Kyle Rote

Born October 27, 1928, in San Antonio, Texas - William Kyle Rote, a halfback from Southern Methodist University, was quite the ball player. Kyle got his big break on a chilly December afternoon in 1949 when SMU's 1948 Heisman winner, Doak Walker, was injured and unable to play in the game when the undefeated juggernauts of college football, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rolled into town to face the Mustangs. Doak's replacement was a young, unknown talent called Kyle Rote, and he was up to the challenge. According to the National Football Foundation, Rote came in, ran for 115 yards, passed for another 146, and scored all three SMU touchdowns. And by the way, he also averaged 48 yards per kick while punting in the game. Notre Dame held on and won the game, but Rote gave them all they could handle in the 27-20 Irish win. In the 1950 season, Rote became a consensus All-American selection. He took second in the Heisman voting that season and even got his picture on the front cover of Life Magazine. Kyle Rote was honored in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1964. Kyle played a short stint in minor league baseball, then joined the NFL's New York Giants, where he played from 1951 through 1961 and was a team captain. Kyle Rote even made the Pro Bowl four times to cap off a brilliant football career.

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.