About The Book

The University of Minnesota’s amazing football history comes to life like never before in the pages of “Maroon & Gold Forever,” the definitive history of Gopher gridiron greatness. With hundreds of photos that date back as far as the late 1800s, the book is chock full of timeless stories, historical facts and personable biographies — many from the star players and coaches themselves. While some of their memories are poignant and inspirational, others are simply downright hilarious.

Learn about early days of pigskin pride on campus back around the turn of the century, when there were no helmets and no scholarships, just a whole bunch of tough love for this new sport which had only recently evolved from rugby and was now sweeping across America.

Celebrate the “Golden Era,” during the ‘30s under legendary coach Bernie Bierman, when the Gophers dominated the college football landscape and won five national championships at old Memorial Stadium.

Relive the Rose Bowl Years during the early ‘60s under Murray Warmath, when the Gophers made back-to-back trips to Pasadena behind a host of All-Americans, including Bobby Bell, Tom Brown, Carl Eller and Sandy Stephens.

Reminisce about the short-lived Lou Holtz era back in the early ‘80s, when the team came alive in their new digs downtown at the Dome and won the Independence Bowl behind the electrifying Rickey Foggie.

Take pride in the Glen Mason era, when the team made it to seven bowl games in 10 seasons, truly rekindling our passions for Gold Glory

As we look to the future, let’s all wonder and imagine in amazement how it will feel to make yet another run for the roses under coach Brewster, as he rallies the “Gopher Nation” at the newly christened TCF Bank Stadium.

Honoring the legacy of Gopher greats, past and present, is what this book is all about. From Bronko Nagurski to Bud Grant and from Leo Nomellini to Laurence Maroney, “Maroon & Gold Forever,” aims to take you back on a memorable trip through time in Gold Country.

Gopher football ushered in a new era on September 12, 2009, when it returned home to take roost in its brand new state-of-the-art on-campus stadium. We will all watch in awe as history will undoubtedly be made over the ensuing years, especially during November, when the opposition will have to brave the elements when they come to OUR house to do battle. Minnesota fans rejoice, the best is surely yet to come... and when it does, may it be filled with many, many pigs, jugs, axes and bells. — Go Gophers!