Gridiron Iron Man: The Versatile Career of Ward Cuff

Born in Minnesota, Ward Cuff grew from a multi-sport star at Marquette into an NFL champion, dominant placekicker, and dynamic two-way back for the New York Giants.

Early Life & Road to the Pro Game

Ward Lloyd Cuff was born on August 12, 1913, in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. A multi-talented athlete, Cuff attended Marquette University, where he left a lasting mark across several sports. On the gridiron, he starred as a powerhouse fullback. Off the field, he was Marquette’s heavyweight boxing champion and set a university record in the javelin throw.

In his senior year, Cuff helped lead Marquette to a 7–1 regular season and a berth in the inaugural 1937 Cotton Bowl against TCU. His rare combination of track speed, size (6’1″, 192 lbs), and multi-sport versatility caught the attention of professional scouts, paving his way to the NFL.

NFL Career & Teams Played On

Selected by the New York Giants in the fourth round (34th overall) of the 1937 NFL Draft, Cuff quickly established himself as a star. He spent nine seasons in New York (1937–1945), serving as a wingback, running back, defensive back, and placekicker. Cuff was a primary contributor to four Eastern Division titles and the Giants’ 1938 NFL Championship victory over the Green Bay Packers.

To remain closer to his family in the Midwest, Cuff was traded in 1946 to the Chicago Cardinals, where he finished third in the NFL in scoring. He capped off his 11-year pro career playing for Curly Lambeau’s Green Bay Packers in 1947.

Football Legacy

Cuff was one of the premier iron-man, two-way stars of the single-wing era. Renowned for his versatility, he was an elite runner, receiver, defensive halfback, and perhaps the top placekicker of his time. When he left New York, he held the Giants’ franchise record for career scoring with 319 points. His contributions were permanently etched into franchise history when the New York Giants retired his No. 14 jersey.

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

Major Accolades & Awards

• NFL Champion: 1938
• NFL All-Star / Pro Bowl Selection: 3x (1938, 1939, 1941)
• All-Pro Selection: 5x Second-team (1938, 1939, 1941, 1943, 1944)
• NFL Field Goals Leader: 4x (1938, 1939, 1943, 1947)
• Franchise Honor: New York Giants No. 14 Retired

Career NFL Statistics

• Games Played: 110
• Rushing Yards: 1,851 (5.4 yards per carry)
• Receptions & Receiving Yards: 106 catches, 1,559 yards
• Total Touchdowns: 21 (7 Rushing, 13 Receiving, 1 Interception Return)
• Kicking Points: 43 Field Goals, 156 Extra Points Made (96.3% XP percentage)
• Defensive Interceptions: 13 Interceptions
• Total Career Points: 411