.
1932: Lombardi's Transition from Seminary to St. Francis Preparatory
After four years at the Cathedral Preparatory Seminary, Vince Lombardi decided to discontinue his pursuit of priesthood. In 1932, he enrolled at St. Francis Preparatory high school. During his time there, he became a founding member of the Omega Gamma Delta fraternity and earned recognition for his football skills, securing a spot on the virtual All-City football team.
1933: Lombardi's Football Journey at Fordham University Begins
Vince Lombardi's football career at Fordham University commenced in 1933 when he received a scholarship to play for the Fordham Rams under the guidance of Coach Jim Crowley. Despite facing challenges due to his physique, Lombardi demonstrated his dedication and aggressive playing style on the field.
1934: Lombardi Meets Marie Planitz
Vince Lombardi was introduced to Marie Planitz, his future wife, in 1934.
1936: Lombardi's Senior Year at Fordham University and the "Seven Blocks of Granite"
In 1936, during his senior year at Fordham University, Vince Lombardi played a crucial role as the right guard in the offensive line, famously known as the "Seven Blocks of Granite." A significant game that season was against Pitt, where Lombardi suffered a severe mouth injury but returned to the field for a crucial goal-line stand, ultimately contributing to a scoreless tie. Despite their efforts, the Rams' loss in the final game against NYU shattered their Rose Bowl aspirations. This experience instilled a valuable lesson in Lombardi, one he would carry throughout his career: never underestimate the opponent.
June 16, 1937: Lombardi Graduates Fordham University
Vince Lombardi graduated from Fordham University on June 16, 1937. Faced with limited job prospects during the Great Depression, he explored various opportunities including semi-professional football and debt collection, which proved unsuccessful.
September 1938: Lombardi Enters Fordham Law School
In September 1938, with encouragement from his father, Vince Lombardi enrolled in Fordham Law School. However, he later withdrew after one semester, citing his desire to support a family.
1939: Lombardi Embarks on Coaching Career at St. Cecilia
The year 1939 marked a turning point in Vince Lombardi's life. He married Marie Planitz and began his coaching journey as an assistant at St. Cecilia, a Catholic high school in Englewood, New Jersey. This opportunity came through his former Fordham teammate, Andy Palau. In addition to coaching, Lombardi taught Latin, chemistry, and physics.
August 31, 1940: Lombardi's Marriage to Marie Planitz
Vince Lombardi married Marie Planitz on August 31, 1940, despite facing prejudice from her family due to his background.
1942: Lombardi's Faith and Coaching
During his time at St. Cecilia, Vince Lombardi was a devout Catholic, attending Mass daily. When he became head coach of the football team in 1942, he would lead the team to Mass before each home game.
1942: Birth of Vince Lombardi Jr.
Vince Lombardi's son, Vincent Henry Lombardi Jr., was born in 1942.
1942: Lombardi Becomes Head Coach at St. Cecilia's
When Andy Palau left St. Cecilia's in 1942, Vince Lombardi stepped up as the head coach, a position he held for five years. During his tenure, he led the team to six state private school championships and garnered recognition as the president of the Bergen County Coaches' Association.
1943: St. Cecilia's Achieves National Recognition under Lombardi
Under Lombardi's leadership, St. Cecilia's football team rose to prominence, achieving national recognition in 1943. A pivotal moment was their victory over Brooklyn Prep, a team led by future coaching legend Joe Paterno.
1943: Lombardi's Parenthood Deferment
Vince Lombardi received a 3-A deferment from military service in 1943 due to being a parent.
1944: Lombardi's Final Deferment
In 1944, Lombardi was granted a 4-A deferment, exempting him from military service during World War II.
1944: Packers' Western Conference Drought
The Green Bay Packers hadn't secured an NFL Western Conference win since 1944, highlighting the team's struggles before Lombardi's arrival.
1947: Lombardi Returns to Fordham as Freshman Coach
Vince Lombardi returned to his alma mater, Fordham University, in 1947 to take on the role of freshman coach for both the football and basketball teams. This marked the beginning of his return to Fordham's coaching staff.
1947: Birth of Susan Lombardi
Vince Lombardi's daughter, Susan, was born in 1947.
1948: Lombardi Begins Coaching Career at West Point
In 1948, Vince Lombardi accepted an assistant coaching position at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point under head coach Earl "Colonel Red" Blaik, a role that significantly shaped his coaching philosophy and system.
1949: Successful Start at West Point
The 1949 football season at West Point, where Lombardi served as the offensive line coach, marked a successful period in his tenure.
1950: Another Strong Season at West Point
Lombardi experienced another successful season as the offensive line coach at West Point in 1950.
1951: West Point Cheating Scandal Impacts Season
Lombardi's coaching at West Point faced a setback in 1951 due to the aftermath of a cadet cheating scandal, impacting the team's performance.
1952: West Point's Performance Suffers
The 1952 football season at West Point continued to be challenging for Lombardi and the team following the cheating scandal's repercussions.
1953: West Point Achieves Winning Record Despite Challenges
Despite facing challenges and low expectations, Lombardi helped guide West Point to a 7-1-1 record in 1953, taking on a more significant coaching role.
1954: Lombardi Enters the NFL with the New York Giants
At 41 years old, Vince Lombardi embarked on his NFL journey in 1954, joining the New York Giants as an assistant coach and later assuming the role of offensive coordinator.
1956: Lombardi Contributes to Giants' Championship Victory
Lombardi played a crucial role as offensive coordinator for the New York Giants in 1956, transforming the team into champions with a decisive victory against the Chicago Bears in the championship game.
1958: Green Bay Packers Face Historic Losses
The Green Bay Packers experienced their worst season ever in 1958, finishing with a dismal 1-10-1 record, raising concerns about the franchise's future.
February 2, 1959: Lombardi Takes Charge of the Green Bay Packers
On February 2, 1959, Vince Lombardi accepted the challenging role of head coach and general manager of the struggling Green Bay Packers, assuming complete control over football operations.
1959: Lombardi Declines Giants' Head Coaching Offer
Lombardi demonstrated his commitment to the Packers in 1959 by declining an offer to become the head coach of the New York Giants, a team he had previously worked with.
1959: Lombardi's Impact: Packers Improve to Winning Season
Under Lombardi's leadership and demanding training camp, the Green Bay Packers witnessed a significant turnaround in 1959, achieving a 7-5 record and earning Lombardi the Coach of the Year award.
1959: Lombardi Becomes Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers
Vince Lombardi's tenure as head coach of the Green Bay Packers commenced in 1959, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
1960: Packers Fans Show Support; Home Games Sell Out
The Green Bay community rallied behind Lombardi's vision and the team's improvement in 1960, leading to sold-out home games, a trend that continues to this day.
1960: Lombardi's Political Views
Vince Lombardi was a lifelong Democrat who supported John F. Kennedy in the 1960 presidential election. His political leanings were in contrast to his wife's Republican views.
1960: Lombardi Earns "The Pope" Nickname
Vince Lombardi's guidance led the Green Bay Packers to their first NFL Western Conference victory since 1944 in 1960, a triumph that, combined with his strong religious beliefs, earned him the nickname "The Pope."
1960: Lombardi's Commitment to Integration
In 1960, when racial segregation was still present in the NFL, Vince Lombardi and his scouting director Jack Vainisi, were determined to build a team based on talent, disregarding the prevailing racial prejudices. Lombardi's famous quote, "I view my players as neither black nor white, but Packer green", exemplifies his commitment to equality.
1960: Packers Suffer First Championship Loss Under Lombardi
Despite a successful season, the Green Bay Packers, under Lombardi, experienced their first and only championship game loss in 1960 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
1960: Lombardi's Policy Against Segregation
Beginning in 1960, Vince Lombardi implemented a policy that the Green Bay Packers would only stay in accommodations that treated all his players equally, regardless of their race. This firm stance against discrimination was a significant step in the fight for equality in the NFL.
1961: Packers Secure First Championship Under Lombardi
Vince Lombardi led the Green Bay Packers to their first NFL championship victory under his guidance in 1961, defeating the New York Giants decisively in Green Bay.
1962: President Kennedy Extends Coaching Offer to Lombardi
Following the Packers' 1962 championship win, President John F. Kennedy approached Lombardi with an offer to return to coaching at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, a proposal Lombardi ultimately declined.
1962: Packers Repeat as Champions, Defeat Giants Again
The Green Bay Packers, led by Lombardi, secured their second consecutive NFL championship title in 1962, defeating the New York Giants once again, this time at Yankee Stadium.
1964: Packers' Post-Season Loss in Playoff Bowl
In a rare post-season setback, the Green Bay Packers, coached by Lombardi, lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in the third-place Playoff Bowl following the 1964 season, a game officially considered an exhibition.
1965: Lombardi Guides Packers to Third Straight Championship
Under Lombardi's guidance, the Green Bay Packers achieved a remarkable feat in 1965 by winning their third consecutive NFL championship.
1966: Packers Continue Dominance with Fourth Straight Championship
The Green Bay Packers extended their NFL championship streak to four consecutive wins in 1966, solidifying their place in football history.
1966: Green Bay Packers Win First Super Bowl under Lombardi
In 1966, Vince Lombardi led the Green Bay Packers to victory in the first-ever Super Bowl.
February 1967: Lombardi's Views on Individual Rights
In February 1967, Vince Lombardi, despite his liberal views on civil rights, expressed concern about the growing youth protest movements, suggesting they were undermining traditional authority figures.
1967: Lombardi's Era with the Green Bay Packers Comes to an End
After a successful period, Vince Lombardi's time as head coach of the Green Bay Packers concluded in 1967.
1967: The Packers' Integrated Roster
By 1967, Vince Lombardi had successfully integrated the Green Bay Packers, fielding a team with 13 black players, including several All-Pros. This progressive approach stood out in the NFL at the time, demonstrating Lombardi's commitment to equality.
1967: Lombardi's Non-Discriminatory Room Assignments
By 1967, the Green Bay Packers, under Lombardi, became the only NFL team that didn't assign hotel rooms based on race, further solidifying his commitment to equality and fairness.
1967: Packers Achieve Historic Fifth Championship in Seven Seasons
In a testament to their dominance under Lombardi, the Green Bay Packers secured their fifth NFL championship in just seven seasons in 1967.
1967: The Ice Bowl
On December 31, 1967, Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers hosted the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL Championship Game, a rematch of the previous season. The game, dubbed the "Ice Bowl" due to the -13°F temperature, was won by the Packers with a last-minute touchdown run by Bart Starr.
1967: Ray McDonald Joins the Redskins
Ray McDonald, a gay running back, joined the Washington Redskins in 1967. While he was handpicked by the owner, his rookie year proved disappointing, and he spent much of the 1968 season sidelined with an injury.
1967: Green Bay Packers Secure Second Consecutive Super Bowl Victory
The Green Bay Packers, under the guidance of Vince Lombardi, achieved a second consecutive Super Bowl win in 1967.
February 1, 1968: Lombardi's Resignation from the Packers
On February 1, 1968, Lombardi stepped down as head coach of the Green Bay Packers while remaining general manager.
1968: Lombardi's Support for Robert F. Kennedy
Vince Lombardi supported Robert F. Kennedy in the 1968 Democratic primaries, demonstrating his continued alignment with the Democratic Party. His popularity even led to Richard Nixon considering him as a potential running mate, a prospect that was dropped upon learning about Lombardi's political affiliations.
1968: Lombardi's Support for Gay Players
Vince Lombardi's support for gay players was evident in his handling of Ray McDonald. He instructed his coaching staff to focus on McDonald's performance and threatened to dismiss anyone who made derogatory remarks about his sexuality.
1968: Lombardi Stars in Motivational Film
In 1968, Vince Lombardi starred in "Second Effort", a motivational film that went on to become a best-seller in its genre.
February 1969: Lombardi Joins the Washington Redskins
In February 1969, Vince Lombardi took on the roles of head coach and general manager for the Washington Redskins.
1969: Bobby Mitchell Joins the Redskins' Front Office
In 1969, Vince Lombardi, with the support of owner Jack Kent Cooke, brought Bobby Mitchell, a Hall of Fame receiver, into the Washington Redskins' front office. This marked a historic moment as Mitchell became the first African American to hold such a position in the NFL.
1969: Lombardi's stance against segregation in scouting
In 1969, while with the Washington Redskins, Lombardi insisted that Bobby Mitchell, an African American scout, scout all colleges, not just historically black colleges, challenging the prevalent discriminatory practices of the time.
1969: Lombardi Takes on Head Coach Role for the Washington Redskins
Vince Lombardi took on the position of head coach for the Washington Redskins in 1969.
June 24, 1970: Lombardi Diagnosed with Cancer
On June 24, 1970, Vince Lombardi was admitted to Georgetown University Hospital where tests revealed he had an aggressive form of colon cancer.
September 3, 1970: Death of Vince Lombardi
Vince Lombardi, renowned American football coach, passed away on September 3, 1970.
1970: Vince Lombardi's Legacy Honored with Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction and Super Bowl Trophy Naming
Following his death in 1970, Vince Lombardi was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a testament to his impact on the sport. Additionally, the Super Bowl trophy was named in his honor.
1970: Lombardi's Death and Legacy
Vince Lombardi passed away during the 1970 preseason. Despite his short time with the Redskins, he is credited with transforming the team's culture and setting the stage for their success in the early 1970s.
1971: Death of Enrico "Harry" Lombardi
Vince Lombardi's father, Enrico "Harry" Lombardi, passed away in 1971.
1972: Death of Matilda "Mattie" Izzo
Matilda "Mattie" Izzo, Vince Lombardi's mother, died in 1972.
December 14, 1973: "Legend in Granite" Airs on ABC
On December 14, 1973, ABC aired "Legend in Granite," a biographical television drama about Vince Lombardi's early years as the Green Bay Packers head coach.
1974: New Jersey Turnpike Service Area Dedicated to Lombardi
A service area on the New Jersey Turnpike, dedicated to and named after Vince Lombardi, was opened in 1974.
1979: "Rock 'n' Roll High School" Features Lombardi's Name
The 1979 movie "Rock 'n' Roll High School" features a high school named after Vince Lombardi.
1981: Mitchell Becomes Assistant General Manager
Bobby Mitchell's pioneering role in the Redskins' front office continued as he rose to the position of assistant general manager in 1981, further breaking down racial barriers in the NFL.
1986: "Lombardi: I Am Not a Legend" Airs on CHCH
In 1986, CHCH aired "Lombardi: I Am Not a Legend," a TV movie depicting Lombardi's life leading up to his NFL career.
1996: Nike Features Lombardi in Commercials
Nike aired a series of commercials in 1996 that featured Jerry Stiller portraying the ghost of Vince Lombardi.
2002: Belichick's Patriots Achieve Playoff Streak
Bill Belichick, coaching the New England Patriots, achieved a remarkable ten consecutive playoff victories from 2002 to 2006, surpassing Lombardi's previous record of nine.
2005: "Code Breakers" Features Lombardi
ESPN's 2005 film "Code Breakers", which portrays the West Point cheating scandal, features Richard Zeppieri as Assistant Coach Vince Lombardi.
2006: End of Belichick's Playoff Streak
Bill Belichick's impressive run of ten straight playoff wins with the New England Patriots concluded in 2006.
October 2010: "Lombardi" Opens on Broadway
A play entitled "Lombardi" premiered on Broadway at the Circle in the Square Theatre in October 2010, starring Dan Lauria as Lombardi and Judith Light as his wife.
December 11, 2010: NFL Films and HBO Release Lombardi Documentary
On December 11, 2010, NFL Films and HBO debuted a film about the life and career of Vince Lombardi.