By Darin 
Born on November 24, 1924, Dick Duden carved out a formidable legacy as a dominant defensive end for the U.S. Naval Academy. Following a tremendous 1945 season, Duden achieved universal acclaim, earning All-America honors from virtually every major selector, including the Associated Press, United Press, and Grantland Rice. His hard-hitting style and elite performance cemented his status as one of the finest Navy players of his era, leading to his eventual enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame.
The Legend of Duden
The U.S. Naval Academy’s End Dick Duden, after the tremendous 1945 season, was named All-America by the Associated Press, United Press, Grantland Rice, Sporting News, Central Press, and Football Writers, among others.
The NFF chose to induct Dick Duden into their College Football Hall of Fame in 2001. After some further Naval service, Dick played one year with the New York Giants and returned to the Naval Academy as an assistant football coach. In 1973, he was named to the all-time Army-Navy football team by sports writers.
Conclusion
Dick Duden’s career is a testament to excellence in both service and sport. From his celebrated tenure at the Naval Academy, where his 1945 season earned him consensus All-America honors, to his brief professional stint with the New York Giants, Duden consistently performed at the highest level. His impact on the storied Army-Navy rivalry was further confirmed in 1973 when he was named to the all-time Army-Navy football team. After concluding his playing career, Duden returned to the Academy to help shape future generations as an assistant coach, securing his lasting legacy as a true Navy gridiron hero.
It is also kinda cool that he was born in Pottsville as the local football team, the Maroons, was getting ready to make the jump from the Anthracite League into the NFL. You can read more about it in a copy of our latest book, co-written with Jeff Payne, titled “Marooned” on the 1925 Pottsville Maroons NFL franchise saga.
Verified List of Accolades and Football Accomplishments
College Career (U.S. Naval Academy)
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2001).
- Consensus All-America selection (1945), earning honors from:
- Associated Press (AP)
- United Press (UP)
- Grantland Rice
- Sporting News
- Central Press
- Football Writers
- Named to the All-Time Army-Navy Football Team by sports writers (1973).
- Played the End position.
Professional Career (New York Giants)
- Played one season with the New York Giants.
Coaching Career
- Served as an Assistant Football Coach at the U.S. Naval Academy.