Thursday, January 29 2004 @ 12:01 PM CST
Contributed by: Shaky |
 by Crazylegs
Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch during his days with the Rams. In 1951, Hirsch had 1,495 yards in catches and 17 touchdowns.
NFL Hall of Fame receiver Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch died early Wednesday morning (Jan. 28, 2004) in Madison, Wis. He was 80.
A gifted athlete who is credited with helping revolutionize football, Hirsch brought a big-play ability to the game, putting up receiving numbers in what was then only a 12-game season that would make many of today's top receivers envious.
Hirsch played from 1946 to 1948 with the All-America Football Conference's Chicago Rockers and from 1949 to 1957 with the NFL's Los Angeles Rams. He had his most productive season in 1951 when he led the league in receiving and scoring, compiling 1,495 yards through the air and a league-leading 17 touchdowns.
"Elroy Hirsch was a big star in a town full of stars," Greg Aiello, vice president of public relations for the NFL, told the Post-Dispatch Wednesday. "He was an electrifying player who brought a lot of glamour to the NFL. He was popular, well-rounded and had an important impact on the popularity of the passing game in football.
"He was what you would call today a deep threat, a big-play receiver. And he played at a point where television was developing and he really helped to establish the league's popularity."
Hirsch played running back at the University of Wisconsin, but upon entering the Marine Corps during World War II was transferred to the University of Michigan where he also played football. He received his now-famous nickname in 1942 as a running back for Wisconsin, according to the University of Wisconsin Web site. Describing the running style of Hirsch as he galloped to a 61-yard touchdown, Chicago sportswriter Francis Powers wrote, "His crazy legs were gyrating in six different directions all at the same time.""Crazy Legs" was born.
Hirsch once described his three years in the AAFC as "frightful." But he blossomed in 1949 when he joined the Rams, where he played alongside fellow Hall of Fame receiver Tom Fears, catching passes from quarterbacks Bob Waterfield and Norm Van Brocklin. Hirsch's name is still found in the Rams record books for his receiving accomplishments, including most TDs in a season (17) and most consecutive games with a TD (11). He trails only Isaac Bruce, Henry Ellard and Torry Holt among Rams for most career receiving yards and ranks third on the Rams career list for average yards per catch at 18.3.
"Elroy Hirsch was a big star in a town of stars," NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue said in a statement. "He was an electrifying player who brought a lot of glamour to the NFL."
Hirsch also dabbled with an acting career. He made three movies, including "Zero Hour," "Unchained" and "Crazylegs," released in 1953, in which he played himself.
A native of Wausau, Wis., Hirsch returned to his home state in 1969 to become the University of Wisconsin athletics director, a role he filled for 18 years.
"There has never been a more loved and admired ambassador for Badger sports than Elroy Hirsch," Wisconsin athletics director Pat Richter said Wednesday on the university's Web site. "Anyone who came in contact with him enjoyed a special treat. He loved life, loved people and loved the Badgers."
Star for the NFL Los Angeles Rams and named one of all-time greatest wide receivers.
Set NFL record of 1,495 yards on 66 receptions and 17 touchdowns as Rams won NFL championship in 1951.
Member of NFL Hall of Fame and member of NFL All-Time All-Star team.
General manager of the Los Angeles Rams and member of its front office for nine years, (1960-1969
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When I met Elroy
by crazylegs
Elroy Hirsch was the next door neighbor of my (high school) friend that I went to Rams games with. At the time, Elroy was the Rams GM.
In 1966 Elroy invited us to sit in his box seats on the 50 yard line for the game against New York Giants. The Rams slaughtered the Giants 55-14.
I remember Maxie Baughan being so outraged that George Allen was "pouring it on", Ally Sherman's happless Giants, that he stomped off the field, before the game was over, kicking and shredding one of the old fashioned yard line markers. A wierd game!
After the game, Elroy came down from the Coliseum's press box where we thanked him for the seats. I remember he was called to a phone, when we were about to leave but he motioned us to wait. Once off the phone, he asked us if we wanted to go down to the Rams locker room. Followig Elroy, we walked down onto the field and through the Coliseum's "tunnel" and on into the Rams locker room. I remeber just standing off to the side, watching the press interviewng the players. Elroy cautioned us to respect the Giants locker room by not going in there. I remember we tried to listen for any sounds eminating but there was total silence.
After the players had showered and dressed, we exited the Coliseum through an obscure "back door" with Elroy and many of the player's. There were fans outside, waiting for autograph's and cheering on their beloved Rams.
Thanks to Elroy, this 16 year old fan, had an incredible day with the team he loves.
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