Hugh McElhenny NFL Hall of Fame

Hugh McElhenny Hall Of Fame NFL

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Hugh McElhenny

Inducted:
1970

Hugh McElhenny NFL Hall of Fame

Player Stats 

6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
195 lb (88 kg)

Born:
December 31, 1928
Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Died:
June 17, 2022
Henderson, Nevada, U.S.

Position: 
Halfback
Return specialist

College:
Compton (1948)
Washington (1949–1951)

Hugh McElhenny was one of the most electrifying running backs in NFL history, celebrated for his dazzling open-field moves and game-breaking speed. Nicknamed “The King,” McElhenny starred primarily for the San Francisco 49ers from 1952 to 1960 as part of the famed “Million Dollar Backfield,” alongside Y.A. Tittle, John Henry Johnson, and Joe Perry. His ability to glide past defenders with effortless grace made him one of the league’s most feared offensive weapons of the 1950s.

McElhenny’s style was a perfect blend of elegance and explosiveness — he could score from anywhere on the field, turning routine plays into highlight moments. Over his 13-year career, he also played for the Vikings, Giants, and Lions, earning respect across the league for his professionalism and versatility.

A six-time Pro Bowler and consistent game-changer, McElhenny’s legacy endures as one of football’s earliest true superstars. Hugh McElhenny was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970, honoring his incredible impact on the game.

McElhenny's Awards and Honors

  • 5× 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-PCC (1950, 1951)

NFL Records

    • Member of the “Million Dollar Backfield”
    • Known for graceful yet devastating open-field running
    • One of the first great dual-threat running backs

    NFL Teams

    San Francisco 49ers (1952–1960)
    Minnesota Vikings (1961–1962)
    New York Giants (1963)
    Detroit Lions(1964)

    NFL Draft:
    1952: 1st round, 9th overall pick
    San Francisco 49ers

    Number Worn:
    39

    NFL Stats

    Seasons:
    13 (1952–1964)
    Games Played:
    145
    Rushing yards:
    5,281
    Rushing average:
    4.7
    Rushing touchdowns:
    38
    Receptions:
    264
    Receiving yards:
    3,247
    Receiving touchdowns:
    20
    Return yards:
    2,841
    Return touchdowns:
    2