Weldon Humble Hall of Fame Guard

Weldon Humble was a key figure in the formative years of professional football in the United States. Born April 24, 1921, Humble's football career spanned both the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and the early National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Cleveland Browns.

Humble's prowess as a guard was evident early in his college career at Rice University, where he earned All-Southwest Conference honors. His college career was interrupted by service in the Marine Corps during World War II, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Okinawa. He returned to Rice after the war, earning consensus All-American honors.

In the professional ranks, Humble was a cornerstone of the dominant Cleveland Browns teams of the late 1940s and early 1950s. He helped the Browns secure three consecutive AAFC championships (1947-1949) and the 1950 NFL Championship. Humble's skill and toughness on the offensive line were crucial to the success of legendary Browns players like Otto Graham and Marion Motley. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1950, marking his contributions to the newly merged NFL.

Weldon Humble's significance extends beyond his on-field achievements. He represents an era of football characterized by toughness, versatility, and a strong connection to the military service. His career, interrupted by war, reflects the sacrifices made by many athletes of his time. Humble's excellence has been recognized with inductions into the College Football Hall of Fame, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and the Rice University Athletics Hall of Fame. He remains an important figure in the history of American football.