Elroy Hirsch
Elroy Leon "Crazylegs" Hirsch (June 17, 1923 – January 28, 2004) was an American professional football player renowned for his exceptional speed and unconventional running style that earned him his nickname from a Chicago Tribune reporter in 1942.[1] Born in Wausau, Wisconsin, Hirsch excelled as a multi-sport athlete at Wausau High School before attending the University of Wisconsin, where he starred as a triple-threat halfback in 1942, leading the Badgers to an 8-1-1 record, second place in the Big Ten Conference, and a No. 3 national ranking in the final Associated Press poll while rushing for 786 yards.[2] After enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1943 and transferring to the University of Michigan for officer training, he contributed to Michigan's 8-1 football team that year as a halfback.[3] Hirsch began his professional career in 1946 as a halfback with the Chicago Rockets of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), where he played for three seasons before joining the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL in 1949 after the AAFC folded.[1] Converted to an end position under coach Clark Shaughnessy, he formed a dynamic receiving duo with Tom Fears, catching passes from quarterbacks Bob Waterfield and Norm Van Brocklin in the Rams' innovative single-wing offense that emphasized long passes.[1] Over his 12-season professional career, including nine seasons with the Rams in the NFL, Hirsch amassed 387 receptions for 7,029 yards and 60 touchdowns, including a league-record 1,495 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 1951—10 of which covered at least 50 yards—earning him first-team All-Pro honors that year and helping the Rams win the 1951 NFL Championship.[1] He was selected to three Pro Bowls (1951–1953) and named to the NFL's 1950s All-Decade Team as well as the league's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1969.[1] Beyond football, Hirsch pursued acting, starring as himself in the 1953 biographical film Crazylegs, which depicted his college and early professional exploits.[4] After retiring as a player in 1957, he served as general manager and assistant to the president of the Rams until 1969, when he returned to his alma mater as athletic director at the University of Wisconsin, a position he held until 1987, overseeing significant growth and success in Badger athletics during a period of expansion.[5] Hirsch's contributions to the sport were honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968, the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974, and the University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991.[6][3][2]Early years
Family background and upbringing
Elroy Leon Hirsch was born on June 17, 1923, in Wausau, Wisconsin, and was adopted shortly thereafter by Otto Peter Hirsch and Mayme Sabina (Magnusen) Hirsch.[7] His adoptive parents, of German-Norwegian immigrant heritage, provided a stable home in the small industrial city of Wausau, where community ties were strong among working-class families.[8] The Hirsch family maintained a modest socioeconomic status, reflective of many immigrant households in early 20th-century Wisconsin. Otto Hirsch worked as an ironworker at the Wausau Iron Works, operating a rolling machine for nearly four decades and earning a weekly wage of around $38, which supported the family's basic needs without extravagance.[9][10][11] Mayme Hirsch managed the household as a homemaker, fostering a routine centered on frugality and family closeness in their home on the outskirts of town.[12] Hirsch's early childhood was marked by the everyday rhythms of a 1920s Midwestern upbringing, including simple hobbies like exploring the local woods and rivers near Wausau, which built his natural endurance and curiosity about the outdoors. His family and the tight-knit community subtly encouraged physical activity from a young age; Otto, a compact but resilient man at 145 pounds, often shared stories of his own laborious days, instilling a value for perseverance. Living two miles from school, young Elroy frequently ran the distance both ways instead of taking the bus, a habit that honed his agility and reflected the practical, active lifestyle promoted at home.[9][12] Local traditions, such as attending Green Bay Packers games, further sparked his fascination with athletics through communal excitement rather than formal training.[7]High school athletic career
Elroy Hirsch distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete at Wausau High School during the late 1930s and early 1940s, a period when high school sports in Wisconsin emphasized community pride and regional rivalries within conferences like the Wisconsin Valley Conference.[13] Hirsch drew motivation to excel across football, basketball, and baseball. His performances established him as one of the state's premier prep talents before the onset of World War II disrupted many young athletes' paths.[14] In football, Hirsch played halfback under legendary coach Win Brockmeyer and earned all-state honors while also securing two-time all-conference recognition in the Wisconsin Valley Conference.[15] By his senior year in 1940, he was regarded as the top high school football player in Wisconsin, showcasing the speed and agility that would define his later career.[14] These accomplishments highlighted his emergence as a local star in an era where gridiron success often propelled players toward college opportunities amid growing interscholastic competition.[13] Hirsch's versatility extended to basketball, where he also received all-state accolades, contributing to his reputation as a three-sport standout.[16] In baseball, he further demonstrated his athletic range, though specific honors there underscored his broad appeal rather than specialized dominance.[17] His high school exploits attracted recruitment interest from multiple colleges, emphasizing his value as a versatile prospect, and ultimately led him to enroll at the University of Wisconsin in 1941.[18]College football
University of Wisconsin
Elroy Hirsch enrolled at the University of Wisconsin in the fall of 1941, joining the freshman football team as a halfback amid a talented incoming class that included future standouts like center Fred Negus.[19] Although freshmen were ineligible for varsity play during this era, Hirsch made an immediate impression by regularly outshining the upperclassmen during scrimmages, where the freshman squad served as the scout team to simulate opponents' offenses.[19] His speed and versatility as a triple-threat player—capable of running, passing, and kicking—quickly established him as a key prospect for the Badgers under head coach Harry Stuhldreher.[16] In his sophomore year of 1942, Hirsch transitioned to the varsity squad, where he emerged as a star halfback in the Notre Dame Box formation, occasionally shifting to T-formation sets to leverage his passing ability.[19] He rushed for 786 yards on 141 carries, averaging over 5.5 yards per attempt, while contributing 226 passing yards on 18 completions and 390 receiving yards; these efforts helped him earn third-team All-America honors from Look magazine.[20] Hirsch scored multiple touchdowns, including a notable 61-yard run against Great Lakes Navy and a 59-yard dash versus Ohio State, showcasing his breakaway potential in key Big Ten matchups.[19] His long, scissoring strides on the field hinted at a distinctive running style that captivated observers.[16] Hirsch's contributions were instrumental in the Badgers' standout 8-1-1 season, including a 4-1 record in Big Ten play that secured second place in the conference behind a defense that led the league in scoring prevention.[21] The team's only loss came against Iowa on November 7, but they rebounded with victories over ranked foes like No. 3 Ohio State and No. 7 Great Lakes Navy, culminating in a No. 3 ranking in the final Associated Press poll—the highest finish in program history at the time.[21][22] This success was amplified by team dynamics shaped by World War II, as many players, including Hirsch, had enlisted in the Marine Corps reserves to ensure eligibility for the season before active duty; the squad's cohesion was evident in their dominant home performances at Camp Randall Stadium.[19] Balancing academics and athletics proved demanding for Hirsch, who majored in speech and journalism while navigating the rigors of campus life during wartime mobilization.[23] Student-athletes like him attended classes in the morning, followed by afternoon practices that emphasized physical conditioning and tactical drills in the Box offense, with the team reporting for preseason training on September 1, 1942, under Stuhldreher's disciplined approach.[19] No major injuries sidelined Hirsch that season, allowing him to fully integrate into the team's high-stakes environment, where practices doubled as preparation for both gridiron and impending military service.[20] This period underscored the era's unique blend of collegiate competition and patriotic duty, with Hirsch exemplifying the resilience of Badger players amid national tensions.[24]Origin of the "Crazylegs" nickname
During a pivotal college football game on October 17, 1942, the University of Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Great Lakes Naval Training Center Bluejackets 13-7 at Soldier Field in Chicago. Halfback Elroy Hirsch electrified the crowd with a 62-yard touchdown run that exemplified his signature zigzagging style, weaving through defenders with rapid, erratic leg movements that made him difficult to tackle. While commonly attributed to this game, some accounts link the nickname to a performance against Ohio State. Chicago Daily News reporter Francis Powers, covering the matchup, immortalized the moment in his post-game article by dubbing Hirsch "Crazylegs," writing that "his crazy legs were gyrating in six different directions, all at the same time; he looked like a demented duck."[25][4][16] The nickname gained immediate traction in sports media, appearing in subsequent reports and elevating Hirsch's visibility as a standout player on a Wisconsin team that finished the season 8-1-1. Newspapers nationwide embraced "Crazylegs" to highlight his dynamic performances, which included 786 rushing yards and multiple long gains, turning him into a fan favorite during an era when college football provided escapism amid World War II. This rapid adoption amplified his profile, with the term frequently invoked in game recaps and promotional materials for Badger contests.[4][6] The "Crazylegs" moniker encapsulated the 1940s college football aesthetic, where broken-field running—characterized by sharp cuts, spins, and zigzags to evade pursuers—defined elite halfbacks in single-wing and emerging T-formation schemes. Hirsch's style, honed in an offense emphasizing open-field elusiveness over straight-line power, resonated with the period's tactical focus on creativity and speed, filling stadiums with highlight-reel plays even as many players served in the military. This branding effect persisted in university promotions throughout the decade, solidifying Hirsch's identity as a symbol of innovative, crowd-pleasing athleticism.[6]University of Michigan
In early 1943, following his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, Elroy Hirsch transferred to the University of Michigan as part of the V-12 Navy College Training Program, a wartime initiative that combined academic studies with military officer training to meet the demands of World War II.[16] This program, administered by the Navy but open to Marine Corps personnel, provided deferments from immediate active duty, allowing Hirsch to continue his education and athletic career while contributing to national defense efforts.[3] At Michigan, he played halfback under head coach Fritz Crisler, whose innovative strategies emphasized versatile backfield play during the resource-strapped war years. During the 1943 season, Hirsch was a key contributor to the Wolverines' 8-1 record, which included a perfect 6-0 mark in Big Ten play and a tie for the conference championship.[26] The team finished ranked No. 3 in the final Associated Press Poll, reflecting strong morale and cohesion among V-12 trainees who filled the roster amid widespread military service disruptions.[26] Hirsch rushed for 313 yards on 70 carries (averaging 4.5 yards per attempt), caught one pass for 38 yards, and threw for 213 yards on 9 completions, helping power Michigan's offense in an era of limited substitutions and heightened national focus on the war.[27] His efforts earned him second-team All-America honors, building on his prior recognition at Wisconsin.[28] Hirsch returned for the 1944 season, providing defensive spark to a Michigan squad that achieved an 8-2 record and finished No. 8 in the AP Poll, with the V-12 deferments sustaining team depth and spirit despite ongoing global conflict.[29] By mid-1944, however, escalating Marine Corps assignments curtailed his participation, transitioning him toward full active duty while underscoring the wartime balance between collegiate athletics and military obligations.[16]Military service
Enlistment and training in the Marine Corps
Following his sophomore season at the University of Wisconsin in 1942, Elroy Hirsch enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 1943, driven by a sense of patriotism amid the escalating demands of World War II and the expiration of his student deferment as a college athlete.[16] At the time, many young men were responding to the national call to arms after the United States' entry into the war, and Hirsch's decision marked a pivotal shift from his burgeoning athletic career to military service.[30] Upon enlisting, Hirsch was transferred to the University of Michigan as part of the V-12 Navy College Training Program, a wartime initiative designed to provide accelerated education and officer preparation for naval and Marine personnel.[16] There, his background in college football proved advantageous for the physical rigors of the program, allowing him to excel in multiple sports while undergoing preliminary military instruction; he earned letters in football, basketball, baseball, and track during the 1943–1944 academic year, becoming the first Michigan athlete to letter in four sports in one year.[28] Among his fellow trainees were other prominent college athletes, such as fullback Bill Daley from the University of Minnesota, with whom Hirsch formed part of Michigan's dynamic "lend-lease" backfield, fostering camaraderie through shared athletic and training experiences in the V-12 unit.[31] In June 1944, Hirsch left Michigan for further Marine Corps postings. In the fall of 1944, he was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, where he served as a halfback on the base's football team, participating in the Corps' athletics programs designed to maintain physical fitness and boost morale among personnel.[32] By late 1944, Hirsch transferred to the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in California, continuing his non-combat role through involvement in the Marine Corps' extensive service athletics initiatives. There, he played for the El Toro Flying Marines football team during the 1944 and 1945 seasons, including high-profile games that drew large crowds and helped sustain unit esprit de corps amid the war's final stages.[33] In the spring of 1945, Hirsch advanced to officer candidate school at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, where the demanding curriculum included intense physical conditioning, tactical drills, and leadership exercises tailored to prepare candidates for combat roles.[34] The program's grueling demands—encompassing long marches, obstacle courses, and combat simulations—challenged even Hirsch's elite athletic conditioning, though his prior football prowess helped him adapt to the endurance requirements and team-oriented discipline.[6] He completed the course successfully and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in May 1945, reflecting his readiness for further service. He then returned to El Toro to continue playing football for the Flying Marines.[6]World War II service and discharge
Hirsch remained assigned to stateside duties throughout his service, reflecting the Pacific theater's demands on combat forces and his status as an officer. His college-honed physical conditioning supported his endurance in these demanding training and morale-building activities. He experienced the widespread celebrations following V-J Day on August 14, 1945, as Marine units marked the surrender of Japan with jubilation that reinforced collective relief and readiness for demobilization. One notable matchup on December 9, 1945, against the Fleet City Navy team at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, attended by 59,143 spectators, highlighted the role of sports in wartime service life, with Hirsch starring for El Toro.[35] Hirsch's service extended into 1945–1946, encompassing the end of hostilities in the Pacific. He received an honorable discharge in May 1946 at the age of 22.[16]Professional football career
College All-Stars and initial professional steps
Following his discharge from the United States Marine Corps in May 1946, Elroy Hirsch quickly re-entered competitive football by participating in the annual College All-Star Game, an exhibition matchup between recent college graduates and the reigning NFL champions. Selected for the All-Star team as a halfback, Hirsch demonstrated his post-military readiness in the August 23, 1946, contest at Soldier Field in Chicago against the Los Angeles Rams. He scored both of the All-Stars' touchdowns, including a 68-yard sprint around left end in the first quarter and a 62-yard reception from quarterback Otto Graham in the third quarter, leading to a 16–0 upset victory. Hirsch's explosive plays, which covered 130 yards from scrimmage, earned him the Most Valuable Player award from the attending media, signaling his potential as a professional despite a two-year hiatus from organized play.[20][36] Hirsch's standout All-Star performance immediately propelled him into professional contract negotiations. Although he had been selected fifth overall by the Cleveland Rams in the 1945 NFL Draft, Hirsch did not sign with them due to his ongoing military service and instead turned to the rival All-America Football Conference (AAFC). In the weeks following the exhibition game, he inked his first professional deal with the Chicago Rockets of the AAFC, reportedly for a $7,000 annual salary plus a $500 signing bonus. The contract positioned him as a key running back under coach Dick Hanley, a former Marine Corps associate from Hirsch's time at the El Toro Marines base, with expectations that his speed and versatility—highlighted by the "Crazylegs" nickname from his college days—would boost the team's offense.[6][10][37] The shift from military duties to professional football presented notable challenges for Hirsch, including readjusting to the physical demands of elite competition after limited play during his service. The Rockets, a new expansion franchise in a league competing directly with the established NFL, offered modest financial incentives compared to potential NFL deals, and team instability added pressure to perform as a rookie cornerstone. Despite these hurdles, Hirsch's All-Star showing affirmed his conditioning, though early pro expectations centered on recapturing his collegiate rushing prowess amid the AAFC's uncertain landscape.[6][10]Chicago Rockets in the AAFC
Elroy Hirsch joined the Chicago Rockets of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1946 shortly after his discharge from the United States Marine Corps in May of that year.[6] As a rookie, he showcased remarkable versatility, appearing in all 14 games while contributing as a halfback, end, and return specialist. Hirsch recorded 27 receptions for 347 yards and three touchdowns, rushed 87 times for 226 yards and one touchdown, and returned kickoffs for 384 yards including one score, accumulating 1,445 all-purpose yards overall.[38][6] His performance earned him recognition as a dynamic playmaker in a league featuring intense competition from established powers like the Cleveland Browns. In his role as a wide receiver and multi-position athlete, Hirsch faced mounting challenges during the Rockets' subsequent seasons amid the AAFC's growing instability. The 1947 and 1948 campaigns were limited by injuries, restricting him to just five games each year; he amassed 10 receptions for 282 yards and three touchdowns in 1947, followed by seven catches for 101 yards and one touchdown in 1948.[38] The Rockets, competing in the Western Division against rivals such as the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Dons, struggled with poor records—finishing 5-6-3 in 1946, 1-13 in 1947, and 1-13 in 1948—exacerbated by the league's financial woes, including escalating player salaries and declining attendance that plagued many AAFC franchises, as well as multiple coaching changes in 1946 after Dick Hanley's early dismissal.[39][40][41] Hirsch later described his three years in Chicago as "frightful," highlighting the team's constant financial troubles and operational difficulties.[6][42] The AAFC's rivalries intensified scrutiny on the Rockets' mediocrity, with key matchups often underscoring Hirsch's contributions despite team shortcomings; for instance, in a 1946 divisional clash against the 49ers, his all-around play helped secure a narrow victory amid the conference's high-scoring, innovative offenses.[6] However, persistent league-wide economic pressures culminated in the Rockets' rebranding as the Chicago Hornets for 1949 before folding at season's end, part of the AAFC's broader collapse that saw only three teams merge into the NFL.[42] With his AAFC contract expiring amid the Rockets' insolvency—which left him owed back pay—Hirsch signed with the Los Angeles Rams in April 1949 on a lucrative three-year deal reportedly worth $20,000 annually, escaping the precarious environment of the defunct conference.[6][42] This transition marked the end of his tenure in Chicago, where he had tallied 44 receptions for 730 yards and seven touchdowns over 24 games, underscoring his potential despite the adversities.[38]Los Angeles Rams in the NFL
Following the expiration of his contract with the Chicago Rockets in the All-America Football Conference, Hirsch signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 1949, providing a crucial career resurgence after years of injuries in the AAFC.[6] Initially relegated to the bench as a halfback during his rookie NFL season, he recorded just 22 receptions for 326 yards and four touchdowns while adjusting to the professional level.[6] Under head coach Clark Shaughnessy, who innovated by employing one of the league's earliest three-receiver sets, Hirsch transitioned to the split end position in 1950, emerging as a key deep threat with 42 catches for 687 yards and seven touchdowns.[43] This shift allowed him to exploit his exceptional speed and running style alongside quarterback Norm Van Brocklin, whose precise long passes complemented Hirsch's ability to stretch the field.[6] Hirsch reached the pinnacle of his career in 1951, delivering MVP-caliber performance that anchored the Rams' explosive offense, which led the NFL in scoring with 32.7 points per game.[44] He set a then-NFL record with 1,495 receiving yards on 66 catches, averaging 124.6 yards per game, while tying the league mark for touchdown receptions with 17, including a memorable 91-yard score against the Chicago Bears.[6] These feats earned him first-team All-Pro honors and propelled the Rams to the NFL Championship, where they defeated the Cleveland Browns 24-17 in a thrilling upset, with Van Brocklin's 73-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter sealing the victory.[44] Shaughnessy's strategies, emphasizing vertical passing and multiple receivers like Tom Fears, maximized Hirsch's big-play potential, making the Rams one of the era's most dynamic teams.[43] Over the remainder of his tenure from 1952 to 1956, Hirsch maintained elite production despite recurring injuries, earning second-team All-Pro recognition in 1953 and additional Pro Bowl selections in 1952 and 1953.[6] He continued to thrive in Van Brocklin's aerial attack, highlighted by consistent double-digit touchdown seasons that solidified his role as the Rams' premier receiver.[36] However, accumulating back and leg injuries, compounded by earlier head trauma, diminished his effectiveness by 1957, leading to his retirement at age 34 after appearing in only four games that year.[9] During his nine seasons with the Rams from 1949 to 1957, Hirsch amassed 343 receptions for 6,299 yards and 53 touchdowns in 103 games, establishing himself as one of the NFL's most prolific wide receivers of the postwar era.[6]Career statistics and records
AAFC and NFL regular season totals
Elroy Hirsch's regular season career in professional football spanned the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) from 1946 to 1948 and the National Football League (NFL) from 1949 to 1957, during which he appeared in 127 games, recording 387 receptions for 7,029 yards and 60 receiving touchdowns.[38] These totals reflect his transition from a versatile halfback role early in his career, where he also contributed 207 rushing attempts for 687 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns, to a primary end and flanker position focused on receiving in the NFL.[38] Hirsch's statistical progression showed modest output in his AAFC rookie season before injuries limited his play in 1947 and 1948, followed by steady growth with the Los Angeles Rams, peaking in the early 1950s as he adapted to a specialized receiving role amid the era's evolving emphasis on the forward pass.[38] His career average of 18.2 yards per reception underscored his big-play ability in an offensive landscape where league-wide receiving averages hovered around 15-16 yards per catch during the late 1940s and 1950s.[38] The 1951 season, in which he amassed 1,495 receiving yards, aligned with the Rams' strong divisional performance that year.[38] The following table summarizes Hirsch's regular season receiving statistics by year, highlighting his games played, receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns:| Year | League | Team | Games | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns | Yards per Reception |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1946 | AAFC | Chicago Rockets | 14 | 27 | 347 | 3 | 12.9 |
| 1947 | AAFC | Chicago Rockets | 5 | 10 | 282 | 3 | 28.2 |
| 1948 | AAFC | Chicago Rockets | 5 | 7 | 101 | 1 | 14.4 |
| 1949 | NFL | Los Angeles Rams | 12 | 22 | 326 | 4 | 14.8 |
| 1950 | NFL | Los Angeles Rams | 12 | 42 | 687 | 7 | 16.4 |
| 1951 | NFL | Los Angeles Rams | 12 | 66 | 1,495 | 17 | 22.7 |
| 1952 | NFL | Los Angeles Rams | 10 | 25 | 590 | 4 | 23.6 |
| 1953 | NFL | Los Angeles Rams | 12 | 61 | 941 | 4 | 15.4 |
| 1954 | NFL | Los Angeles Rams | 12 | 35 | 720 | 3 | 20.6 |
| 1955 | NFL | Los Angeles Rams | 9 | 25 | 460 | 2 | 18.4 |
| 1956 | NFL | Los Angeles Rams | 12 | 35 | 603 | 6 | 17.2 |
| 1957 | NFL | Los Angeles Rams | 12 | 32 | 477 | 6 | 14.9 |
| Career | AAFC/NFL | Total | 127 | 387 | 7,029 | 60 | 18.2 |