William H. (William Hanford) Edwards

Best known as William Hanford “Big Bill” Edwards, he was an American football player, referee, and writer born on February 23, 1877, in Lisle, New York. He played guard for Princeton University from 1896 to 1899 and later became known for Football Days (1916), a vivid personal account of college football in the late 19th century.

Beyond writing, Edwards had an unusually varied public life. He worked as a football official, was involved in major games of the era, and later held public-service roles in New York and Newark. He also became widely noted for tackling the man who shot New York mayor William Gaynor in 1910, an act of bravery for which he received the Carnegie Medal.

Edwards remained a recognizable figure in football history long after his playing days and was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971. He died in Manhattan on January 4, 1943.