By Darin Gaylord “Pete” Stinchcomb electrified gridirons with his quickness, guiding Ohio State to its first Rose Bowl appearance and leaving an undeniable mark on early professional football.
Football Bio
June 24, 1895 – Sycamore, Ohio – The halfback from Ohio State for the seasons of 1917 and then 1919 to 1920, Gaylord Stinchcomb was born.
How in the world would Ohio State ever replace the great runner Chic Harley after he graduated? Well, you simply get yourself a Gaylord Stinchcomb! The FootballFoundation.org informs that “Pete” Stinchcomb would carry OSU to the first of many Rose Bowl appearances.
He was a quick, shifty back that could find an open hole even when none appeared to be there. Stinchcomb led Ohio State through a perfect seven-game regular season as a senior in 1920.
The Buckeyes’ success drew the 1921 Rose Bowl game. Pete played at Ohio State in 1917, 1919, and 1920, with one year out for military service.
The National Football Foundation selected Gaylord Stinchcomb for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973. From 1921 to 1926, Stinchcomb played on some early pro football squads, including the APFA/NFL’s Chicago Staleys, Bears, Cleveland Indians, Columbus Tigers, and Louisville Colonels. He was a two-time All-Pro while with the Chicago Bears.
Gaylord Stinchcomb secures his legacy as a foundational pillar of Ohio State football greatness. He conquered both the collegiate ranks and the early days of the NFL with his exceptional agility and leadership, proving that smaller players can dominate the sport. Stinchcomb remains a true pioneer of the gridiron.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1973.
- Consensus All-American: 1920.
- Third-Team All-American: 1919.
- First-Team All-Western Conference (Big Ten): 1919, 1920.
- NFL Champion: 1921 (Chicago Staleys).
- First-Team All-Pro: 1921, 1922.
- Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1978.
- Wyandot Sports Hall of Fame: 2025 Inductee.
- NCAA Broad Jump Champion: Won the intercollegiate long jump title in 1921.