Bob Fenimore: The Original “Blonde Bomber”

Bob Fenimore shattered college football records and redefined the “triple-threat” player during his legendary run at Oklahoma A&M.

Football Bio

October 6, 1925 – Bob Fenimore, who played halfback for the Oklahoma State University football team from 1943 to 1946, was born.

He was known as the original “Blonde Bomber” (slide over Terry Bradshaw, LOL) due to his triple-threat abilities on display.  The website footballfoundation.org informs us that Homer Cooke of the National Collegiate Athletic Bureau labeled Fenimore as “the greatest one-man offense in college football history.” In 1943, as a freshman, Bob led his Oklahoma A&M team in passing, rushing, and scoring!

The following season, in 1944, Fennimore led the nation in total offense, averaging a stellar 195 yards per game.  The trend continued in 1945, and Bob led the nation in both rushing and total offense. He earned All-American honors in both 1944 and 1945 for his outstanding performance. Unfortunately, his senior season was cut short due to injury, and he only played in five games. However, when he was finally able to play, he set records for the college game in career total offense. The National Football Foundation voted Bob into their College Football Hall of Fame in 1972.

Fenimore solidified his gridiron legacy by dominating every offensive category and earning his rightful place among college football’s all-time greats.

Accolades and Football Accomplishments

• Two-Time Consensus All-American: Earned First-Team honors in 1944 and 1945.
• National Statistical Leader: Led the nation in total offense in 1944 and 1945, and led the nation in rushing in 1945.
• Heisman Trophy Finalist: Finished third in the 1945 Heisman Trophy voting behind Army’s Doc Blanchard and Glenn Davis.
• Undefeated Season: Led Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State) to an undefeated 9-0 record and a Sugar Bowl victory in 1945.
• No. 1 Overall NFL Draft Pick: Selected first overall by the Chicago Bears in the 1947 NFL Draft.
• College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1972.
• Retired Number: Became the first football player in Oklahoma State history to have his jersey number (#55) retired.

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