By Darin 
“Red” Badgro was a generational athlete who transcended sports, achieving legendary status as a three-sport star at USC before making his mark in the NFL. Badgro’s versatility was such that he initially balanced professional football (playing with Red Grange on the New York Yankees) and professional baseball (with the St. Louis Browns). Ultimately, his passion for the gridiron prevailed, leading him to the New York Giants in 1930. A standout on both offense and defense, Badgro’s excellent hands, sure tackling, and knack for game-changing plays—like his pivotal blocked punt touchdown in 1935—cemented his legacy as one of the most significant two-way ends of the early NFL.
Career Bio
December 1, 1902 – Ordiliia, Washington – Morris “Red” Badgro, the legendary USC end, arrived on the scene of life. Red was known for his sure tackling, solid blocking, and great hands at USC and had a couple of options after school ended because, according to his Bio on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website, He was a 3-sport star for the USC Trojans.
You see, Badgro was also a talented baseball player, and he teetered back and forth as to which sport he should play professionally. His first stop was in football, where he played with Red Grange on the New York Yankees football team. After one season on the gridiron, he played a couple of years on the diamond with baseball’s St. Louis Browns. His love for football was too much, though, as 1930 saw him back in pads playing for the New York Football Giants.
His contributions on offense and defense were significant to some big Giants victories, including a key blocked punt against the Boston Redskins in 1935 that he took in for a touchdown. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Red Badgro in 1991.
Conclusion
Red Badgro’s career serves as a remarkable testament to athletic versatility and dedication. His decision to return to football after a stint in Major League Baseball proved invaluable to the New York Giants, where his skills as a receiver, blocker, and defender were crucial to major victories in the 1930s. His lasting impact on the game, characterized by his fierce commitment and elite talent on both sides of the ball, rightfully earned him a posthumous induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991, decades after he first arrived on the scene of life on December 1, 1902.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Birth Date: December 1, 1902
- College Career: 3-sport star (Football, Baseball, Track) at USC.
- NFL Teams: New York Yankees (1927), New York Giants (1930–1936).
- MLB Team: Played professional baseball with the St. Louis Browns (c. 1928–1929).
- Key Career Highlight: Scored a critical touchdown on a blocked punt against the Boston Redskins (1935).
- Hall of Fame: Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1991).