Cecil Isbell dominates the gridiron as a versatile triple-threat back, rewriting the record books for both Purdue University and the Green Bay Packers. As the NFL’s first 2,000-yard passer, he pioneers modern offensive passing strategies and cements a legacy that easily stands the test of time.
Football Bio
July 11, 1915 – Houston, Texas – Purdue University’s halfback from 1935 through the 1937 season, Cecil Isbell, was born.
The National Football Foundation, in its web bio on Cecil, says that this player excelled as a runner, passer, and punter.
In 1936, he was responsible for 15 of Purdue’s 23 touchdowns; in 1937, he received All-America mention.
In 1938, he was named Most Valuable Player as the College All-Stars beat the Washington Redskins 28-16.
Cecil Isbell was selected for the College Football Hall of Fame in 1967.
After his college playing days were over, he played for the Green Bay Packers 1938- 42 and went into coaching in both the college and professional ranks.
Cecil Isbell builds a towering legacy as a revolutionary passer and an elite collegiate halfback. He propels the Green Bay Packers to an NFL Championship and transforms professional passing attacks with his historic 1942 season. Today, his inductions into both the College Football and Green Bay Packers Halls of Fame guarantee his status as a true football immortal.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1967.
- Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1972.
- NFL Champion: 1939 (Green Bay Packers).
- NFL 1930s All-Decade Team: Selected for his massive impact as a passer and runner.
- NFL Record Setter: The first player in NFL history to pass for over 2,000 yards in a single season (2,021 yards in 1942).
- 4× Pro Bowl Selection: 1938, 1939, 1941, 1942.
- First-Team All-Pro: 1941.
- NFL Passing Leader: Led the league in both passing yards and passing touchdowns in 1941 and 1942.
- College All-Star Game MVP: 1938 (Led the All-Stars to a 28-16 victory over the Washington Redskins).
- All-American Honors: Received All-America mentions during his standout years at Purdue (1936, 1937).