Glen “Turk” Edwards: Washington State & NFL Hall of Fame Legend

Glen “Turk” Edwards dominated the trenches as a two-way tackle, securing his legacy as a foundational star for both Washington State and the Washington Redskins.

Football Bio

September 28, 1907 – Turk Edwards was a tackle from Washington State University.

A football card of Turk Edwards from the 1935 National Chicle Football set.

Turk made his most memorable splash play in college as a junior in a big game against Oregon State to decide who would represent the Pacific coast in the Rose Bowl.

The game was tied late when the big hands of Glen Edwards reached up and picked off an Oregon State pass attempt, and then Turk took it into the end zone for the winning points in the Washington State Cougar victory.

In the Rose Bowl, the Cougars did not fare well, as Alabama blanked them 24-0. However, Edwards and teammate Mel Hein became the first All-Americans selected from the Washington State program, thanks to their outstanding play that season.

According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website, the Boston Redskins outbid two other teams to sign Turk in 1931. It was an excellent investment as Edwards signed his initial contract with the team for what amounted to $150 per game for the 10-game season.

The 6’-2″, 255-pound tackle played nine seasons for the Redskins, both in Boston and after the team moved to Washington, as a two-way player and earned All-NFL honors in 8 seasons in the League.

Ironically, the never-injured Edwards suffered a career-ending injury in 1940 at the opening coin toss!

After the coin toss, Turk shook hands with the opposing captains of the New York Giants, but his foot caught in the sod as he turned to leave the field, and his trick knee was damaged, ending his football career.

That 1940 season was the only one in which Turk did not receive the All-NFL honors.

The National Football Foundation selected Glen Edwards into their College Football Hall of Fame in 1975 & the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the 1969 induction class.[National Football Foundation]

Turk Edwards etched his name into football history through relentless physicality, earning dual Hall of Fame enshrinement and setting an early standard of excellence for NFL linemen.

Accolades and Football Accomplishments

• Inducted into the Washington Commanders Ring of Fame.
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969.
• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1975.
• Named a Consensus First-Team All-American in 1930.
• Won the 1937 NFL Championship with the Washington Redskins.
• Earned First-Team All-Pro honors four times (1932, 1933, 1936, 1937) and Second-Team honors twice (1934, 1935).
• Selected to the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team.

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