Bob Waterfield redefined the quarterback position and spearheaded the Rams to historic victories. Operating as a true triple-threat on the field, he dominated early professional football by passing, punting, and kicking with unparalleled precision. Discover the story of the versatile star who conquered the NFL as a rookie and laid the foundation for the modern passing attack.
BOB WATERFIELD
Football Bio
Bob Waterfield was born on July 26, 1920. A versatile signal-caller out of UCLA, Waterfield was drafted by the Cleveland Rams in 1945 and immediately led the franchise to an NFL Championship as a rookie while capturing league MVP honors.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback spent his entire eight-year career anchoring the Rams in both Cleveland and Los Angeles, earning two NFL titles and having his No. 7 jersey retired by the franchise.
The former UCLA Bruins signal-caller had his college career briefly interrupted when the US Army called him into service during World War II. His football prowess was legendary, and so was his off-field life as he married actress Jane Russell just before serving in the Army and playing for Fort Benning’s 176th Infantry football team.
Mr. Waterfield returned to the Bruins after his service in the war and with an honorable discharge due to a knee injury, and he played the 1944 season for UCLA. He was drafted in the 42nd round of the 1945 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Rams and, as a rookie, won the starting job, led the team to a 9-1 record in the NFL Championship, and an exciting 15-14 victory over the Washington Redskins
Conclusion
Bob Waterfield leaves an enduring legacy as one of the most complete athletes in gridiron history. He secured his iconic status by delivering multiple championships to the Rams franchise and showcasing an unmatched versatility that revolutionized offensive schemes. Today, his pioneering spirit and all-around athletic dominance live on forever within the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1965.
- 2× NFL Champion: 1945, 1951.
- NFL MVP: 1945 (the first rookie in league history to win the award).
- 3× First-Team All-Pro: 1945, 1946, 1949.
- 2× Pro Bowl Selection: 1950, 1951.
- NFL 1940s All-Decade Team: Selected as one of the premier players of his era.
- Retired Number: Jersey No. 7 retired by the Rams.
- Triple-Threat Dominance: Amassed 11,849 passing yards, 97 passing touchdowns, 60 field goals, 20 interceptions on defense, and a 42.4-yard punting average during his eight-season career.
