Born July 26, 1920, in Elmira, New York, was Bob Waterfield Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined QB of the Rams franchise both in Cleveland and Los Angeles. He was important enough to the Rams franchise that his number 7 jersey was retired by the organization. The former UCLA Bruin's signal caller had his college career briefly interrupted when the U.S. Army called him into service during WWII. His football prowess was legendary and so was his off field life as he married actress Jane Russell just before serving in the Army and playing for Fort Bennings 176th Infantry football team. Mr. Waterfield returned to the Bruins after this service in the war in an honorable discharge due to a knee injury and played in the 1944 season for UCLA. He was drafted as the 42nd pick in the 1945 NFL draft by the Cleveland Rams, and as a rookie won the starting job, led the team to a 9-1 record and the NFL Championship in an exciting 15-14 victory over the Washington Redskins!
Bob Waterfield
FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME: Bob WaterfieldPro Football Hall of Fame Enshrined Player
A select few NFL players are selected to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. This museum and its content stands as a monument to the gridiron greats, their enshrinement a testament to their lasting impact on the sport.
By honoring these legends, we gain a deeper appreciation for the history and evolution of professional football. Each Hall of Famer represents a specific era, their stories chronicling the game's transformation from its rugged beginnings to the modern marvel it is today. From the early days of Vince Lombardi's coaching genius to the aerial acrobatics of Joe Montana, these players embody the innovation and athletic development that have shaped the game. By celebrating their achievements, we celebrate the rich tapestry of professional football, ensuring that the incredible feats of the past continue to inspire future generations. We are proud to help the Hall to salute these gridiron greats with bios and stories of what made them special in the arena of football history and their impact on the game.