fbpx
Wikipedia

Hugh McElhenny

January 05, 2023

"McElhenny" redirects here. For other people with similar names, see McElhenney and McIlhenny.

Hugh Edward McElhenny Jr. (December 31, 1928 – June 17, 2022) was an American professional football player who was a halfback in the National Football League (NFL) from 1952 to 1964 for the San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Detroit Lions. He was noted for his explosive, elusive running style and was frequently called "the King" and "Hurryin' Hugh". A member of San Francisco's famed Million Dollar Backfield and one of the franchise's most popular players, McElhenny's uniform number, No. 39, is retired by the 49ers and he is a member of the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame.

Hugh McElhenny
McElhenny in 1955
No. 39
Position:Halfback
Personal information
Born:(1928-12-31)December 31, 1928
Los Angeles, California
Died:June 17, 2022(2022-06-17) (aged 93)
Henderson, Nevada
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:Washington
(Los Angeles)
College:
NFL Draft:1952 / Round: 1 / Pick: 9
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Rushing yards:5,281
Yards per carry:4.7
Rushing touchdowns:38
Receptions:264
Receiving yards:3,247
Receiving touchdowns:20
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR
Pro Football Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame

McElhenny first rose to stardom as a standout all-around player for Compton Junior College in 1948. He then transferred to the University of Washington, where he was a two-time All-Pacific Coast Conference fullback for the Washington Huskies football team and set several school and conference records. He was drafted by the 49ers with the ninth pick in the 1952 NFL Draft, and his versatility made him an immediate star in the league, earning him five first-team All-Pro honors in his first six seasons. With the 49ers, he was selected for five Pro Bowls, and he earned a sixth Pro Bowl appearance with the Vikings. He finished his career after short stints with the Giants and Lions.

An all-around player who was a threat as a runner and a receiver and also returned kickoffs and punts, McElhenny had amassed the third most all-purpose yards of any player in NFL history when he retired. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, "Hugh McElhenny was to pro football in the 1950s and early 1960s what Elvis Presley was to rock and roll",[1] a reference to both his popularity and his nickname.

Early years and college

 
McElhenny depicted with Washington

Born on December 31, 1928[2] and raised in Los Angeles, California, Hugh McElhenny attended its George Washington High School,[3] where he set state high school records in the high and low hurdles and broad jump, and ran the 100-yard dash in 9.8 seconds.[4] He won both hurdles and the long jump at the 1947 CIF California State Meet.[5] After graduating, he attended Compton Junior College (now El Camino College Compton Center), where he was a standout on Compton's undefeated football team in 1948 that won the Junior Rose Bowl. That year, he had a 105-yard kickoff return touchdown in a game played at the University of Mexico.[6] Already being considered one of the best players in football, McElhenny drew high praise; Heisman Trophy winner Tom Harmon remarked he had "never seen such a combination of speed and size."[4] One of his Compton teammates was 1952 Olympic gold medalist Sim Iness.[6]

After a year at Compton, McElhenny attended the University of Washington in Seattle.[7] He starred as a fullback for the Washington Huskies football team, forming a prolific offensive duo with quarterback Don Heinrich in 1950.[8][9] He rushed for over 1,000 yards that season, and was the last Huskies player to eclipse that mark until 1977.[10] In a game against rival Washington State, he set school records with 296 rushing yards and five touchdowns. The 296 yards remains a school record as of 2016.[11] In three appearances against the Washington State Cougars, he rushed for 578 yards (10.1 yards per carry) and scored seven touchdowns to lead the Huskies to win the Apple Cup twice.[12]

One of McElhenny's celebrated plays at Husky Stadium was an uncommon 100-yard punt return against USC in 1951.[13][14][15] The following week, he successfully kicked nine out of nine extra points in a 63–6 blowout over Oregon.[16] He was a first-team All-Pacific Coast Conference (PCC) selection in both 1950 and 1951,[17][18] and was selected for the Associated Press (AP) 1951 All-America team as a fullback. Following his senior season he played in a regional college all-star game.[19] McElhenny led the team in rushing in each of his three seasons and set 16 school records, including season (1,107) and career (2,499) rushing yards.[20][11]

Professional career

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers selected McElhenny in the first round, with the ninth overall selection, of the 1952 NFL Draft.[21] His first play as a professional was a 40-yard touchdown run which had been drawn in the dirt because he had not yet learned the team's playbook.[22] He recorded the season's longest run from scrimmage (89 yards), the longest punt return (94 yards), and the top rushing average (7.0 yards per carry). He was unanimously recognized as the season's top rookie.[23][24]

McElhenny was also an asset in the receiving game, becoming a favorite target of quarterback Y. A. Tittle on screen passes.[25] His versatility drew praise from opposing coaches, including George Halas of the Chicago Bears and Steve Owen of the New York Giants.[26] Former Bears quarterback Johnny Lujack lauded McElhenny as "the best running back I have seen in a long, long time."[21] Also noted was his vision; he had an uncanny ability of seeing and reacting to tacklers in his peripheral vision.[27] "If you ever watched McElhenny", explained Washington State coach Jim Sutherland, "you'd think he had eyes on the back of his head. I've seen him cut away from a tackler that 99 percent of the backs wouldn't even have seen. It wasn't instinct—he just saw the guy, out of the corner of his eye."[28] McElhenny described his playing style as such:

My attitude carrying the ball was fear—not a fear of getting hurt but a fear of getting caught from behind and taken down and embarrassing myself and my teammates.[29]

McElhenny repeated as a Pro Bowler for 1953, joining his backfield teammates, Tittle and fullback Joe Perry.[30] In 1954, with the addition of halfback John Henry Johnson, the 49ers formed their famed "Million Dollar Backfield" of McElhenny, Tittle, Perry, and Johnson.[31] The team had championship aspirations, but McElhenny separated his shoulder against the Bears in the sixth game, ending his season. The offense struggled without McElhenny in the lineup. Before the injury, he led the league with 515 rushing yards and an 8.0 yards-per-carry average.[32] He still managed to make the AP's second-team All-Pro team and was a first-team selection by the New York Daily News.[33]

After a down year in 1955 for the 49ers and for McElhenny, he had his most productive rushing season statistically in 1956, picking up 916 yards and eight touchdowns. He was invited to his third Pro Bowl.[34] John Henry Johnson was traded prior to the 1957 season, which broke up the Million Dollar Backfield. Led by McElhenny and Tittle, the 49ers finished the 1957 regular season tied for the Western Conference title with the Detroit Lions. In the Western Conference tiebreaker, McElhenny carried 14 times for 82 yards and caught six passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, but the Lions won with a comeback victory to advance to the 1957 NFL Championship Game.[35] Following the season, McElhenny was invited to the 1958 Pro Bowl and was named the player of the game.[36]

After another Pro Bowl year in 1958, injuries over the next two seasons hampered his production. The 49ers placed the 32-year-old McElhenny on the 1961 NFL expansion draft list.[37]

Minnesota Vikings

McElhenny joined the newly formed Vikings in 1961 through the expansion draft.[37] That year, he led the team in rushing and had seven total touchdowns, including his first punt return touchdown since his rookie season.[38] He was invited to his sixth Pro Bowl following the season.[39] In his second season with the Vikings in 1962, he was held scoreless for the first time in his career. The Vikings then looked to part ways with McElhenny as the team turned to an emphasis on youth. He described his time with the Vikings as a "dead end street," since he "didn't fit into their plans for the future."[40]

New York Giants and Detroit Lions

The Vikings traded McElhenny to the Giants in July 1963 for two draft choices and player to be named later.[41][42] The trade reunited him with Tittle, who had been traded to the Giants two seasons earlier.[25] On the reunion, McElhenny responded that it was "great to be with a winner," and he played with renewed enthusiasm.[40] The Giants made it to the 1963 NFL Championship Game, where McElhenny carried nine times for 17 yards, had two receptions for 20 yards, and had a 47-yard kickoff return in the 14–10 loss to the Bears.[43] He was released by New York during training camp in 1964,[44] and he was soon picked up by the Detroit Lions,[45] for whom he appeared in eight games before retiring after the season.[46]

Legacy

McElhenny gained 11,375 all-purpose yards in his 13-year career and retired as one of just three players to eclipse 11,000 yards.[47] He was nicknamed "The King" while with the 49ers because he was "the most feared running back in the NFL."[48] 49ers quarterback Frankie Albert gave him the nickname in the locker room following McElhenny's fourth game as a rookie, in which he returned a punt 96 yards for a touchdown against the Bears.[49]

He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970, an honor he described as the highlight of his life.[29] Others inducted in the class were contemporaries Jack Christiansen, Tom Fears, and Pete Pihos.[50] His jersey number 39 is retired by the 49ers, and by virtue of his membership in the pro hall of fame, he was automatically inducted as a charter member of the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame in 2009.[51] NFL Network ranked him the fourth most elusive runner of all time in 2007.[52]

McElhenny was inducted into State of Washington Sports Hall of Fame in 1963 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981.[53][47] In 1979, he became one of ten inaugural members inducted into the University of Washington Husky Hall of Fame in 1979.[54][2] As of 2016, his 12 rushing touchdowns in 1950 and 13 in 1951 both remain in the top ten all-time for a Washington player in a single season, and his 28 career rushing touchdowns tie him for sixth in school history.[11]

On January 20, 1985, McElhenny participated in the opening coin toss at Super Bowl XIX at Stanford Stadium, along with U.S. President Ronald Reagan, who participated by video feed from the White House after having been sworn into his second term of office earlier that day.[29]

Improper benefits

After denying rumors for decades, in 2004 McElhenny confirmed that he received improper financial benefits from the University of Washington during his time there, which included a $300 monthly check.[3] Per NCAA rules, the most a college can offer an athlete is a summer job and a scholarship covering boarding and tuition.[55] A popular (albeit usually jocular) spin on the rumor was that McElhenny essentially took a pay cut when he left the university to play for the 49ers.[7][56][57] This was not entirely untrue; all payments accounted for, including legitimate ones, McElhenny claimed he and his wife received a combined $10,000 a year while at Washington—with the 49ers, his rookie salary was worth $7,000.[3]

Personal and later life

After retiring as a player, McElhenny served as a color commentator on 49ers radio broadcasts from 1966 to 1972. In 1971, he signed a contract with a group called the Seattle Sea Lions in hopes of bringing an NFL franchise to Seattle.[58] He proactively named himself general manager of the non-existent "Seattle Kings" in May 1972,[59][60] and the next year the franchise gained the backing of entrepreneur Edward Nixon, brother of president Richard Nixon.[61] However, McElhenny's plans fell through, as the Seattle Seahawks were founded in 1974.[48]

 
McElhenny at a sports card show in 2014

McElhenny was related to the McIlhenny family of Louisiana, the makers of Tabasco sauce.[62] In his later life, McElhenny was diagnosed with a rare nerve disorder called Guillain–Barré syndrome, which almost killed him. He was temporarily paralyzed from the neck down and had to use a walker for a year.[3][22]

McElhenny died at his home in Henderson, Nevada, on June 17, 2022.[12][63][64][65]

See also

References

  1. ^ . History Release. Pro Football Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on March 10, 2010. Retrieved October 17, 2016.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  2. ^ a b "UW Football Mourns Passing Of Husky Legend Hugh McElhenny". University of Washington Athletics. June 23, 2022. from the original on June 23, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  3. ^ a b c d Raley, Dan (September 1, 2004). "The untold story of Hugh McElhenny, the King of Montlake". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved February 29, 2016.
  4. ^ a b Grayson, Harry (December 1, 1948). "Compton College grid star one of best in nation". The Bend Bulletin. Newspaper Enterprise Association. p. 3. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  5. ^ "California State Meet Results – 1915 to present". from the original on October 11, 2019. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
  6. ^ a b Wagner, Dick (December 29, 1988). "Compton Gridders Relive Triumph in '48 Little Rose Bowl". Los Angeles Times. from the original on October 26, 2015. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  7. ^ a b "Saturday Heroes". Eugene Register-Guard. September 12, 1958. p. 8A. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
  8. ^ "Two Huskies Top Gainers". Ellensburg Daily Record. Associated Press. October 26, 1950. p. 6. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  9. ^ "Huskies to get JC's grid star". Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. Associated Press. February 2, 1949. p. 15. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  10. ^ "Washington tailback may miss Rose Bowl". Star-News. Associated Press. December 29, 1977. p. 4-D. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  11. ^ a b c "2016 Media Guide" (PDF). gohuskies.com. University of Washington Athletics. pp. 96–99. (PDF) from the original on October 18, 2016. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  12. ^ a b Vorel, Mike (June 23, 2022). "Legendary UW halfback and Hall of Famer Hugh McElhenny — the Apple Cup king — dies at 93". The Seattle Times. from the original on June 23, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  13. ^ Few punts are caught near one's own goal line, as the returner usually opts for the probable touchback; those that are caught are rarely returned for significant yardage.
  14. ^ "Southern Cal defense stops Huskies, 20–13". Eugene Register-Guard. Oregon. United Press. October 7, 1951. p. 13. from the original on March 12, 2016. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  15. ^ Eskanzi, David (October 4, 2011). "Wayback Machine: McElhenny's 100-yard return". Sports Press Northwest. from the original on April 16, 2016. Retrieved February 29, 2016.
  16. ^ Strite, Dick (October 28, 1960). "Highclimber". Eugene Register-Guard. p. 2B. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  17. ^ "Coast Stars Named By Platoon System". Idaho State Journal. December 5, 1950. p. 6. from the original on November 18, 2015. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
  18. ^ "All-Pacific Coast Team". Nevada State Journal. November 28, 1951. p. 11. from the original on August 18, 2016. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
  19. ^ "McElhenny Stars In Bellingham All-Star Game". Ellensburg Daily Record. Associated Press. December 10, 1951. p. 6. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  20. ^ "Player Bio: Hugh McElhenny – University of Washington Official Athletic Site". gohuskies.com. University of Washington. from the original on September 19, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  21. ^ a b "Hugh McElhenny Rates a "Rookie of Year" Tag". Spokane Daily Chronicle. United Press. October 21, 1952. p. 19. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  22. ^ a b Graham, Tim (January 29, 1999). "Hall of Famer Hugh McElhenny has seen NFL endure big chance". Las Vegas Sun. from the original on September 21, 2016. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  23. ^ Hugh McElhenny Pro Football Hall of Fame Bio August 30, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved September 5, 2016.
  24. ^ Eck, Frank (January 9, 1963). "Five Lions Are Honored; Hugh McElhenny Is Named Top Rookie Of '52 Season". The Clarion-Ledger. Associated Press. p. 8. from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 3, 2016.
  25. ^ a b "Giants Reunite Passing Combo". Toledo Blade. Associated Press. July 18, 1963. p. 32. from the original on May 11, 2017. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
  26. ^ Wright, Earl (November 21, 1952). "Rookies Making Good in Ranks Of Pro Gridders". The Bulletin. United Press. p. 9. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
  27. ^ Wood, Hal (October 21, 1952). "Hugh McElhenny, Matson Compete For Pro Honors". The Bulletin. United Press. p. 2. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  28. ^ "Cougar Backs Work On 'Wide Screen Vision'". St. Petersburg Times. Associated Press. May 22, 1957. p. 20. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  29. ^ a b c Roberts, Rich (January 20, 1985). "The King and the President: Hugh McElhenny will assist Reagan with the coin toss". Los Angeles Times. from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved February 29, 2016.
  30. ^ "Grid Rivalries Renewed Today In Pro Bowl". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Associated Press. January 17, 1954. p. 13. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  31. ^ Tameta, Andre (May 22, 2009). . Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on June 9, 2011. Retrieved August 14, 2016.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  32. ^ "Shoulder Injuries Fell Stars, Reshuffle Pro Grid Standings". Daytona Beach Morning Journal. Associated Press. November 20, 1954. p. 9. from the original on May 11, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2016.
  33. ^ "1954 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. from the original on September 8, 2016. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  34. ^ "West Favored In Pro Bowl". Sunday Herald. United Press. January 13, 1957. p. 33. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  35. ^ Stevenson, Jack (December 23, 1957). "Another Amazing Comeback Gives Lions 31–27 Victory". Ludington Daily News. Associated Press. p. 10. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  36. ^ "West Rips East, 26–7 In Pro Bowl". Eugene Register-Guard. Associated Press. January 13, 1958. p. 2B. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  37. ^ a b "McElhenny Signs with the Vikings". The Lewiston Daily Sun. Associated Press. May 17, 1961. p. 12. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  38. ^ Rhinehart, Andy (February 15, 1995). "Expansion draft isn't a gold mine". Herald-Journal. p. D2. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  39. ^ "8 Packers'll Play For West In All-Star Pro Bowl Tangle". Prescott Evening Courier. United Press International. December 20, 1961. p. 7. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
  40. ^ a b Daley, Arthur (August 25, 1963). "Found: Fountain Of Youth". St. Petersburg Times. p. 4-C. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  41. ^ "McElhenny to Giants". Milwaukee Sentinel. UPI. July 18, 1963. p. 2, part 2.
  42. ^ "McElhenny joins Giants after trade". Eugene Register-Guard. Associated Press. July 18, 1963. p. 13D. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2017.
  43. ^ "New York Giants at Chicago Bears – December 29th, 1963". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. from the original on September 14, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  44. ^ Richman, Milton (August 28, 1964). "Heavy-hearted McElhenny says goodby [sic] to Giants". Wilmington Morning Star. p. 15. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2017.
  45. ^ "Detroit Lions sign McElhenny". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Associated Press. September 5, 1964. p. 10. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  46. ^ "Hugh McElhenny honored at fete". Toledo Blade. Associated Press. April 1, 1965. p. 42. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2017.
  47. ^ a b Dave Blevins (December 23, 2011). The Sports Hall of Fame Encyclopedia: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Hockey, Soccer. Scarecrow Press. pp. 654–. ISBN 978-1-4616-7370-5.
  48. ^ a b "'The King' But not at the bank, says Hugh McElhenny". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. November 8, 1979. p. 22. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  49. ^ Hession, Joseph (1986). "Hugh McElhenny: The King" (PDF). The Coffin Corner. 8 (4). (PDF) from the original on September 8, 2015. Retrieved October 17, 2016.
  50. ^ Skinner, John R. (August 9, 1970). "Four inducted in fame hall". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. p. 13. from the original on March 12, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  51. ^ "49ers Announce Edward DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame". San Francisco 49ers. May 12, 2009. from the original on September 16, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  52. ^ "Top Ten Elusive Runners: Hugh McElhenny" (video). NFL.com. NFL Network. from the original on September 21, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  53. ^ . washingtonsportshof.com. State of Washington Sports Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on March 11, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  54. ^ "Husky Hall Of Fame Inductees by Class". static.gohuskies.com. University of Washington Husky Hall of Fame. from the original on January 14, 2017. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  55. ^ Dupree, David (November 10, 1970). "Paper Says Gridders Lured Improperly". The Free Lance-Star. p. 11. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
  56. ^ Talbot, Gayle (October 16, 1953). "Cravath Tells Grid Secrets". Eugene Register-Guard. Associated Press. p. 3B. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
  57. ^ "Hugh McElhenny Denies Charges Of 'Free Ride'". Toledo Blade. Associated Press. February 17, 1956. p. 32. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
  58. ^ "McElhenny Gets Contract". The Evening Independent. Associated Press. December 18, 1971. p. 3-C. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  59. ^ "Pro Football Expansion Hopefuls Join Hands". Lakeland Ledger. Associated Press. May 21, 1972. p. 2B. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  60. ^ "Are The Seattle Kings For Real?". Beaver County Times. August 14, 1972. p. B-3. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  61. ^ "Nixon's brother buys". Ellensburg Daily Record. United Press International. March 16, 1973. p. 3. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  62. ^ Belson, Ken (February 5, 2013). "Tabasco's ties to football burn deep". The New York Times. from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved February 29, 2016.
  63. ^ Goldstein, Richard (June 23, 2022). "Hugh McElhenny, Elusive Hall of Fame Halfback, Is Dead at 93". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. from the original on June 24, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  64. ^ "Hall of Fame halfback Hugh McElhenny dies at age 93". ESPN. June 23, 2022. from the original on June 23, 2022. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
  65. ^ "Hugh McElhenny, Hall of Fame halfback with 49ers, dies at 93". NFL.com. June 23, 2022. from the original on June 23, 2022. Retrieved June 23, 2022.

Further reading

  • Sullivan, George (1972). The Great Running Backs. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. pp. 85–93. ISBN 0-399-11026-7.

External links

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hugh McElhenny.


January 05, 2023
hugh, mcelhenny, mcelhenny, redirects, here, other, people, with, similar, names, mcelhenney, mcilhenny, hugh, edward, mcelhenny, december, 1928, june, 2022, american, professional, football, player, halfback, national, football, league, from, 1952, 1964, fran. McElhenny redirects here For other people with similar names see McElhenney and McIlhenny Hugh Edward McElhenny Jr December 31 1928 June 17 2022 was an American professional football player who was a halfback in the National Football League NFL from 1952 to 1964 for the San Francisco 49ers Minnesota Vikings New York Giants and Detroit Lions He was noted for his explosive elusive running style and was frequently called the King and Hurryin Hugh A member of San Francisco s famed Million Dollar Backfield and one of the franchise s most popular players McElhenny s uniform number No 39 is retired by the 49ers and he is a member of the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame Hugh McElhennyMcElhenny in 1955No 39Position HalfbackPersonal informationBorn 1928 12 31 December 31 1928Los Angeles CaliforniaDied June 17 2022 2022 06 17 aged 93 Henderson NevadaHeight 6 ft 1 in 1 85 m Weight 195 lb 88 kg Career informationHigh school Washington Los Angeles College Compton JC 1948 Washington 1949 1951 NFL Draft 1952 Round 1 Pick 9Career historySan Francisco 49ers 1952 1960 Minnesota Vikings 1961 1962 New York Giants 1963 Detroit Lions 1964 Career highlights and awards5 First team All Pro 1952 1954 1956 1957 6 Pro Bowl 1952 1953 1956 1958 1961 NFL 1950s All Decade Team San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame San Francisco 49ers No 39 retired First team All American 1951 2 First team All Pacific Coast 1950 1951 Career NFL statisticsRushing yards 5 281Yards per carry 4 7Rushing touchdowns 38Receptions 264Receiving yards 3 247Receiving touchdowns 20Player stats at NFL com PFRPro Football Hall of FameCollege Football Hall of FameMcElhenny first rose to stardom as a standout all around player for Compton Junior College in 1948 He then transferred to the University of Washington where he was a two time All Pacific Coast Conference fullback for the Washington Huskies football team and set several school and conference records He was drafted by the 49ers with the ninth pick in the 1952 NFL Draft and his versatility made him an immediate star in the league earning him five first team All Pro honors in his first six seasons With the 49ers he was selected for five Pro Bowls and he earned a sixth Pro Bowl appearance with the Vikings He finished his career after short stints with the Giants and Lions An all around player who was a threat as a runner and a receiver and also returned kickoffs and punts McElhenny had amassed the third most all purpose yards of any player in NFL history when he retired He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981 According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Hugh McElhenny was to pro football in the 1950s and early 1960s what Elvis Presley was to rock and roll 1 a reference to both his popularity and his nickname Contents 1 Early years and college 2 Professional career 2 1 San Francisco 49ers 2 2 Minnesota Vikings 2 3 New York Giants and Detroit Lions 3 Legacy 3 1 Improper benefits 4 Personal and later life 5 See also 6 References 7 Further reading 8 External linksEarly years and college Edit McElhenny depicted with Washington Born on December 31 1928 2 and raised in Los Angeles California Hugh McElhenny attended its George Washington High School 3 where he set state high school records in the high and low hurdles and broad jump and ran the 100 yard dash in 9 8 seconds 4 He won both hurdles and the long jump at the 1947 CIF California State Meet 5 After graduating he attended Compton Junior College now El Camino College Compton Center where he was a standout on Compton s undefeated football team in 1948 that won the Junior Rose Bowl That year he had a 105 yard kickoff return touchdown in a game played at the University of Mexico 6 Already being considered one of the best players in football McElhenny drew high praise Heisman Trophy winner Tom Harmon remarked he had never seen such a combination of speed and size 4 One of his Compton teammates was 1952 Olympic gold medalist Sim Iness 6 After a year at Compton McElhenny attended the University of Washington in Seattle 7 He starred as a fullback for the Washington Huskies football team forming a prolific offensive duo with quarterback Don Heinrich in 1950 8 9 He rushed for over 1 000 yards that season and was the last Huskies player to eclipse that mark until 1977 10 In a game against rival Washington State he set school records with 296 rushing yards and five touchdowns The 296 yards remains a school record as of 2016 11 In three appearances against the Washington State Cougars he rushed for 578 yards 10 1 yards per carry and scored seven touchdowns to lead the Huskies to win the Apple Cup twice 12 One of McElhenny s celebrated plays at Husky Stadium was an uncommon 100 yard punt return against USC in 1951 13 14 15 The following week he successfully kicked nine out of nine extra points in a 63 6 blowout over Oregon 16 He was a first team All Pacific Coast Conference PCC selection in both 1950 and 1951 17 18 and was selected for the Associated Press AP 1951 All America team as a fullback Following his senior season he played in a regional college all star game 19 McElhenny led the team in rushing in each of his three seasons and set 16 school records including season 1 107 and career 2 499 rushing yards 20 11 Professional career EditSan Francisco 49ers Edit The San Francisco 49ers selected McElhenny in the first round with the ninth overall selection of the 1952 NFL Draft 21 His first play as a professional was a 40 yard touchdown run which had been drawn in the dirt because he had not yet learned the team s playbook 22 He recorded the season s longest run from scrimmage 89 yards the longest punt return 94 yards and the top rushing average 7 0 yards per carry He was unanimously recognized as the season s top rookie 23 24 McElhenny was also an asset in the receiving game becoming a favorite target of quarterback Y A Tittle on screen passes 25 His versatility drew praise from opposing coaches including George Halas of the Chicago Bears and Steve Owen of the New York Giants 26 Former Bears quarterback Johnny Lujack lauded McElhenny as the best running back I have seen in a long long time 21 Also noted was his vision he had an uncanny ability of seeing and reacting to tacklers in his peripheral vision 27 If you ever watched McElhenny explained Washington State coach Jim Sutherland you d think he had eyes on the back of his head I ve seen him cut away from a tackler that 99 percent of the backs wouldn t even have seen It wasn t instinct he just saw the guy out of the corner of his eye 28 McElhenny described his playing style as such My attitude carrying the ball was fear not a fear of getting hurt but a fear of getting caught from behind and taken down and embarrassing myself and my teammates 29 McElhenny repeated as a Pro Bowler for 1953 joining his backfield teammates Tittle and fullback Joe Perry 30 In 1954 with the addition of halfback John Henry Johnson the 49ers formed their famed Million Dollar Backfield of McElhenny Tittle Perry and Johnson 31 The team had championship aspirations but McElhenny separated his shoulder against the Bears in the sixth game ending his season The offense struggled without McElhenny in the lineup Before the injury he led the league with 515 rushing yards and an 8 0 yards per carry average 32 He still managed to make the AP s second team All Pro team and was a first team selection by the New York Daily News 33 After a down year in 1955 for the 49ers and for McElhenny he had his most productive rushing season statistically in 1956 picking up 916 yards and eight touchdowns He was invited to his third Pro Bowl 34 John Henry Johnson was traded prior to the 1957 season which broke up the Million Dollar Backfield Led by McElhenny and Tittle the 49ers finished the 1957 regular season tied for the Western Conference title with the Detroit Lions In the Western Conference tiebreaker McElhenny carried 14 times for 82 yards and caught six passes for 96 yards and a touchdown but the Lions won with a comeback victory to advance to the 1957 NFL Championship Game 35 Following the season McElhenny was invited to the 1958 Pro Bowl and was named the player of the game 36 After another Pro Bowl year in 1958 injuries over the next two seasons hampered his production The 49ers placed the 32 year old McElhenny on the 1961 NFL expansion draft list 37 Minnesota Vikings Edit McElhenny joined the newly formed Vikings in 1961 through the expansion draft 37 That year he led the team in rushing and had seven total touchdowns including his first punt return touchdown since his rookie season 38 He was invited to his sixth Pro Bowl following the season 39 In his second season with the Vikings in 1962 he was held scoreless for the first time in his career The Vikings then looked to part ways with McElhenny as the team turned to an emphasis on youth He described his time with the Vikings as a dead end street since he didn t fit into their plans for the future 40 New York Giants and Detroit Lions Edit The Vikings traded McElhenny to the Giants in July 1963 for two draft choices and player to be named later 41 42 The trade reunited him with Tittle who had been traded to the Giants two seasons earlier 25 On the reunion McElhenny responded that it was great to be with a winner and he played with renewed enthusiasm 40 The Giants made it to the 1963 NFL Championship Game where McElhenny carried nine times for 17 yards had two receptions for 20 yards and had a 47 yard kickoff return in the 14 10 loss to the Bears 43 He was released by New York during training camp in 1964 44 and he was soon picked up by the Detroit Lions 45 for whom he appeared in eight games before retiring after the season 46 Legacy EditMcElhenny gained 11 375 all purpose yards in his 13 year career and retired as one of just three players to eclipse 11 000 yards 47 He was nicknamed The King while with the 49ers because he was the most feared running back in the NFL 48 49ers quarterback Frankie Albert gave him the nickname in the locker room following McElhenny s fourth game as a rookie in which he returned a punt 96 yards for a touchdown against the Bears 49 He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970 an honor he described as the highlight of his life 29 Others inducted in the class were contemporaries Jack Christiansen Tom Fears and Pete Pihos 50 His jersey number 39 is retired by the 49ers and by virtue of his membership in the pro hall of fame he was automatically inducted as a charter member of the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame in 2009 51 NFL Network ranked him the fourth most elusive runner of all time in 2007 52 McElhenny was inducted into State of Washington Sports Hall of Fame in 1963 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981 53 47 In 1979 he became one of ten inaugural members inducted into the University of Washington Husky Hall of Fame in 1979 54 2 As of 2016 his 12 rushing touchdowns in 1950 and 13 in 1951 both remain in the top ten all time for a Washington player in a single season and his 28 career rushing touchdowns tie him for sixth in school history 11 On January 20 1985 McElhenny participated in the opening coin toss at Super Bowl XIX at Stanford Stadium along with U S President Ronald Reagan who participated by video feed from the White House after having been sworn into his second term of office earlier that day 29 Improper benefits Edit After denying rumors for decades in 2004 McElhenny confirmed that he received improper financial benefits from the University of Washington during his time there which included a 300 monthly check 3 Per NCAA rules the most a college can offer an athlete is a summer job and a scholarship covering boarding and tuition 55 A popular albeit usually jocular spin on the rumor was that McElhenny essentially took a pay cut when he left the university to play for the 49ers 7 56 57 This was not entirely untrue all payments accounted for including legitimate ones McElhenny claimed he and his wife received a combined 10 000 a year while at Washington with the 49ers his rookie salary was worth 7 000 3 Personal and later life EditAfter retiring as a player McElhenny served as a color commentator on 49ers radio broadcasts from 1966 to 1972 In 1971 he signed a contract with a group called the Seattle Sea Lions in hopes of bringing an NFL franchise to Seattle 58 He proactively named himself general manager of the non existent Seattle Kings in May 1972 59 60 and the next year the franchise gained the backing of entrepreneur Edward Nixon brother of president Richard Nixon 61 However McElhenny s plans fell through as the Seattle Seahawks were founded in 1974 48 McElhenny at a sports card show in 2014 McElhenny was related to the McIlhenny family of Louisiana the makers of Tabasco sauce 62 In his later life McElhenny was diagnosed with a rare nerve disorder called Guillain Barre syndrome which almost killed him He was temporarily paralyzed from the neck down and had to use a walker for a year 3 22 McElhenny died at his home in Henderson Nevada on June 17 2022 12 63 64 65 See also EditWashington Huskies football statistical leadersReferences Edit The 1950s and The King History Release Pro Football Hall of Fame Archived from the original on March 10 2010 Retrieved October 17 2016 a href Template Cite news html title Template Cite news cite news a CS1 maint bot original URL status unknown link a b UW Football Mourns Passing Of Husky Legend Hugh McElhenny University of Washington Athletics June 23 2022 Archived from the original on June 23 2022 Retrieved June 24 2022 a b c d Raley Dan September 1 2004 The untold story of Hugh McElhenny the King of Montlake Seattle Post Intelligencer Archived from the original on March 3 2016 Retrieved February 29 2016 a b Grayson Harry December 1 1948 Compton College grid star one of best in nation The Bend Bulletin Newspaper Enterprise Association p 3 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 11 2016 California State Meet Results 1915 to present Archived from the original on October 11 2019 Retrieved July 30 2017 a b Wagner Dick December 29 1988 Compton Gridders Relive Triumph in 48 Little Rose Bowl Los Angeles Times Archived from the original on October 26 2015 Retrieved September 11 2016 a b Saturday Heroes Eugene Register Guard September 12 1958 p 8A Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 12 2016 Two Huskies Top Gainers Ellensburg Daily Record Associated Press October 26 1950 p 6 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 9 2016 Huskies to get JC s grid star Spokesman Review Spokane Washington Associated Press February 2 1949 p 15 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved May 2 2016 Washington tailback may miss Rose Bowl Star News Associated Press December 29 1977 p 4 D Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 9 2016 a b c 2016 Media Guide PDF gohuskies com University of Washington Athletics pp 96 99 Archived PDF from the original on October 18 2016 Retrieved September 9 2016 a b Vorel Mike June 23 2022 Legendary UW halfback and Hall of Famer Hugh McElhenny the Apple Cup king dies at 93 The Seattle Times Archived from the original on June 23 2022 Retrieved June 24 2022 Few punts are caught near one s own goal line as the returner usually opts for the probable touchback those that are caught are rarely returned for significant yardage Southern Cal defense stops Huskies 20 13 Eugene Register Guard Oregon United Press October 7 1951 p 13 Archived from the original on March 12 2016 Retrieved March 1 2016 Eskanzi David October 4 2011 Wayback Machine McElhenny s 100 yard return Sports Press Northwest Archived from the original on April 16 2016 Retrieved February 29 2016 Strite Dick October 28 1960 Highclimber Eugene Register Guard p 2B Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 10 2016 Coast Stars Named By Platoon System Idaho State Journal December 5 1950 p 6 Archived from the original on November 18 2015 Retrieved September 12 2016 All Pacific Coast Team Nevada State Journal November 28 1951 p 11 Archived from the original on August 18 2016 Retrieved September 12 2016 McElhenny Stars In Bellingham All Star Game Ellensburg Daily Record Associated Press December 10 1951 p 6 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 9 2016 Player Bio Hugh McElhenny University of Washington Official Athletic Site gohuskies com University of Washington Archived from the original on September 19 2016 Retrieved September 13 2016 a b Hugh McElhenny Rates a Rookie of Year Tag Spokane Daily Chronicle United Press October 21 1952 p 19 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 8 2016 a b Graham Tim January 29 1999 Hall of Famer Hugh McElhenny has seen NFL endure big chance Las Vegas Sun Archived from the original on September 21 2016 Retrieved September 9 2016 Hugh McElhenny Pro Football Hall of Fame Bio Archived August 30 2016 at the Wayback Machine Pro Football Hall of Fame Retrieved September 5 2016 Eck Frank January 9 1963 Five Lions Are Honored Hugh McElhenny Is Named Top Rookie Of 52 Season The Clarion Ledger Associated Press p 8 Archived from the original on December 20 2016 Retrieved December 3 2016 a b Giants Reunite Passing Combo Toledo Blade Associated Press July 18 1963 p 32 Archived from the original on May 11 2017 Retrieved September 4 2016 Wright Earl November 21 1952 Rookies Making Good in Ranks Of Pro Gridders The Bulletin United Press p 9 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 4 2016 Wood Hal October 21 1952 Hugh McElhenny Matson Compete For Pro Honors The Bulletin United Press p 2 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 14 2016 Cougar Backs Work On Wide Screen Vision St Petersburg Times Associated Press May 22 1957 p 20 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 14 2016 a b c Roberts Rich January 20 1985 The King and the President Hugh McElhenny will assist Reagan with the coin toss Los Angeles Times Archived from the original on May 10 2017 Retrieved February 29 2016 Grid Rivalries Renewed Today In Pro Bowl Sarasota Herald Tribune Associated Press January 17 1954 p 13 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 8 2016 Tameta Andre May 22 2009 San Francisco s Million Dollar Backfield The 49ers Fabulous Foursome Bleacher Report Archived from the original on June 9 2011 Retrieved August 14 2016 a href Template Cite news html title Template Cite news cite news a CS1 maint bot original URL status unknown link Shoulder Injuries Fell Stars Reshuffle Pro Grid Standings Daytona Beach Morning Journal Associated Press November 20 1954 p 9 Archived from the original on May 11 2017 Retrieved August 14 2016 1954 NFL All Pros Pro Football Reference com Sports Reference LLC Archived from the original on September 8 2016 Retrieved September 9 2016 West Favored In Pro Bowl Sunday Herald United Press January 13 1957 p 33 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 9 2016 Stevenson Jack December 23 1957 Another Amazing Comeback Gives Lions 31 27 Victory Ludington Daily News Associated Press p 10 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved August 16 2016 West Rips East 26 7 In Pro Bowl Eugene Register Guard Associated Press January 13 1958 p 2B Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 9 2016 a b McElhenny Signs with the Vikings The Lewiston Daily Sun Associated Press May 17 1961 p 12 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 10 2016 Rhinehart Andy February 15 1995 Expansion draft isn t a gold mine Herald Journal p D2 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 10 2016 8 Packers ll Play For West In All Star Pro Bowl Tangle Prescott Evening Courier United Press International December 20 1961 p 7 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 4 2016 a b Daley Arthur August 25 1963 Found Fountain Of Youth St Petersburg Times p 4 C Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 8 2016 McElhenny to Giants Milwaukee Sentinel UPI July 18 1963 p 2 part 2 McElhenny joins Giants after trade Eugene Register Guard Associated Press July 18 1963 p 13D Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved April 1 2017 New York Giants at Chicago Bears December 29th 1963 Pro Football Reference com Sports Reference LLC Archived from the original on September 14 2016 Retrieved September 10 2016 Richman Milton August 28 1964 Heavy hearted McElhenny says goodby sic to Giants Wilmington Morning Star p 15 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved April 1 2017 Detroit Lions sign McElhenny Pittsburgh Post Gazette Associated Press September 5 1964 p 10 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved May 2 2016 Hugh McElhenny honored at fete Toledo Blade Associated Press April 1 1965 p 42 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved April 1 2017 a b Dave Blevins December 23 2011 The Sports Hall of Fame Encyclopedia Baseball Basketball Football Hockey Soccer Scarecrow Press pp 654 ISBN 978 1 4616 7370 5 a b The King But not at the bank says Hugh McElhenny The Tuscaloosa News Associated Press November 8 1979 p 22 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 10 2016 Hession Joseph 1986 Hugh McElhenny The King PDF The Coffin Corner 8 4 Archived PDF from the original on September 8 2015 Retrieved October 17 2016 Skinner John R August 9 1970 Four inducted in fame hall The Tuscaloosa News Associated Press p 13 Archived from the original on March 12 2016 Retrieved September 10 2016 49ers Announce Edward DeBartolo Sr 49ers Hall of Fame San Francisco 49ers May 12 2009 Archived from the original on September 16 2016 Retrieved September 13 2016 Top Ten Elusive Runners Hugh McElhenny video NFL com NFL Network Archived from the original on September 21 2016 Retrieved September 13 2016 State of Washington Sports Hall of Fame Football washingtonsportshof com State of Washington Sports Hall of Fame Archived from the original on March 11 2016 Retrieved September 14 2016 Husky Hall Of Fame Inductees by Class static gohuskies com University of Washington Husky Hall of Fame Archived from the original on January 14 2017 Retrieved June 24 2022 Dupree David November 10 1970 Paper Says Gridders Lured Improperly The Free Lance Star p 11 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 12 2016 Talbot Gayle October 16 1953 Cravath Tells Grid Secrets Eugene Register Guard Associated Press p 3B Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 12 2016 Hugh McElhenny Denies Charges Of Free Ride Toledo Blade Associated Press February 17 1956 p 32 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 12 2016 McElhenny Gets Contract The Evening Independent Associated Press December 18 1971 p 3 C Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 10 2016 Pro Football Expansion Hopefuls Join Hands Lakeland Ledger Associated Press May 21 1972 p 2B Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 10 2016 Are The Seattle Kings For Real Beaver County Times August 14 1972 p B 3 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 10 2016 Nixon s brother buys Ellensburg Daily Record United Press International March 16 1973 p 3 Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved September 10 2016 Belson Ken February 5 2013 Tabasco s ties to football burn deep The New York Times Archived from the original on November 6 2021 Retrieved February 29 2016 Goldstein Richard June 23 2022 Hugh McElhenny Elusive Hall of Fame Halfback Is Dead at 93 The New York Times ISSN 0362 4331 Archived from the original on June 24 2022 Retrieved June 24 2022 Hall of Fame halfback Hugh McElhenny dies at age 93 ESPN June 23 2022 Archived from the original on June 23 2022 Retrieved June 23 2022 Hugh McElhenny Hall of Fame halfback with 49ers dies at 93 NFL com June 23 2022 Archived from the original on June 23 2022 Retrieved June 23 2022 Further reading EditSullivan George 1972 The Great Running Backs New York G P Putnam s Sons pp 85 93 ISBN 0 399 11026 7 External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hugh McElhenny Hugh McElhenny at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Hugh McElhenny at the College Football Hall of Fame Career statistics and player information from NFL com Pro Football Reference Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Hugh McElhenny amp oldid 1113754936, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.