This week marks the 100th anniversary of the re-dedication of Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois, a monumental moment in football history. Central to this legacy is the unforgettable 1924 Illinois-Michigan game, when Red Grange made history by taking the opening kickoff for a touchdown. But behind Grange’s brilliance was Earl Britton, an Elgin native and 1980 inductee into the Elgin Sports Hall of Fame. Britton, as Grange’s blocking back and kicker, played a vital role in enabling Grange’s legendary runs, contributing to Illinois’ victory and football lore.

Britton’s contributions weren’t limited to blocking alone—he was a multi-talented player whose strategic play helped open lanes for Grange, making him a key figure in this iconic game. As the University celebrates Memorial Stadium’s rich century-long history, Elgin can proudly remember Earl Britton, whose sportsmanship and skill helped cement Illinois football in the national spotlight.

Earl Britton’s Impressive Bio:
Many consider Earl Tanner Britton, who earned 12 letters in major sports at Elgin High School from 1919-1922, to have been the most versatile athlete in Elgin’s history. He was the fullback on the Elgin High School football teams which compiled a four year aggregate record of 23-7-3. In 1921 he scored seven touchdowns in a single game and finished the season with 157 points, an EHS record that stands today.

Earl was a sprinter, high jumper and relay anchor on the school’s track teams, and was center on the basketball team and its leading scorer for two seasons (1920-21 and 1921-22). During the summers “Britt” could be found swinging a bat on baseball diamonds around the city.

His football ability led him to the University of Illinois and in 1923, 1924, and 1925 he was blocking back for the immortal Harold “Red” Grange. He also excelled at kicking field goals; in 1923 he preserved an undefeated season for the Illini by booting one 55 yards. His coach, Bob Zuppke, called Britton “one of the greatest punters and place kickers of all time.” He left Illinois at the close of its football season in 1925, his senior year, to play professional football with the Chicago Bears. He played pro ball for the Brooklyn Lions 1926, Frankford Yellowjackets 1927, Dayton Triangles 1928, and the Chicago Cardinals in 1929.

Read a story about Memorial Stadium

Read more about the Saturday, Oct. 19 rededication game between Illinois and Michigan here.