Jimmy Conzelman Hall of Fame NFL

Jimmy Conzelman (1898–1970) was one of the NFL’s earliest stars—a brilliant triple-threat back and innovative coach. From 1920–1929, he excelled with the Decatur Staleys, Providence Steam Roller, and others as quarterback, halfback, blocking back, and kicker.

He led the Providence Steam Roller as player-coach to the 1928 NFL Championship. Versatile and tough, he played 104 games with 67 starts, scoring 169 points in an era when the game was still evolving. Transitioning from field to leadership, Conzelman coached the Chicago Cardinals to the 1947 NFL Championship and earned Sporting News Coach of the Year. Over his playing and coaching career, he also served as a college coach and MLB executive, reflecting his diverse talents.

Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1964 and named to the NFL 1920s All-Decade Team, Conzelman’s legacy is foundational—he helped build the league as both player and coach, shaping professional football’s early identity.

Conzelman's Awards and Honors

• Sporting News NFL Coach of the Year: 1947
• Led Providence to its only NFL title (1928)
• Coached Million Dollar Backfield of 1947 Cardinals
• Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor
• Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1964

NFL Records

NFL Teams

As Player-
Decatur Staleys (1920)
Rock Island Independents (1921–1922)
Milwaukee Badgers (1922–1924)
Detroit Panthers (1925–1926)
Providence Steam Roller (1927–1929)

As Head Coach-
Rock Island Independents (1921–1922)
Milwaukee Badgers (1922–1924)
Detroit Panthers (1925–1926)
Providence Steam Roller (1927–1929)
St. Louis Gunners (1931)
Washington University (1932–1939)
Chicago Cardinals (1940–1942, 1946–1948)