Mal Stevens One of the Greatest Running...

Gridiron greatness! Discover Mal Stevens, hailed by Grantland Rice as an all-time running back legend. From Washburn's quarterback to Yale's star halfback, his electrifying play paved the way to the College Football Hall of Fame. Explore the incredible journey of this football icon!

April 14, 1900, marked the birth of Mal Stevens in Stockton, Kansas. This figure's impact on American football spanned playing fields, sidelines, and even the medical profession. His journey through the sport is a testament to his multifaceted talents and enduring passion.

✦ College Career

Stevens' collegiate football career began at Washburn University, where he served as the starting quarterback from 1919 to 1921. His leadership and skills on the field quickly made him a notable player. In 1921, he transitioned to Yale University, initially playing halfback. It was during his time at Yale that his exceptional talent truly blossomed. Grantland Rice, the renowned sports journalist, famously hailed Stevens in 1923 as "one of the greatest running backs I ever saw," a powerful endorsement of his abilities. The 1923 Yale team, featuring Stevens alongside future Hall of Famers Bill Mallory and Century Milstead, achieved an undefeated 8-0 season, dominating their opponents with a remarkable 230-38 scoring differential.

✦ Road to the Pro Game

While Stevens achieved legendary status in college football, his direct professional playing career was brief. The provided information indicates he played for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946. However, his impact on the professional game extended far beyond his playing days. After his stellar collegiate career, Stevens embarked on a coaching path, beginning as an assistant coach at Yale from 1924 to 1927. He then ascended to the head coaching position at his alma mater from 1928 to 1932, becoming the youngest head coach at a major program at just 28 years old. Following a stint as freshman coach at Yale in 1933, he took on the head coaching role at New York University from 1938 to 1941. His experience at the collegiate level paved the way for his role as head coach of the Brooklyn Dodgers of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1946, showcasing his leadership at the professional level. Notably, Stevens simultaneously pursued and obtained his medical degree from Yale. During his coaching tenures at both Yale and NYU, he also taught orthopedic surgery, highlighting his exceptional intellect and dedication to both athletics and medicine.  

✦ Football Legacy

Mal Stevens' football legacy is profound and multifaceted. His on-field prowess as a dominant running back at Yale earned him significant acclaim, culminating in his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974. Beyond his playing days, his successful coaching career at both the collegiate and professional levels left an indelible mark on the sport. His tenure as head coach at Yale, where he achieved considerable success and became the youngest head coach nationally at a major school, further solidified his reputation as a knowledgeable and effective leader. His election as president of the American Football Coaches Association in 1931, at the young age of 31, underscores the respect and admiration he commanded within the coaching community. Stevens' ability to excel in both the demanding worlds of high-level football and medicine is a testament to his exceptional discipline and intellect, making him a truly unique and influential figure in the history of the sport.

✦ Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1974)

✦ Grantland Rice's tribute: Recognized as "one of the greatest running backs I ever saw" in 1923.

✦ Part of the undefeated (8-0) 1923 Yale team that significantly outscored opponents.  

✦ Youngest Head Coach at a Major School (Yale, 1928) at age 28.

✦ Youngest President of the American Football Coaches Association (1931) at age 31.  

Specific collegiate and professional playing statistics are not detailed in the provided information, but his Hall of Fame induction and Rice's tribute speak volumes about his impact as a player.