Signatures by the Four Horsemen of Notre Dame: Jim Crowley, Elmer Layden, Don Miller, and Harry Stuhldreher presented in an Exhibition Quality Custom Frame. Quarterback Harry Stuhldreher left halfback Jim Crowley, right halfback Don Miller and fullback Elmer Layden had run rampant through Irish opponents’ defenses since coach Knute Rockne devised the lineup in 1922 during their sophomore season. But the foursome needed some help from Grantland Rice, a sportswriter for the New York Herald-Tribune, to achieve football immortality. After Notre Dame’s 13-7 victory over Army on October 18, 1924, Rice penned the most famous passage in the history of sports journalism. “Outlined against a blue, gray October sky the Four Horsemen rode again. “In dramatic lore they are known as famine, pestilence, destruction, and death. These are only aliases. Their real names are: Stuhldreher, Miller, Crowley and Layden. They formed the crest of the South Bend cyclone before which another fighting Army team was swept over the precipice at the Polo Grounds this afternoon as 55,000 spectators peered down upon the bewildering panorama spread out upon the green plain below.” Stuhldreher, a 5-7, 151-pounder from Massillon, Ohio, was a self-assured leader who not only could throw accurately but also returned punts and proved a solid blocker. He emerged as the starting signal caller four games into his sophomore season in 1922. He was often labeled cocky, feisty, and ambitious, but his field generalship was unmatched. Crowley, who came to Notre Dame in 1921 from Green Bay, Wis., stood 5-11 and weighed 162 pounds. Known as “Sleepy Jim” for his drowsy-eyed appearance, Crowley outmaneuvered many a defender with his clever, shifty ball carrying. Miller, a native of Defiance, Ohio, followed his three brothers to Notre Dame. At 5-11, 160 pounds, Miller proved to be the team’s breakaway threat. According to Rockne, Miller was the greatest open-field runner he ever coached. Layden, the fastest of the quartet, became the Irish defensive star with his timely interceptions and also handled the punting chores. The 6-0, 162-pounder from Davenport, Iowa, boasted 10-second speed in the 100-yard dash. This item has been Forensically authenticated by Guaranteed Forensic Authenticators and comes with their Letter of Authenticity. Guaranteed Forensic Authenticators Guarantees their Opinion. A complete report of the forensic evaluation is available to any owner of the item current and future.

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