Syracuse University Football Films Collection

The Syracuse University Football Films Collection comprises historical moving image footage of Syracuse University football between 1949 and 1967. The films encompass varsity games, including major bowl games, as well as practices, scrimmages, and freshman games. There are also game and season highlights, player highlights, and footage of cheerleaders, spectators, and the marching band.

These black-and-white films document one of the golden eras of Syracuse University football, including the athletic achievements of #44 greats Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little. Also featured are the college performances of other notable players, such as Larry Csonka, Tom Coughlin, John Mackey, Fred Mautino, Lou Mautino, Jim Nance, and Jim Ringo. These moving image recordings include footage of the team’s 1959 undefeated National Championship season, including their culminating victory against the University of Texas at Austin in the Cotton Bowl, and document the work of Coach Ben Schwartzwalder, who guided Syracuse’s football team from 1949 to 1973.

Digitization of selected films covering the “#44 years” (1949-1967) was made possible through funding from Eric Mower and Judith C. Mower. Additional financial support was provided by Patricia and Louis Mautino.

Historical records are evidence of the time in which they were created and may contain language and images that are racist, homophobic, sexist, ableist, or otherwise harmful and insensitive. This collection is presented for its historic and research value. Viewers may find some content objectionable. Learn more here.

Thumbnail image: Ernie Davis, 21 November 1959. Syracuse University Portrait Collection, University Archives.