The New York Giants boast a rich history filled with legendary players. Yet, few stories are as captivating, or as under-told, as that of Joseph \"Doc\" Alexan... — www.youtube.com
The New York Giants boast a rich history filled with legendary players. Yet few stories are as captivating or as untold as that of Joseph "Doc" Alexander. This legend was successful at almost anything he put his mind to.
This wasn't your typical football hero. Doc Alexander was a brilliant scholar, a dedicated medical professional, and, against all odds, a dominant force on the gridiron.
Dive into the remarkable journey of Doc Alexander:
-Star football and lacrosse player at Syracuse University.
-Two-time captain of the 'Cuse gridiron squad 1919 & 1920
-In 1918, against Rutgers, he picked up a loose ball and ran 75 yards for a touchdown. Doc starred in a 1919 defeat of Pittsburgh, the Panthers' first loss in four years.
-Played in the early NFL for the Rochester Jeffersons (1921, 22,24) part-time while practicing medicine
-First player signed to the roster of the New York Giants franchise in 1925
-The Giant's first coach was successful college coach Bob Folwell. In 1926, Folwell left to coach the Philadelphia Quakers of the first AFL, and Doc Alexander assumed the player/head coach role, taking the team to an 8-4-1 record.
-Due to an increased demand for his medical services, he relinquished his head coach role and became an assistant player/coach at Earl Potteiger. The Giants won the NFL Title that year.
-Now having a successful lung practice in NYC, Alexander retired from football after the title win.
-Honored in both the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame
