To commemorate the NCAA’s centennial anniversary, General Motors’ Chevrolet Division commissioned Friberg in 1969 to paint a series of four paintings, depicting significant moments in the first century of intercollegiate football. The original paintings Friberg created are on display at The College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.
The First Game
In The First Game, Friberg featured the first gridiron challenge between Rutgers and Princeton in 1869. Stripped of modern gear, he painstakingly captures the intensity of the players and the roughness of the sport. It was from this primitive, improvised contest that the complex and highly organized game of our time grew.
Image: 24”x 15” on paper.
Rockne The Coach
Knute Rockne, the Notre Dame coach of the 1920s, stands amidst his players in the charged atmosphere of the locker room, encouraging them toward victory. Against a backdrop of intense emotion, a commanding message on the board urges, "Make Your Opponents Fear You And - Respect You!" Friberg captures a scene pulsating with camaraderie and determination, encapsulating the essence of grit and excellence that defined this iconic era of football.
Image: 24”x 15” on paper.
Howell to Hutson - The Passing Game
The Passing Game depicts the dramatic 1934 showdown between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers. As player Howell launches the ball into the air towards Hudson, the crowd holds its breath in anticipation, uncertain of the pass' outcome. The intensity of the rivalry between these teams is made evident through the charged atmosphere of the stadium and the packed fan base, both of which showcase the electrifying energy of this pivotal moment in sports history.
Image: 24”x 15” on paper.
O.J. Runs for Daylight - The Modern Game
In this dynamic portrayal, Friberg commemorates the monumental 1967 face-off between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins. Amidst the fervor on the field, a player approaches the endzone, only to encounter a storm of tackles from every direction by the opposing team. The players’ strength and unwavering determination is vividly captured, reflecting the spirited competition of the sport.
Image: 24”x 15” on paper.
**Minor imperfections visible on some of the white borders. Pictures available upon request.
