Benny Friedman Hall of Fame NFL

Benny Friedman was one of pro football’s earliest stars and among the game's first great passers. Playing in the late 1920s and early 1930s, Friedman brought the forward pass to life in an era dominated by the running game. He played quarterback for teams like the Cleveland Bulldogs, Detroit Wolverines, New York Giants, and Brooklyn Dodgers. His ability to throw with precision and creativity made him revolutionary for his time.

In 1929, he led the league in touchdown passes and even helped the Giants draw record crowds thanks to his exciting play. Friedman wasn’t just an athlete; he later served as a coach and athletic director, further impacting the game. Though he played only eight seasons, his influence on offensive football left a lasting legacy. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005, long after his playing days but well-deserved for his role in shaping the modern passing game.

Friedman's Awards and Honors

• 4× First-team All-Pro (1927–1930)
• 2× Second-team All-Pro (1931, 1933)
• 2× Consensus All-American (1925, 1926)
• Chicago Tribune Silver Football (1926)
• 2× First-team All-Big Ten (1925, 1926)

NFL Records

• First player in NFL history to throw 20 touchdown passes in a single season
• Led the NFL in passing touchdowns for four consecutive seasons
• Pioneered the use of the forward pass as a regular offensive weapon in the NFL
• Only quarterback to both pass for and rush for 5+ touchdowns in a season during the 1920s
• One of the earliest QBs to be considered a dual-threat

NFL Teams

Cleveland Bulldogs (1927)
Detroit Wolverines (1928)
New York Giants (1929–1931)
Brooklyn Dodgers (1932–1934)