Fred Gehrke
Born April 24, 1918, was legendary football player and executive, Fred Gehrke. Fred was on the Cleveland Rams team that won the NFL CHampionship in 1945. Fred Gehrke went to college and suited up for the Utah Utes and also went on and played in the NFL for the Cleveland / Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Cardinals from 1940 through 1950. To boost team morale, Gehrke designed and painted the Los Angeles Rams logo in 1948, which was the first painted on the helmets of an NFL team.
Mac Speedie Cleveland Browns HOF End
Mac Speedie, a name lost to the mists of football history, deserves a moment under the Friday night lights. Born in 1920 in rural Illinois, Speedie overcame a childhood disability to become a dominant wide receiver in the early days of the NFL. His story is of athletic prowess, defying stereotypes, and leaving an indelible mark on the game he loved.
Speedie's early life was shaped by hardship. Struck by Perthes disease, a bone deficiency, he was initially told he might never walk again. However, fueled by an unwavering determination, Speedie recovered and excelled in athletics. He became a star sprinter in high school and at the University of Utah, even showcasing his talents on the basketball court and football field.
Despite doubts about his size and injury history, Speedie was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1942. However, World War II intervened, and his professional career began not in the Motor City but with the Cleveland Browns of the upstart All-America Football Conference (AAFC).
It was with the Browns that Speedie's legend truly blossomed. Despite playing opposite Otto Graham, one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, Speedie became the AAFC's all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards. His deceptive routes, exceptional catching ability, and surprising speed earned him the nickname "The Flea" and made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
When the AAFC merged with the NFL in 1950, Speedie proved he could compete against the established stars of the league. He led the Browns to the NFL Championship in 1950 and continued to dominate throughout the decade, earning All-Pro honors on multiple occasions.
Speedie's career ended in 1952 after a knee injury forced him into early retirement. He left behind a legacy of broken records, highlight-reel catches, and a reputation as one of the most complete receivers of his era.
Speedie's early life was shaped by hardship. Struck by Perthes disease, a bone deficiency, he was initially told he might never walk again. However, fueled by an unwavering determination, Speedie recovered and excelled in athletics. He became a star sprinter in high school and at the University of Utah, even showcasing his talents on the basketball court and football field.
Despite doubts about his size and injury history, Speedie was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1942. However, World War II intervened, and his professional career began not in the Motor City but with the Cleveland Browns of the upstart All-America Football Conference (AAFC).
It was with the Browns that Speedie's legend truly blossomed. Despite playing opposite Otto Graham, one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, Speedie became the AAFC's all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards. His deceptive routes, exceptional catching ability, and surprising speed earned him the nickname "The Flea" and made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
When the AAFC merged with the NFL in 1950, Speedie proved he could compete against the established stars of the league. He led the Browns to the NFL Championship in 1950 and continued to dominate throughout the decade, earning All-Pro honors on multiple occasions.
Speedie's career ended in 1952 after a knee injury forced him into early retirement. He left behind a legacy of broken records, highlight-reel catches, and a reputation as one of the most complete receivers of his era.
Utah Utes
What are the 10 best wins of the century for Utah football?
Utah Utes Logo and symbol, meaning, history,
Utah Utes Logo PNG In the early 2010s, rumors spread that the University of Utah was going to phase out its iconic “Drum and Feathers” logo. Yet, as of 2019, the Utah Utes logo featured on the official website has remained the same. Meaning and history The visual identity of the sports teams from the
Football History, Records and Database
Head Coach First Year: School: Nickname: Current Conference: Former Conference(s): Location: , First year of football: STADIUM Name: Year built: Capacity: Playing Surface…
125 SEASONS OF UTAH FOOTBALL
Helmet History
Related Titles
UTAH UTESRelated Categories
ABOUT SPORTS, COLLEGE FOOTBALL PROGRAMS PAC 12, COLLEGE FOOTBALL PROGRAMS PAC 12 TEAMSRelated Searches
sports:football, helmet logo, NFL Jersey:Number 18, Sports:football, NFL Jersey:Number 58, NFL Jersey:Number 88, University of Utah, Utes, NCAA, Pac-12, Salt Lake City, college football, Rice-Eccles Stadium, GoUtes, Football, College Football, NCAA Football, Utah Utes, Utah Football, Sports Illustrated, AllUtes.com, Kyle Whittingham, Mountain West Conference, UofU, The U