Football History

Born May 30, 1915, in Conneaut, Ohio, was Yale’s great end from 1934 through the 1936 season, Larry Kelley. Kelley has been described by more than one reference as a very crafty and innovative player.

The FootballFoundation.org even gives an example from journalist Allison Danzig of the New York Times who called Larry a "genius who gets the touchdown regardless of the odds." One of the examples Danzig could be referring to is in a 1934 contest against Princeton, where Kelley caught a pass, ran 30 yards and was trapped by two defenders at the goal line.

He rammed between them and scored for a 7-0 Yale victory. Lightning struck twice as in the 1936 Yale versus Princeton matchup the Elis were down by a score of 16-0 but they rallied to win 26-23. Kelley gave a straight-arm to a defender and subsequently bull rushed his way to a critical touchdown. In total he played against Yale rivals Harvard and Princeton 6 times, scored a TD in each of the contests and Yale lost only once. Kelley indeed made a difference, he was that good. Good enough that in 1936 he won the Heisman Trophy, the second year of the award and the first time it was called the Heisman. The National Football Foundation selected Larry Kelley for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969.

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In the annals of college football history, Larry Kelley stands as a unique figure. As the first player primarily recognized for his pass-catching prowess to win the Heisman Trophy in 1936, he broke new ground and cemented his place as a Yale legend. This essay explores Kelley's remarkable career, his Heisman-winning season, and his lasting impact on the game.

Kelley arrived at Yale in 1933, a multi-sport athlete excelling in baseball, basketball, and football. He quickly established himself as a two-way threat on the gridiron, playing both offense and defense with relentless intensity. His exceptional athleticism and intelligence were evident on the field. While Kelley wasn't the biggest player, his leaping ability and precise route-running made him a nightmare for opposing defensive backs.

Kelley's defining year came in 1936. Prior to this, Heisman winners were primarily running backs. Kelley, however, revolutionized the award by showcasing the dominance of a skilled receiver. He led Yale to a 7-1 record, catching 17 passes for 372 yards and four touchdowns. One play, however, solidified his legacy. In a crucial game against Navy, with Yale trailing, Kelley, in a seemingly impossible feat, kicked a fumbled punt 40 yards downfield and recovered it himself, setting up the winning score. This improvisation and clutch performance epitomized his on-field brilliance.

Kelley's Heisman win was a watershed moment. It highlighted the increasing importance of the passing game in football and paved the way for future generations of star receivers. However, his impact transcended statistics. He was a charismatic leader, known for his wit and intellectual pursuits. This combination of athletic prowess and academic achievement made him a true embodiment of the "student-athlete" ideal.

While Kelley declined lucrative offers to play professional football, basketball, and baseball, his love for competition remained. He served in World War II and later became a high school teacher and coach, inspiring young athletes with his knowledge and passion for the game.

Larry Kelley's legacy extends beyond his Heisman Trophy. He was a pioneer for pass-catching excellence, a role model for student-athletes, and a testament to Yale's rich football tradition. His story reminds us that greatness can come in many forms, and that sometimes, the most innovative players rewrite the rules of the game.

The 1936 Heisman-winning player from Yale and his bio on the Heisman's official website

1936 college football crackled with newfound excitement. It was the birth of the AP Poll, crowning Minnesota with the inaugural title as writers traded telegrams and ranked America's gridiron titans. Santa Clara, a West Coast Cinderella, danced on the national stage, upsetting giants and claiming their own championship crown. Meanwhile, legends like Larry Kelley at Yale carved their names in Heisman history with dazzling displays of athleticism. But the season wasn't all sunshine and confetti. Controversies swirled as rival polls disagreed, champions debated, and the fight for legitimacy in a fragmented football landscape continued. It was a year of firsts, upsets, and fierce competition, forever etching itself in the college football tapestry as the dawn of a new era.