Historical clue formulations

• "Protect the quarterback, buddy!" — 2025-05-21
• Film megahit — 2025-02-19
• Hugely successful film … or an apt description of a 59-Down player? — 2022-09-09
• Big character? — 2018-07-01
• "Roots," e.g. — 2001-03-12
• Big name in video rentals — 1997-01-27