Hap Moran: An Icon of the Gridiron

December 28, 1904, Boone, Iowa

Hap Moran: A Humble Legend of Early Pro Football

• A two-way star who was a cornerstone of four top-tier franchises in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

For more on this legend, visit the site dedicated to his career, created by his son Mike Moran at: https://hapmoran.org/

College Career

Born in Boone, Iowa, Thomas “Hap” Moran was a multi-sport athlete in high school and college. While he excelled in football, basketball was his primary sport, where he earned All-American honors. His talent was so apparent that legendary coach Amos Alonzo Stagg, from the University of Chicago, recruited him through interscholastic tournaments. Moran later played for Carnegie Tech, where he was on the field against the legendary “Four Horsemen” of Notre Dame in their inaugural game together. An injury eventually led him to finish his college career at Grinnell College, where he was teammates with future Olympic gold medalist Morgan Taylor and actor Gary Cooper.

Road to the Pro Game

Moran’s journey to professional football began in 1926 when he joined the Frankford Yellow Jackets. The team, coached by Pro Football Hall of Famer Guy Chamberlin, went on to win the NFL Championship that year. Moran’s versatility was evident, as he played both offense and defense, and even handled kicking duties. He was a part of four different top-tier franchises, including the Yellow Jackets, Chicago Cardinals, Pottsville Maroons, and the New York Giants. His time with the Giants, which began after a key play in a game against the Pottsville Maroons, was a highlight of his career.

Football Legacy

Hap Moran’s legacy is a testament to the rugged, multi-talented athletes of football’s early days. Known for his toughness and athleticism, the 6’1″, 190-pound Moran was a dominant force in an era when the average male was significantly smaller. His career was marked by his humility; he rarely spoke about his football days, viewing the sport as a stepping-stone to a career at Western Electric. After retiring, he used his NFL lifetime pass to take his son, Mike, to games, where he instilled a love for the sport in his son. Moran’s quiet leadership and impressive on-field performance paved the way for future generations of NFL players.

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

• NFL Champion (1926)
• Played for Frankford Yellow Jackets (1926-27), Chicago Cardinals (1927), Pottsville Maroons (1928), and New York Giants (1928-33).
• Career Games: 86
• Iconic Jersey Number: 0