Chuck Fairbanks and "Nose Tackle"

[Sam Clements]

A theory.

Barry's 1966 cites for "nose guard" are, interestingly, about the Oklahoma
'Sooners.'

Chuck Fairbanks was the Oklahoma coach from 1967-1972.

Chuck Fairbanks became the New England Patriots coach in 1973.

The NT=nose tackle appears in print(thanks, Fred!) in 1975, and I found a
source that would suggest the abbreviation appears in 1974.

Coincidences?

I think not.

SC