winklogo200.png

Albert Frankie

Albert Frankie | Football History » Football History for the Gridiron Mind » American Football...

Our Latest Book is Out
Explore the 1925 NFL season and the saga of an NFL franchise the Pottsville Maroons

Marooned:The Rise, The Fall, and The Redemption of the 1925 Pottsville Maroons

FREE Daily Sports History
You are only seconds away from receiving the Pigpen's Newsletter everyday filled with new items

SUBSCRIBE BY CLICKING _________________________  
football name

"Albert, Frankie"

Step into the captivating story of a true pioneer. This series will explore the multifaceted career of Frankie Albert, a dynamic quarterback whose innovative play and leadership left an enduring impact on both college and professional football. From his revolutionary role in popularizing the T-formation to his electrifying performances in the early days of the San Francisco 49ers, Albert was a game-changer.

More than just a skilled passer and runner, Albert was credited with inventing the bootleg play, a staple of modern offenses. We'll delve into his stellar collegiate career at Stanford, where he earned All-American honors and led the "Wow Boys" to Rose Bowl glory. Then, we'll trace his path to the professional ranks, becoming the first player signed by the San Francisco 49ers and a beloved figure in their formative years. Join us as we uncover the legacy of "The Spirit of Stanford," a true icon of the gridiron.

  • DOB: January 27
  • EVENTDAY: January 27
  • FOOTBALL NAME: Albert Frankie, Frankie Albert
  • FOOTBALL POSITION: Quarterback
  • FOOTBALL TEAM: LA Bulldogs, San Francisco 49ers, Stanford Cardinal
  • NFL JERSEY: Number 13, Number 63
  • SERIES: Rose Bowl History
  • HASHTAGS: #January27 #AlbertFrankie #FrankieAlbert #Quarterback #LABulldogs #SanFrancisco49ers #StanfordCardinal #Number13 #Number63 #RoseBowlHistory
FOOTBALL NAME | Albert Frankie

"The Bootleg Genius: Frankie Albert's Electrifying Impact"

Discover the groundbreaking career of Frankie Albert, the Stanford standout and San Francisco 49ers' first star who revolutionized quarterback play.Frank Cullen "Frankie" Albert was born on January 27, 1920, in Chicago, Illinois. He rose to prominence during his college career at Stanford University (1939-1941). Initially a tailback, his career took off when coach Clark Shaughnessy implemented the T-formation, positioning Albert as the quarterback. This proved to be a masterstroke, as Albert became the first college T-formation quarterback in modern football history. In 1940, he led the "Wow Boys" to an undefeated 10-0 season, culminating in a Rose Bowl victory over Nebraska and a No. 2 national ranking. A two-time All-American (1940, 1941), Albert finished fourth and third in the Heisman Trophy voting in those respective years. He was renowned for his ball-handling skills and is credited with perfecting and popularizing the bootleg play.
**Road to the Pro Game Albert was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round (10th overall) of the 1942 NFL Draft. However, World War II intervened, and he served as a Navy aircraft officer in the Pacific...