This Day in Football History

1995 - Panthers win expansion record fourth straight

The Carolina Panthers beat the defending Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers 13-7 in the first-ever instance of an expansion team beating the defending world champion.

It's also the Pantehrs fourth straight win, another first for an expansion franchise. One season later, the Panthers make it all the way to the NFC Championship game, losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

2007 - Adrian Peterson rushes for 296 yards

Rookie running back Adrian Peterson rushes for a single game rushing record 296 yards in a 35-17 win over the San Diego Chargers.

It's the rookie's second 200-plus yard game in four weeks and cements his status as one of the league's best rushers. He goes on to tally 1341 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season.

The game is also notable for San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie's record-breaking 109-yard touchdown return after a missed field goal, which is the longest play in NFL history.

2001 - Nate Newton arrested with 213 pounds of pot

Former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro guard Nate Newton is arrested in Louisiana after police find 213 pounds of marijuana in a van he's driving. Five weeks later, he was again arrested after police found 175 pounds of marijuana in his car.

He was subsequently sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for drug trafficking.

Newton was an integral part of all three Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl-winning teams in the 90's, anchoring an offensive line that helped Emmitt Smith become the league's all-time leading rusher.

Birthdays

1982 - Devin Hester
1975 - Orlando Pace
1950 - Willie Buchanon
1981 - Vince Wilfork