Hall of Fame Professional Football Player. Drafted in the 1952 National Football League (NFL) draft in round 1 as pick 9 out of The University of Washington as a halfback by the San Francisco 49ers where he played from 1952 until 1960. While with the 49ers he was First-team All-Pro 5 times (1952, 1953, 1954, 1956, 1957) and played in 5 Pro Bowls (1952, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1958). After being placed on the NFL expansion list in 1960, due mainly to injuries he was picked up by the newly formed Minnesota Vikings team where he played in the 1961 and 1962 seasons and played in his final Pro Bowl game in 1961. He was traded to the New York Giants in 1963. He was released by the Giants after the 1963 season he was signed by the Detroit Lions in 1964. While with the Lions he only appeared in eight games before retiring after the season. In his 13 year professional career he amassed 5,281 rushing yards made 38 rushing touchdowns and 28 receiving touchdowns. While attending college and playing football he was First-team All-American (1951) and First-team All-Pacific Coast twice (1950, 1951). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970 and the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame in 2009. He was also inducted into the State of Washington Sports Hall of Fame in 1963 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981. The 49ers have retired his jersey number, 39. After retiring he served as a color commentator on the 49ers radio broadcasts from 1966 to 1972.
Hall of Fame Professional Football Player. Drafted in the 1952 National Football League (NFL) draft in round 1 as pick 9 out of The University of Washington as a halfback by the San Francisco 49ers where he played from 1952 until 1960. While with the 49ers he was First-team All-Pro 5 times (1952, 1953, 1954, 1956, 1957) and played in 5 Pro Bowls (1952, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1958). After being placed on the NFL expansion list in 1960, due mainly to injuries he was picked up by the newly formed Minnesota Vikings team where he played in the 1961 and 1962 seasons and played in his final Pro Bowl game in 1961. He was traded to the New York Giants in 1963. He was released by the Giants after the 1963 season he was signed by the Detroit Lions in 1964. While with the Lions he only appeared in eight games before retiring after the season. In his 13 year professional career he amassed 5,281 rushing yards made 38 rushing touchdowns and 28 receiving touchdowns. While attending college and playing football he was First-team All-American (1951) and First-team All-Pacific Coast twice (1950, 1951). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970 and the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame in 2009. He was also inducted into the State of Washington Sports Hall of Fame in 1963 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981. The 49ers have retired his jersey number, 39. After retiring he served as a color commentator on the 49ers radio broadcasts from 1966 to 1972.
Bio by: Alan
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