Tuffy Leemans
Inducted:
1978
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
195 lb (88 kg)
Born:
November 12, 1912
Superior, Wisconsin, U.S.
Died:
January 19, 1979
Hillsboro Beach, Florida, U.S.
Position:
Fullback
Coach
College:
Oregon (1942)
George Washington (1933–1935)
Alphonse “Tuffy” Leemans was one of the NFL’s early stars, known for his toughness, versatility, and leadership as the backbone of the New York Giants offense in the 1930s and 1940s. A complete back, Leemans excelled at rushing, passing, and defense during an era when players did it all. He led the NFL in rushing as a rookie in 1936 and guided the Giants to an NFL Championship in 1938, earning a reputation for his relentless running style and team-first mentality.
Over eight seasons, he amassed more than 3,000 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, remarkable totals for his era’s short seasons and physical play. Leemans was a two-time Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro, admired by peers for his durability and consistency. His contributions helped solidify the Giants as one of the league’s early powerhouses.
Leemans' Awards and Honors
- NFL champion (1938)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1936, 1939)
- 2× NFL All-Star Game (1938, 1941)
- NFL rushing yards leader (1936)
- NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
- New York Giants Ring of Honor
NFL Records
- Led NFL in rushing as a rookie (1936)
- Among the first true two-way stars in Giants history
- Known for exceptional durability and all-around play
NFL Teams
As Player
New York Giants (1936–1943)
As Coach
New York Giants (1943–1944)
George Washington (1946)
NFL Draft:
1936: 2nd round, 18th overall pick
New York Giants
Number Worn:
4
NFL Stats
Seasons:
8 (1936–1943)
Games Played:
80
Games Started:
37
Rushing yards:
3,130
Yards per carry:
3.4
Rushing touchdowns:
17
TD–INT:
25–32
Passing yards:
2,318
Interceptions:
4