By Darin Discover the legend of Eddie LeBaron, the diminutive quarterback who left a giant legacy on college football. From playing under the iconic Amos Alonzo Stagg to leading one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, LeBaron was a winner who could defeat anyone—even the reigning NFL champions. Step back to the late 1940s and learn how this College Football Hall of Famer became the embodiment of grit and skill.
Football Bio
January 7, 1930 – San Rafael, California – Quarterback Eddie LeBaron from the College of the Pacific celebrated his day of birth. Eddie’s first year on the gridiron was the last one for the legendary Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg. Le Baron played for three more seasons after that great experience, when Stagg retired, and used what he had learned well. In 1949, according to the NFF’s bio on him, Pacific’s offense with Eddie under center averaged 52 points per game while allowing opponents a measly 6 points per game. LeBaron wasn’t just good with his Pacific teammates, as shown when he was the Most Valuable Player in the East-West Shrine game, as well as in 1950 when Eddie quarterbacked the College All-Stars to a 17-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Eddie LeBaron was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
Conclusion
Eddie LeBaron’s collegiate career was marked by explosive offense and unparalleled leadership. Playing for a brief, but impactful, time under the legendary Amos Alonzo Stagg, LeBaron quickly established himself as one of the nation’s premier field generals. His incredible 1949 season, in which he led the College of the Pacific to an undefeated record with a dominant average score of 52-6, remains a benchmark of offensive power. From MVP honors in the East-West Shrine Game to defeating the reigning NFL champions, LeBaron’s college accomplishments cemented his status as a true football icon, culminating in his well-deserved 1980 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Verified List of Accolades and Football Accomplishments (College Only)
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1980): Recognized by the National Football Foundation (NFF).
- College All-Stars Victory (1950): Quarterbacked the College All-Stars to a 17-7 win over the reigning NFL Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
- East-West Shrine Game MVP: Named Most Valuable Player in the prestigious collegiate all-star game.
- First-team All-American (1949): Earned this honor during his dominant senior season. (The College of the Pacific went 11-0 and achieved a Top 10 National Ranking.)
- Unprecedented Offensive Success (1949): Led the Pacific offense to average 52 points per game while only allowing opponents 6 points per game.
- Played under Amos Alonzo Stagg: Spent his freshman season playing for the legendary coach during his final year on the gridiron.
