Cliff Battles
Inducted:
1968
Player Stats
Stats:
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
195 lb (88 kg)
Born:
May 1, 1910
Akron, Ohio, U.S.
Died:
April 28, 1981
Clearwater, Florida, U.S.
Position:
Tailback
College:
West Virginia Wesleyan (1928–1931)
Cliff Battles was a pioneering NFL halfback whose dynamic play helped shape the early years of professional football. Joining the Boston Braves in 1932 (later the Redskins), he quickly made an impact by leading the league in rushing during his rookie season.
In 1933, he became the first NFL player to rush for over 200 yards in a single game, amassing 215 yards against the New York Giants—a record that stood for 17 years. Battles led the league in rushing again in 1937, contributing to Washington's NFL Championship victory that year.
Over six seasons, he totaled 3,511 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns, earning five All-NFL selections.
His exceptional performance and contributions to the game were recognized in 1968 when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Battles's Awards and Records
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1933, 1936, 1937)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1932, 1934)
- NFL rushing touchdowns co-leader (1937)
- NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
- Washington Commanders 90 Greatest
- Washington Commanders Ring of Fame
NFL Records
- NFL champion (1937)
- 2× NFL rushing yards leader (1932, 1937)
- NFL rushing touchdowns co-leader (1937)
- First NFL player to rush over 200 yards in a game (215 yards in 1933)
- Member of the 1937 NFL Championship team
NFL Teams
Boston Braves/ Redskins/ Washington Redskins (1932–1937)
Numbers Worn:
20
NFL Stats
Seasons:
6
Games Played:
60
Rushing yards:
3,511
Rushing average:
4.2
Rushing touchdowns:
23
Receptions:
38
Receiving yards:
546
Receiving touchdowns:
4