The Fordham Rams have built a proud tradition in college sports through their long-standing programs in Fordham Rams basketball and Fordham Rams football. Known for combining strong academics with competitive athletics, Fordham has produced iconic athletes, thrilling rivalries, and unforgettable moments. This history page explores their journey and achievements across decades of competition.
College Sports Established
1841
Location
Bronx, New York
College Name
Fordham University
Collegiate History
1995 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1995 - Present / Atlantic 10 Conference
Nickname
Rams - The Fordham Rams have been a staple of the NCAA for decades, and their iconic nickname has become synonymous with excellence in collegiate sports. But where did this unique moniker come from?
Fordham Rams Origin
The story of the Fordham Rams dates back to 1912, when football coach Frank Gargan was looking for a mascot to represent his team. He chose two rams grazing on campus at Rose Hill, now part of the Bronx Zoo. The two rams were named Jack and Bill after famous vaudeville actors Jack Donahue and William Collier Sr., who happened to be visiting campus at the time.
Since then, these majestic animals have continued to serve as an inspiration for athletes across all sports teams at Fordham University—from football players taking hits on Saturdays during fall semester games, basketball stars dribbling through defenders in winter season tournaments, or baseball pitchers throwing strikes during spring training matches. The Ram’s fierce determination has made them one of college sports' most recognizable mascots!
Fordham’s athletic teams proudly carry this legacy today by representing their school with honor on and off-field every year; they are proud ambassadors for their university and its rich history behind such an iconic nickname –the “Rams."
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1902
- 1941
- 1971
- 1973
- 2014
-
Fordham University forms its first football team
In 1902, Fordham University formed its first football team. The team played a schedule of six games that season, with their first game taking place on October 11th against St. Francis Xavier College. The game ended in a scoreless tie. Fordham’s team consisted of 15 players, with the team’s captain being James F. Smith. The team played their home games ... -
Alex Wojciechowicz graduates from Fordham
In 1941 – Fordham football player, and future NFL player, Alex Wojciechowicz graduates from Fordham. Wojciechowicz would go on to become a two-time NFL champion and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. -
Fordham’s basketball team makes its first NCAA Tournament appearance
In the 1970-71 season, Fordham men’s basketball team, coached by Digger Phelps, had an impressive season with a record of 26-3. Led by star player and All-American guard, Charlie Yelverton, the team finished second in the Southern Conference and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. In the first round of the tournament, Fordham faced off against fifth-ranked Villanova, ... -
Fordham’s men’s soccer team wins the NCAA Division II championship.
In 1973, Fordham’s men’s soccer team, coached by George Kinnear, won the NCAA Division II championship. The Rams had a remarkable season, finishing with a record of 16-1-1 and outscoring their opponents 47-9. Led by All-American forward Tommy Johnston and All-American midfielder Rich Bader, the team dominated its opponents throughout the season. In the NCAA tournament, the Rams faced a ... -
Fordham’s men’s basketball team wins the Atlantic 10 Conference regular season championship
In the 2013-2014 season, Fordham’s men’s basketball team, coached by Tom Pecora, had an impressive regular season with a record of 25-8 and finished at the top of the Atlantic 10 Conference standings. The team was led by senior guard Branden Frazier, who averaged 18.2 points per game and was named to the All-Conference First Team. Fordham’s success that season ...
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Fordham Rams History
The Fordham Rams have a proud and storied tradition in NCAA athletics, marked by their classic rivalry with the Dayton Flyers and their reputation for academic and athletic excellence. Since the late 19th century, the Fordham Rams football program and Fordham Rams basketball teams have shaped the university’s identity while thrilling generations of fans.
The university first entered intercollegiate athletics in 1882, joining the Intercollegiate Football Association (IFA). Under legendary coach Jimmy Crowley in the early 1940s, the Fordham Rams football team captured two National Championships in 1941 and 1942 and added six conference titles, three from the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Conference (MIC), which eventually became part of today’s Patriot League. This success established Fordham as one of the top football programs of its era.
Basketball also became a central pillar of the school’s athletic legacy. The Fordham Rams basketball program has earned multiple postseason appearances for both men’s and women’s teams, including two Atlantic 10 tournament berths each since 2010. Most recently, the men’s team reached the Atlantic 10 tournament championship game, earning national recognition for its consistent performance against elite competition.
Beyond wins and titles, the Fordham Rams have produced exceptional athletes who have gone on to achieve greatness at the highest levels. Pro Football Hall of Famer Vince Lombardi played quarterback at Fordham before leading the Green Bay Packers to multiple NFL championships as head coach. NBA legend Bob Lanier also represented the school, demonstrating the quality of talent developed by Fordham across different sports.
Rams Achievements
The Fordham Rams football program continues to compete in the Patriot League, maintaining its commitment to excellence on and off the field. Meanwhile, the Fordham Rams basketball teams are steadily building a stronger presence in the Atlantic 10 Conference, showing a renewed focus on recruiting and development that excites alumni and fans alike.
Today, Fordham University’s athletic department supports more than 20 varsity sports, reflecting a commitment to student-athlete success in every arena. With a proud past and an ambitious future, the Fordham Rams stand as a symbol of tradition, perseverance, and sportsmanship in college athletics.
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