Jackie Hunt, Class: Induction: 2004 Sport(s): - Position: Halfback
Years: 1938-1941
Place of Birth: Huntington, WV
Date of Birth: Feb 17, 1920
Place of Death: — footballfoundation.org
On February 17, 1920, in Huntington, West Virginia, the explosive halfback from Marshall University, Jackie Hunt, arrived into this life; according to the NFF website, Hunt lettered in football as a Freshman and got even better there.
Jackie Hunt etched his name into football history through his electrifying play at Marshall University.
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College Career
After a brilliant high school athletic career, Jackie enrolled at Marshall to play football.
From 1938 to 1941, Hunt dominated as a halfback in Coach Cam Henderson's single-wing offense. His junior year was particularly spectacular, leading the nation's top-scoring team with 27 touchdowns, a record that stood for over three decades. Hunt's speed, agility, and knack for finding the end zone made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He earned All-America honors in both his junior and senior seasons, solidifying his status as a college football star.
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Road to the Pro Game
World War II briefly interrupted Hunt's path to the professional ranks. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1942, he instead served in the U.S. Army.
After his military service, Hunt played in four games for the Bears in 1946 before retiring from professional football. While his NFL career was short-lived, his time at Marshall had already cemented his legacy.
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Football Legacy
His incredible college career defines Jackie Hunt's football legacy. His record-breaking touchdown season, All-American accolades, and pivotal role in Marshall's success during that era earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame.
While his professional career was brief, his impact on the college game was profound. Hunt's name remains synonymous with Marshall football, and his achievements inspire generations of players.
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Accolades, Awards and Career Stats
-All-America (1940, 1941)
-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2004)
-Led the nation in scoring with 27 touchdowns (1940)
-Marshall University Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee (1984)
-West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (1976)
-Estimated career rushing yards at Marshall: nearly 4,000
Jackie Hunt. (2024, October 3). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_Hunt
