NOTABLE ARKANSANS
He grew up in Smackover in Union County, where he was an outstanding athlete and led his football Buckaroos to multiple state championships. After high school he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. He played fullback for the second-ranked Midshipmen for two years. He met the then-current Miss Arkansas, Leslie Hampton, and fell in love. He resigned from the academy, married Hampton, and transferred to the University of Arkansas.
He became an All-American in football and in track as a self-taught sprinter, setting a UA record in the 100-yard dash. He was the NCAA champion in the 110-meter high hurdles and ran in the 1948 London Olympics, winning the silver medal in a photo finish.
He was chosen eighth in the first round of the 1948 NFL draft, closely behind the legendary Bobby Layne and Y.A. Tittle. He played five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Detroit Lions, but was forced to retire in 1953 due to a knee injury. He and Leslie moved back to Arkansas where he became an insurance company executive.
His number 12 football jersey is one of only two retired by the Razorbacks, the other being that of Brandon Burlsworth.
Notable Arkansans is written by Steve Stephens and produced by Clyde Snider.
Who was this shy athlete who was named Arkansas Athlete of the Century by the readers of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in 2000?
See answer here.
Style on 02/17/2019