By Darin 
ACE PARKER
Ace Parker dominates the field as one of the most versatile athletes to ever lace up a pair of cleats. From his record-setting kickoff returns at Duke to his MVP days with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Parker mastered every phase of the game. Whether punting out of bounds inside the 10-yard line or hitting home runs for the Philadelphia Athletics, “Ace” proved that true legends don’t just play one position—they own the entire stadium.
Football Bio
May 17, 1912 – Portsmouth, Virginia – Clarence “Ace” Parker, Duke University’s quarterback/halfback from 1934 through 1936, was born.
The National Football Foundation shares that Ace Parker was one of the most versatile stars to ever set foot on the college gridiron. He played quarterback, halfback, wide receiver, punter, kicker, and safety while also returning punts and kickoffs. His athletic prowess extended to Blue Devil basketball and baseball teams as well. Parker played under Hall of Fame coach Wallace Wade. As Ace led the Blue Devils football team to a 24-5 record and two Southern Conference Championships during his career, he made history.
In 1935, he averaged 7.4 yards rushing while punting for an average of 46.7 yards. During his 1936 All-American season, he averaged 5.8 yards for a total of 647 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. He was an early superstar with big-time splash plays that season. For example, he posted a 70-yard punt return against North Carolina State and a 105-yard kickoff return against North Carolina, which remains a Duke school record. His punting average was 42.2, including 11 punts that went out of bounds inside the 10-yard line.
Hall of Fame-bound
The College Football Hall of Fame proudly displayed a tribute to Ace Parker in its legendary museum in 1955. After leaving Duke, Parker went on to a pro career in two sports. He played 94 games as a shortstop for the Philadelphia Athletics from 1937 38. Ace was a second-round pick in the 1937 NFL Draft, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s bio on him.
He played pro football for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1937-41, earning League MVP honors in 1940. He also took part in the first-ever televised football game in 1939. Ace was All-NFL in 1938 through the 1940 seasons. His service to his country during World War II interrupted his pro career. However, in 1945, he returned for one final NFL season with the Boston Yanks. Parker was one of a handful of former NFL players who were lured to the rival AAFC in 1946. There, he played for the New York Yankees and took the new franchise to the AAFC Eastern Title.
Conclusion
Ace Parker secures his place in history as a rare multi-sport icon who excelled at every level of competition. He holds the distinction of participating in the first-ever televised football game and remains a record-holder at Duke nearly a century after his graduation. His transition from a triple-threat college star to an NFL MVP and professional baseball player serves as a testament to his unmatched natural ability. Today, both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame honor his legacy as the ultimate “ironman” of the gridiron.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Enshrined as a member.
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1955.
- NFL Most Valuable Player: Awarded in 1940 (Brooklyn Dodgers).
- 3× All-NFL Selection: Honored from 1938 through 1940.
- Duke School Record: Holds the record for a 105-yard kickoff return against North Carolina.
- All-American: Earned honors during the 1936 season at Duke.
- 2× Southern Conference Champion: Led Duke to titles under coach Wallace Wade.
- AAFC Eastern Title: Led the New York Yankees to the championship in 1946.
- Two-Sport Professional: Played for the Philadelphia Athletics (MLB) and multiple pro football teams.
- Television History: Participated in the first televised football game in 1939.