This week in Rockland County history.
Born on April 11, 1916, in Pearl River
Born on April 11, 1916, in Pearl River, New York, he attended Pearl River High School, where he earned 12 varsity letters and was class valedictorian. At 16, he enrolled at Colgate University, excelling in football and academics. In 1936, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears and became the youngest starter in the NFL. He played as a guard and linebacker from 1936 to 1943, earning All-Pro honors each year and contributing to three NFL championships. While playing professionally, he attended medical school and earned his degree in 1940. After retiring from football, he practiced medicine in California and served as the Los Angeles Rams’ team physician from 1947 to 1963. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. His early life in Pearl River laid the foundation for his achievements in both sports and medicine.
