Ernie Nevers
Inducted:
1963
Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
204 lb (93 kg)
Born:
June 11, 1902
Willow River, Minnesota, U.S.
Died:
May 3, 1976
Greenbrae, California, U.S.
Position:
Fullback
Coach
College:
Stanford (1923–1925)
Ernie Nevers was one of the earliest legends of professional football — a complete athlete who dominated the game in every phase. Playing for the Duluth Eskimos (1926–1927) and Chicago Cardinals (1929–1931), Nevers was a powerhouse fullback, kicker, and defensive standout whose endurance and toughness became the stuff of football folklore. His most famous performance came in 1929, when he scored 40 points (six touchdowns and four extra points) in a single game — a record that still stands today.
A true iron man, Nevers often played every minute of games, excelling as both a runner and tackler. He was named to the NFL’s 1920s All-Decade Team and is remembered as one of the sport’s first great all-around players. Known for his unmatched work ethic and competitive fire, Nevers embodied football’s rugged early era. Ernie Nevers was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963, as part of the Hall’s inaugural class of legends.
Nevers' Awards and Honors
- 2× NFL Champion (1948, 1949)
- NFL Coach of the Year (1949)
- Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame
- NFL 1940s All-Decade Team (Coach)
Notable Achievements
- Only coach to win consecutive championship shutouts (1948–1949)
- Pioneer of modern defensive formations
- Built the Eagles into a postwar NFL powerhouse
NFL Teams
As Player-
Duluth Eskimos (1927)
Chicago Cardinals (1930–1931)
As Coach:
Duluth Eskimos (1927)
Chicago Cardinals (1930–1931, 1939)
Lafayette (1936)
Chicago Rockets (1946)
Number Worn:
4, 11, 44
NFL Stats
Seasons:
5 (1926–1931)
Games Played:
54
Games Started:
49
Rushing touchdowns:
38
Points scored:
301
Coaching Records:
NFL: 12–27–2 (.317)
College: 1–8 (.111)