From “Dream Backfield” to NFL Champion: The Legacy of Marshall Goldberg

October 25, 1917 – Elkins, West Virginia – Former University of Pittsburgh fullback Marshall Goldberg arrived on the scene. 

Goldberg played for the Panthers from 1936 through 1938, and the team posted a 25-3-2 record during his tenure.  In his first game with the Panthers, he rushed for 208 yards against Ohio Wesleyan and led the nation in yards on the ground with 886.

The National Football Foundation goes on to say that his 1936 team won the Rose Bowl, the 1937 team was national champion, and the 1938 team lost two games while Goldberg was out with injuries. Goldberg was All-America in 1937 and 1938. In the Heisman Trophy voting, he was third behind Clint Frank of Yale and Whizzer White of Colorado in 1937, second behind Davey O’Brien of Texas Christian in 1938. The National Football Foundation selected Marshall Goldberg to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 1958.

Accolades and Accomplishments

College Career (University of Pittsburgh, 1936-1938):

• National Champion (1937).
• Rose Bowl Winner (1937, for the 1936 season).
• Member of Pitt’s legendary “Dream Backfield.”
• 2-Time All-American: Consensus All-American Halfback (1937) and Unanimous All-American Fullback (1938).
• Heisman Trophy Runner-up (2nd in 1938) and 3rd place finish (1937).
• Led the nation in rushing yards (886) in his first collegiate season (1936).
• Set Pitt’s career rushing record (1,957 yards), a mark that stood until 1974 (broken by Tony Dorsett).
• College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1958).
• Pitt retired his No. 42 jersey.

Professional Career (Chicago Cardinals, 1939-1943, 1946-1948):

• NFL Champion (1947). Goldberg’s interception clinched the title game victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
• 4-Time NFL All-Pro (including 3 consecutive selections as a Defensive Back from 1946-1948).
• NFL Interceptions Co-Leader (7 interceptions in 1941).
• 2-Time NFL Kickoff Return Yards Leader (1941, 1942).
• Played both offense (halfback/fullback) and defense (defensive back), often referred to as the era’s best defensive back.
• Career was interrupted by service as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II (1943-1945).
• The Arizona Cardinals retired his No. 99 jersey.

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