- Key Takeaway: Brad Rowland shattered small-college expectations, transitioning from a dominant Texas Conference rusher into a history-making College Football Hall of Famer and NFL halfback.
College Career
Andrew Bradford “Brad” Rowland was born on July 14, 1929, in Hamlin, Texas. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 190 pounds, Rowland chose to play his collegiate football close to home at McMurry University (then McMurry College) in Abilene, Texas, from 1947 to 1950.
Operating out of the backfield, Rowland rewrote the school’s record books. He led the Texas Conference in rushing in all four of his seasons, propelling the War Hawks to three consecutive conference titles from 1947 through 1949. By the time his collegiate days concluded, he had accumulated 16 school records, including 4,437 career rushing yards, 5,200 yards of total offense, and 258 career points. His stellar play on the field was matched by his intelligence off it, earning him recognition in Who’s Who Among American College and University Students.
Road to the Pro Game
Rowland’s spectacular small-college performance did not escape the eyes of national scouts. He made history by becoming the very first small-college player ever selected to start in the prestigious East-West Shrine Game.
His upward trajectory continued when George Halas and the Chicago Bears selected him in the fifth round (60th overall pick) of the 1951 NFL Draft. Rowland successfully made the roster and transitioned into the professional game, suiting up as a halfback for the Bears during the 1951 NFL season. He appeared in 12 games during his rookie year, flashing his standard efficiency by picking up 50 rushing yards on just 10 carries—averaging a robust 5.0 yards per attempt. (National Football Foundation)
Football Legacy
Following his rookie season, Rowland’s professional football career was put on hold when he answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1953. Upon returning from military service, he transitioned away from the gridiron into a highly successful 40-year career in agribusiness.
Rowland passed away on September 20, 2017, at the age of 88, but his impact on the sport remains unforgettable. He is revered as a trailblazer for athletes from smaller, non-Division I institutions, proving that elite gridiron talent can shine regardless of the size of the school.
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
Collegiate Honors
- 2× First-Team Little All-American: 1949, 1950
- 4× All-Texas Conference First Team Selection: 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950 (National Football Foundation)
- McMurry Athletics Hall of Honor: Inducted as a charter member (1984)
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2008
Verified Statistics
- College Rushing Yards: 4,437 yards (still McMurry’s all-time leader)
- College Total Offense: 5,200 yards (CFBHALL.com)
- College Total Points: 258 points (McMurry)
- NFL Career Games Played: 12 games (Pro Football Reference)
- NFL Rushing Statistics: 10 carries, 50 yards, 5.0 yards per carry average