Joe Routt: A One-Man A&M Wall

Joe Routt dominated the gridiron as Texas A&M’s first All-American before making the ultimate sacrifice for his country during World War II.

Football Bio

October 18, 1914 – Joe Routt arrived in the world. Joe was a two-way guard from Texas A&M. 

Joe was an exceptionally talented player on some inferior college teams with the Aggies in the 1930s. To counter his play, opposing teams would triple-team Routt to negate his effectiveness; he was that good, according to footballfoundation.org.

He ate up so many blockers that it freed his defensive teammates to make the play, earning him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1962. Routt was the 16th overall pick by the Cleveland Rams in the 1938 NFL Draft. He died as a war hero during WWII, serving as a U.S. Army infantryman who led his troops during the famous Battle of the Bulge in Europe.

We remember Joe Routt not only for his historic dominance on the Texas A&M defensive line but also for his extraordinary courage and leadership on the battlefield.

Verified Accolades and Football Accomplishments

• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1962.
• Inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1952.
• Consensus All-American in 1937 and First-team All-American in 1936.
• Recognized as the very first All-American football player in Texas A&M history.
• Two-time First-team All-Southwest Conference selection (1936, 1937).
• Selected in the 3rd round (16th overall) of the 1938 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Rams.
• Awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service and heroism as a U.S. Army Infantry captain during World War II.

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