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The Top Halfbacks of American Football History | The history of American football is rich with tales of extraordinary athletes, and among them, the halfbacks stand as titans of the gridiron. These players, with their explosive speed, uncanny agility, and unwavering determination, have left indelible marks on the sport. This series of posts aims to celebrate and explore the legacies of the greatest American football halfbacks of all time.

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The Top Halfbacks of American Football History

By Darin Hayes 📅 2025-03-20
The history of American football is rich with tales of extraordinary athletes, and among them, the halfbacks stand as titans of the gridiron. These players, with their explosive speed, uncanny agility, and unwavering determination, have left indelible marks on the sport. This series of posts aims to celebrate and explore the legacies of the greatest American football halfbacks of all time.

(Image credit: upload.wikimedia.org)

From the early days of the sport, where halfbacks were pivotal in both running and passing plays, to the modern era, where they are explosive offensive weapons, these athletes have consistently redefined the position. We will delve into the careers of legendary figures, examining their remarkable achievements, their unique playing styles, and the impact they had on the game.

We'll look at players who redefined the position, those who set records that still stand, and those who simply captivated audiences with their sheer talent. This journey through football history will highlight the evolution of the halfback position and the enduring legacy of those who mastered it. Whether you're a seasoned football aficionado or a casual fan, this series will offer a fascinating look at the players who helped shape the sport we love.



Playlist "The Top Halfbacks of American Football History"

Source Information (300)

Paddy Driscoll Early NFL Superstar back

Born January 11, 1895, in Evanston, Illinois, was College and Pro Football Hall of Fame back, Paddy Driscoll. This amazing athlete played college football as a quarterback and halfback for the Northwestern football team in 1915 and 1916. In 1917, he played Major League Baseball as an infielder for the Chicago Cubs.
EventDay:January 11
NFL Jersey:Number 01, Number 02, Number 20
Football Name:Driscoll Paddy, George Halas, Paddy Driscoll
Football Position:halfback, quarterback
Football Team:Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cardinals, Decatur Staleys
Sports:football, pro football

He joined the United States Navy during World War I and played for the undefeated 1918 Great Lakes Navy football team that won the 1919 Rose Bowl. A triple-threat man in football, he was regarded as the best drop kicker and one of the best overall players in the early years of the National Football League. Driscoll was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974. Paddy was on the Pro Football rosters of for the Hammond All-Stars (1917), Hammond Pros (1919), Racine/Chicago Cardinals (1920–1925), and Chicago Bears (1926–1929).
NFL Jersey 20. NFL Jersey 1. NFL Jersey 2.


"Paddy Driscoll Early NFL Superstar back"

Eddie Casey Early Harvard Legend

May 16, 1894 - Natick, Massachusetts - Eddie Casey, Harvard's halfback, arrived in the world in 1916 and 1919. The National Football Foundation's website bio on Casey informs the reader that Eddie was a ferocious tackler, but he always had a boyish grin when he helped his opponent up. The description tells me he played hard but loved and enjoyed the game. He was well-liked by teammates and opponents alike. One story tells how some rival Yale team members invited Casey to dinner one evening. There was crude conversation of "raw meat" football styles until the Eli captain finally asked Eddie how he would like his steak prepared. "Just run the steer in here, and I'll take a swipe at him," was Casey's quick retort. "Natick Eddie" had quickness and agility, making him a standout player. He started as a freshman in 1916, then served in the Navy during World War I when Harvard, like most schools, suspended varsity competition. Returning for the 1919 season, Casey led the Crimson through a perfect 10-game regular season and a 7-6 victory over Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Casey earned All-American honors that year. Eddie Casey was honored to be selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1968.  
DOB:May 16
EventDay:May 16
NCAAF Jersey:Number B4
Football Name:Eddie Casey
Football Position:halfback
Football Team:Harvard Crimson
Sports:College Football Hall of Fame

After his playing days, we had this from Newspapers.com Football History.

The headline of the Day popped up on December 10, 1930, in the Boston Globe. "CASEY HEAD COACH OF HARVARD ELEVEN!" Yes, Casey returned home to coach the Crimson, but it wasn't his first gig. Eddie had guided Mount Union in 1920 and 1921, Tufts University from 1922 to 1925, and the Harvard Freshman squad from 1926 through 1928. Long-time Harvard Coach Arnold Horween had just announced late in the season, on the eve of a game against Army, that he would be stepping down at the end of the 1930 season. Casey was a natural replacement, and he did well at the helm of the Crimson sporting four seasons, compiling a 20-11-1 record before, according to the American Football Database, he was also the head coach of the Boston Redskins of the National Football League in 1935, as the Pro Football Reference lists him playing that season too for Boston. He later coached the Boston Bears of the Third American Football League in 1940. The article notes that Casey played professional football in 1920 for the Buffalo All-Americans.


"Eddie Casey Early Harvard Legend"

Pat McHugh Eagles Legend

Bron December 21, 1919, in Selma, Alabama, was Pat McHugh was a notable figure in American football, particularly known for his time with the Philadelphia Eagles. As a player for the Eagles, McHugh contributed to the team's offensive line.
EventDay:December 21
NFL Jersey:Number 49
Football Position:defensive back, halfback
Football Team:Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Philadelphia Eagles
Football:Pat McHugh
Other Keywords:NFL 1948, NFL 1949

During his active years, the Eagles were a strong contender in the NFL, achieving significant success. This success is reflected in the team's performance during the seasons he played. McHugh's contributions on the offensive side of the ball helped the Eagles achieve back-to-back NFL championships in 1948 and 1949. His time with the team coincided with a period of dominance for the Eagles.


"Pat McHugh Eagles Legend"

Walter Koppisch Columbia Standout

June 6, 1901 - Walter Koppisch was a halfback out of Columbia University who earned his way into the College Football Hall of Fame in the 1981 selection class. He played professionally for the Buffalo Bisons and the New York Giants in the NFL. At the age of just 23, he was named head coach of the Bisons, making him one of the youngest NFL head coaches in the history of professional football.
DOB:June 06
EventDay:June 06
NCAAF Jersey:Number 00, Number 16
Football Name:Walter Koppisch
Football Position:halfback
Football Team:Buffalo Bisons, Columbia Lions
Sports:College Football Hall of Fame
Other Keywords:football name:Koppisch football name:Walter Koppisch

The National Football Foundation's website bio lists that Koppisch stunned the rival defense of New York University in 1924 with electrifying touchdown runs of 76, 67, and 55 yards - all in one quarter - as Columbia romped to a 40-0 victory. Koppisch's performance prompted Columbia Lions coach Percy Haughton to proclaim: "He's the best back I've ever coached!" But Koppisch was also an all-around talent. He was also a bone-crushing blocker on offense and a beast of a defensive player as he gained All-America recognition in both his junior and senior seasons.


"Walter Koppisch Columbia Standout"

Johnny Maulbetsch Iconic Halfback

June 20, 1890 - Ann Arbor, Michigan - Johnny Maulbetsch, who played for Adrian and the University of Michigan as a halfback, was born. According to the National Football Foundation, Johnny played on the 1911 team at Adrian College; the team posted an 8-0 record. He enrolled at Michigan and played three years, 1914-16.  
DOB:June 20
EventDay:June 20
NCAAF Jersey:Number B4
Football Name:Johnny Maulbetsch, Maulbetsch Johnny
Football Position:halfback
Football Team:Michigan Wolverines
Sports:College Football Hall of Fame

The "Featherweight Fullback" as he was known, earned Walter Camp's All-America honors as a sophomore in 1914. Maulbetsch was a handsome, gentle personality who brought a new finesse style of play to those days of hard nosed football. As a Wolverine captain and a senior in 1916, Maulbetsch led Michigan to one of its finest records. The Wolverines won 7 straight games, dominating their foes with wide-open offense and a stingy defense. Then, in the final two games of the campaign, Michigan grudgingly fell to Cornell (23-20) and Pennsylvania (10-7). Even today, Michigan football enthusiasts recall the special spirit Maulbetsch brought to the game.

Following each spring practice, the John Maulbetsch Award is presented to the freshman candidate who best displays the desire Maulbetsch fostered during his playing days. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Johnny Maulbetsch into their legendary museum in 1973. 


"Johnny Maulbetsch Iconic Halfback"

Brad Rowland College Hall of Fame McMurry Halfback

July 14, 1928 - Hamlin, Texas - Brad Rowland was a halfback out of McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, who was selected to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 according to the National Football Foundation. He was voted as an All-American player twice in his college career.
DOB:July 14
EventDay:July 14
NCAAF Jersey:Number 16
Football Name:Brad Rowland, Rowland Brad
Football Position:halfback
Football Team:Chicago Bears
Sports:College Football Hall of Fame

After graduating, Mr. Rowland played for the Chicago Bears.


"Brad Rowland College Hall of Fame McMurry Halfback"

  • James Saxton College Football Hall of Fame Born May 21, 1940 - Bryan, Texas - James Saxton Jr. the great university of Texas halfback from 1959 to 1961, arrived via stork delivery. The NFF states that Saxton was one of the quickest players in college football history. Longhorn’s Coach Darrell Royal envisioned James, who was also referred to as the "Rabbit," as a running quarterback but moved him to running back in 1960. Saxton would go on to lead the team in rushing that season with 407 yards and an average of 5.4 yards per carry. Saxton thrived in the running back role and by the time his senior season rolled around he had tallied up nine touchdowns and was leading the high-scoring Longhorn attack with runs of 80, 79, 66, 56, 49 and 45 yards. A unanimous selection that year, he became the first running back in Longhorn history to become an All-American and finished third in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, trailing only Hall of Famers Ernie Davis (Syracuse) and Bob Ferguson (Ohio State). Oh and the way he completed his college career! It ended with a 12-7 victory over Ole Miss in the 1962 Cotton Bowl Classic as the pivotal play of the contest may have been a record setting 73-yard quick kick from Saxton to ice it. James Saxton Jr. was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996 after the National Football Foundation tabulated their votes. James was chosen as the 146th pick of the St. Louis Cardinals in the NFL’s 1962 Draft and the 75th pick of the Dallas Texans of the AFL. He signed with Dallas, but after one season he decided to enter the banking business. - 2024-05-21 - Go to Page ► -TOC
  • Harrison Stafford Longhorns Legend - 2025-06-18 - Go to Page ► -TOC


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