Monk Moscrip: Stanford’s Vow Boys Legend & Hall of Famer

James “Monk” Moscrip anchored Stanford’s legendary “Vow Boys,” dominating opponents on both sides of the ball before carrying his relentless bravery into the Pacific theater of World War II.

Football Bio

Another Hall of Famer, James Monk Moscrip, was born on September 17, 1913. He was a Stanford Student who played for the Cardinal from 1933 to 1935.

He was a member of the famous Vow Boys, who, before the 1933 season, promised not to lose to the University of Southern California for the next three seasons.

Moscrip and the rest of the group delivered on their promise, as Stanford defeated USC in those three straight seasons, allowing the Trojans to score only seven points across the three games.

Monk was the fastest man on the team, and he played both offensive and defensive end, as well as performing the kicking duties for Stanford.

During World War II, Moscrip was a U.S. Navy lieutenant and fought bravely in the battles at Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, and Okinawa.

After the war, Monk played a couple of seasons in the NFL for the Detroit Lions. He was welcomed into the College Football Hall of Fame in the entry class of 1985. [National Football Foundation]

James “Monk” Moscrip left an indelible mark on college football history through his legendary promise and two-way dominance. His extraordinary service in World War II further cements his legacy as a true American hero, both on and off the gridiron.

The Vow Boys’ Promise

The legendary “Vow Boys” moniker originated when the Stanford freshmen squad suffered a frustrating loss to the USC pea-greeners in 1932. In the locker room, the group made a solemn vow that they would never lose to the Trojans again during their varsity careers. Not only did they keep their promise, but Moscrip and his teammates also secured three consecutive trips to the Rose Bowl (1934, 1935, and 1936).

Accolades and Football Accomplishments

• Served as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant in WWII, fighting at Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, and Okinawa.

• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

• Named a Consensus First-Team All-American in 1934 and 1935.

• Played in three consecutive Rose Bowls with Stanford (1934, 1935, 1936).

• Anchored the legendary “Vow Boys” who famously went 3-0 against rival USC.

• Played for the Detroit Lions in the NFL (1938–1939).

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