He was born in Lonoke and starred in basketball and football in high school and at the University of Arkansas, where he also served as student body president. Following graduation from in 1937 he signed a pro contract with the New York Giants football team. During the off-season he would return to Arkansas to farm. He even served a term in the Arkansas Legislature.
A week after the Pearl Harbor attack, he joined the Marine Corps. When the war ended he returned to professional football and the New York Giants, where he was a player until 1948 and then became an assistant coach.
In 1954 he reluctantly accepted an offer to become the Giant's head coach. He hired the unknown Vince Lombardi to direct his offense and a young Tom Landry to coordinate his defense. Under his leadership the Giants won several National Football League championships. He retired from coaching the Giants in 1960 and was one of the first inductees into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.
Notable Arkansans is written by Steve Stephens and produced by Clyde Snider.
Who was this legendary football coach of the New York Giants, from Lonoke?
Answer on Page 6E
Style on 11/18/2018