A never ending quest. Answer probably lost in the mists of ancient history.

It is easy to come to the conclusion that the term came from the Roman numerals IV, as was pointed out in the article.

It was picked up by other sports writers during the time when "Ivy League" football always had the top teams in the country, and games were played before huge crowds. People that had never seen an ivy covered wall immediately picked up on the IV in the sports pages. (Same people probably had never heard of the Roman system of numbering).

BTW, an unremarkable film came out a year ago called "Leatherheads". George Clooney starred, and I think directed.

Very enjoyable for purists, but a read dud at the box office.

It was a fictional account of the start of professional football in the US. At the time it was insignificant as compared with Ivy League play. The screen play had one failing pro team saved by signing a star from Princeton.

Those that post here probably enjoyed seeing the 3 piece suits and club collars worn by almost all men in the '30s when the story was cast.