Belford West

Born May 7, 1896, in Hamilton, New York, was Belford West the great Colgate University tackle of 1914 to 1916 & 1919. The National Football Foundation lists that Belford led a dominant defence which elevated Colgate as one of the most feared teams of his era. In the 30 games West played for Colgate, 19 were shutout victories. He missed only one play in three varsity seasons at Colgate. West was known as a model tackle in build and execution, blessed with quickness of foot and a devastating charge. An instinctive player, Belford had exceptional range for his size and was said to pride himself in being at the right place at the right time. He was also a fine kicker and set a record with a 52-yard field goal against arch rival Syracuse in a 1919 game. He frequently elected to pass from his punt formation and, it is noted, he rarely threw incomplete. He could pass the ball 70 yards in the air. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Belford West into their legendary museum in 1954.

Dive into the gridiron greats with this collection of articles exploring the lives and legacies of American college football Hall of Fame players. Each piece delves into the on-field heroics that secured their place in history, from jaw-dropping touchdowns to strategic brilliance. But these articles go beyond the stats, uncovering the personal stories that shaped these legends. You'll discover their journeys from high school prospects to national stars, the challenges they overcame, and the impact they left on the game they loved. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply appreciate sporting excellence, this collection offers a captivating look at the men who forever changed the landscape of college football.

The College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and interactive attraction devoted to college football. The National Football Foundation members select historic players, coaches, and contributors who rose above their peers in collegiate gridiron history to their College Football Hall of Fame. We are happy to help this legendary museum celebrate the stars and innivators of the gridiron with these individual tributes.