Tom Shevlin Yale Great

Tom Shevlin, born on March 1, 1878, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was a pioneering figure in the early days of American football. His contributions to the sport, both as a player and later as a coach, left a lasting impact on the game.

-College Career

The National Football Foundation’s biography of Shevlin tells us that he was a physical specimen, fast, and intimidated opposing players who would wear head and nose protection with taunts and vicious hits. During Shevlin's four varsity campaigns, the Elis scored an impressive 42-2-1 record. Tom captained the 1905 Blue and White squad that finished with a perfect 10 game record in a season when Yale out-scored the competition, 227-4. The Princeton Tigers were the only team to get a sniff on the scoreboard against Yale that season, as they finished as co-National Champions with the University of Chicago Maroons. The NFF voters selected Tom Shevlin for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954.

-Shevlin's football prowess blossomed at Yale University, where he was a standout end from 1896 to 1899.

-He was a key member of Yale's dominant teams of that era, known for their innovative strategies and physical play.

-His speed, agility, and exceptional catching ability made him a formidable offensive weapon.

-He was also known for his tough defensive play.

After his playing days, he became a very respected football coach.

-Football Legacy

-Tom Shevlin's legacy is rooted in his contributions to developing early football strategy and his exceptional play at Yale.

-He was considered one of the top players of his time, helping to solidify the importance of the end position in the evolving game.

-His coaching helped to spread his knowledge of the game.

-He was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-College Football Hall of Fame inductee (1954).

-He was recognized as one of the premier players of his era.

-His impact was primarily felt in his college career, and in the early coaching that he performed.

-Due to the period, reliable statistical data is scarce, but his recognition by the Hall of Fame speaks to his immense impact.