Born December 21, 1921, in Bluefield, Virginia, he was College and Pro Football Hall of Fame Halfback Bullet Bill Dudley. This three-way legend was also a return specialist and a safety. Dudley attended and played for the Virginia Cavaliers in college and then was drafted by the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, leading the League in rushing his Rookie year. After a stint serving his country during WWII, Bill returned to the Steelers and was the NFL MVP in 1946. He later was traded, then played for the Detroit Lions and finished his career on the Washington Redskins roster.
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Bullet Bill Dudley HOF HB of the Steelers & Lions
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Bullet Bill Dudley Hall of Fame HB
Born December 24, 1921, in Bluefield, Virginia was the University of Virginia’s legendary halfback Bullet Bill Dudley. Some so-called experts thought Dudley was too small to play football in the collegiate ranks as he weighed in at 152 pounds with a 5’-10” frame per the NFF.
Virginia’s Coach, Frank Murray, decided to give Bill a chance to prove all of the other recruiters wrong. What Dudley did was to become the only player to win MVP honors in college, the Armed Forces and professional levels.
During the 1941 season Bullet Bill led the nation with 18 touchdowns, 134 points scored, a 6.2 rushing average per play and 29 touchdowns. The National Football Foundation selected Bill Dudley into their College Football Hall of Fame in 1956. The Pittsburgh Steelers did not hesitate a second to pick Bill and the first pick in the 1942 Draft of the NFL. In his 9 pro seasons he had 8217 total yards and recorded 23 interceptions and played in 3 Pro Bowls. In fact the Pro Football Hall says that Bill won a rare triple crown of awards in the NFL, he was the interception leader, the top rusher and held the punt return title in 1946. Bill Dudley found the door wide open for him to enter into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966.
Virginia’s Coach, Frank Murray, decided to give Bill a chance to prove all of the other recruiters wrong. What Dudley did was to become the only player to win MVP honors in college, the Armed Forces and professional levels.
During the 1941 season Bullet Bill led the nation with 18 touchdowns, 134 points scored, a 6.2 rushing average per play and 29 touchdowns. The National Football Foundation selected Bill Dudley into their College Football Hall of Fame in 1956. The Pittsburgh Steelers did not hesitate a second to pick Bill and the first pick in the 1942 Draft of the NFL. In his 9 pro seasons he had 8217 total yards and recorded 23 interceptions and played in 3 Pro Bowls. In fact the Pro Football Hall says that Bill won a rare triple crown of awards in the NFL, he was the interception leader, the top rusher and held the punt return title in 1946. Bill Dudley found the door wide open for him to enter into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966.
Nine Ways to Gridiron Greatness
William McGarvey "Bullet Bill" Dudley wasn't just a football player; he was a nine-way scoring machine who left his mark on the NFL as a versatile talent, media star, and Hall of Famer. Here's a taste of his gridiron brilliance:
-Rushing Rampage: Led the league in rushing as a rookie, proving his speed wasn't just a nickname.
-Passing Prowess: Threw touchdowns and even filled in at quarterback, showcasing his offensive arsenal.
-Punt Perfection: One of the best punters of his era, adding another threat to his repertoire.
-Kickoff King: Mastered the kickoff return, turning defense into instant offense.
-Interception Impact: Snagged passes out of the air and turned them into points with ease.
-Fumble Finder: Capitalized on opponents' mistakes and made them pay on the scoreboard.
-Safety Valve: An unexpected touchdown threat, further proving his defensive versatility.
-Extra Point Expert: Converted PATs with consistent accuracy, leaving no point on the table.
-Field Goal Force: Added field goals to his scoring arsenal, becoming a true offensive weapon.
-Rushing Rampage: Led the league in rushing as a rookie, proving his speed wasn't just a nickname.
-Passing Prowess: Threw touchdowns and even filled in at quarterback, showcasing his offensive arsenal.
-Punt Perfection: One of the best punters of his era, adding another threat to his repertoire.
-Kickoff King: Mastered the kickoff return, turning defense into instant offense.
-Interception Impact: Snagged passes out of the air and turned them into points with ease.
-Fumble Finder: Capitalized on opponents' mistakes and made them pay on the scoreboard.
-Safety Valve: An unexpected touchdown threat, further proving his defensive versatility.
-Extra Point Expert: Converted PATs with consistent accuracy, leaving no point on the table.
-Field Goal Force: Added field goals to his scoring arsenal, becoming a true offensive weapon.
Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
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