By Darin How prolific was Ken Strong? He was quite literally too expensive for the New York University spirit squad. During the 1928 season, NYU’s tradition of firing a cannon for every point scored hit a logistical crisis: Strong crossed the goal line so frequently that the school ran out of gunpowder. A true “Triple-Threat” before the term was even popularized, Strong was a human Swiss Army knife who dominated the 1920s collegiate game before becoming the cornerstone of the New York Giants’ early championship years. From the “Sneakers Game” to the scoring titles, this is the legend of the man who could do it all.
Football Bio
April 21, 1906 – West Haven, Connecticut – The New York University halfback from 1926 to 1928, Ken Strong, entered this life.
The National Football Foundation tells how Ken put a damper on the cheering section at his school after they fired off a cannon after every NYU score. Ken exceeded expectations, and they ran out of gunpowder before the season’s end because he scored so often and consistently that they struggled to reload.
As a senior in 1928, Strong went on a scoring rampage, scoring 162 points and winning the national scoring title. Ken had amassed more than 2,000 yards rushing and earned All-America honors for the season. Ken Strong received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1957.
As a professional, Ken picked up where he left off in college, excelling in almost every phase of the game, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website bio. He could run, block, pass, tackle, kick, and punt very well. Strong is remembered for scoring 17 points in the 1934 Championship Game, often called the “sneakers game,” leading the New York Giants to a 30-13 victory over the Chicago Bears.
From 1944 to 1947, Ken’s talents were reserved for only the kicking duties, and in 1944, he led the League with successful kicks for points. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Ken Strong in 1967.
Conclusion
Ken Strong belongs to a rare class of athletes who mastered every vertical of the game. Whether he was a bruising halfback leading the nation in scoring at NYU or a precise placekicker extending his NFL career into his 40s, Strong was the ultimate utility player. His performance in the 1934 “Sneakers Game” remains one of the most iconic individual efforts in postseason history, cementing his status as a New York sports immortal. As a dual-inductee into both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame, Ken Strong stands as a testament to the versatility and endurance of the early gridiron era.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1967.
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1957.
- NFL 1930s All-Decade Team: Recognized as one of the era’s elite performers.
- NFL Champion: 1934 (New York Giants).
- NCAA Scoring Leader: 1928 (162 points).
- Consensus First-Team All-American: 1928.
- NFL Scoring Leader: 1933.
- NFL Kick Scoring Leader: 1944.
- “Sneakers Game” Hero: Scored two touchdowns, two extra points, and a field goal in the 1934 NFL Championship.
- Jersey Number Retired: His #50 was retired by the New York Giants.
