By Darin 
Before the modern era of high-flying offenses, one man from Green Bay changed the geometry of the football field forever. Arnie Herber wasn’t just a quarterback; he was a pioneer who proved that the forward pass could be a primary weapon rather than a desperate gamble. A hometown hero who stayed to play for his local Packers, Herber teamed up with Don Hutson to create the most feared aerial duo of the 1930s. From leading the league’s first 1,000-yard passing season to his bronze bust in Canton, this is the story of the man who taught the NFL how to go deep.
Football Bio
April 2, 1910 – Arnie Herber, Green Bay Packers’ trailblazing quarterback, was born. According to Packers.com, Herber—a local standout—joined the Packers soon after graduating from Green Bay West High. Herber emerged as pro football’s first premier deep passer and formed the iconic Herber-to-Hutson duo.
This partnership began on Sept. 22, 1935, when Herber launched an 83-yard pass to rookie Hutson for the game’s only touchdown, as the Packers defeated the Bears 7-0. Herber became the NFL’s first 1,000-yard season passer, gaining 1,239 yards in 1936. He led Green Bay’s offenses on championship teams in 1932, 1934, and the landmark 1936 season.
Arnie Herber entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972.
Conclusion
Arnie Herber was the literal “arm” that propelled the Green Bay Packers into their first golden era. By mastering the deep ball at a time when the football was shaped more like a watermelon than a modern projectile, he revolutionized offensive strategy. His connection with Don Hutson remains the blueprint for every great quarterback-receiver tandem in history. Though he briefly played for the Giants later in his career, Herber will forever be remembered as the Green Bay native who took his hometown team to the pinnacle of professional football.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1966 (Class of 1966).
- 4× NFL Champion: 1930, 1931, 1936, 1939 (Green Bay Packers).
- NFL 1930s All-Decade Team: Recognized as the premier quarterback of the era.
- 3× NFL Passing Yards Leader: 1932, 1934, 1936.
- 3× NFL Passing Touchdowns Leader: 1932, 1934, 1936.
- NFL Record Breaker: First player in NFL history to pass for over 1,000 yards in a single season (1936).
- Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame: Charter member, inducted in 1970.
- All-Pro Selection: Earned All-Pro honors in 1932.
- Bay Area Legend: Starred at Green Bay West High School and briefly at the University of Wisconsin and Sam Houston State.
