Hugh McElhenny, Date of Birth, Place of Birth
TweetHugh McElhenny
American football player
Date of Birth: 31-Dec-1928
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
Profession: American football player
Nationality: United States
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn 
About Hugh McElhenny
- Hugh Edward McElhenny Jr.
- (born December 31, 1928) is a former professional American football player who was a halfback in the National Football League (NFL) from 1952 to 1964 for the San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Detroit Lions.
- He was noted for his explosive, elusive running style and was frequently called "The King" and "Hurryin' Hugh".
- A member of San Francisco's famed Million Dollar Backfield and one of the franchise's most popular players, McElhenny's number 39 jersey is retired by the 49ers and he is a member of the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame. McElhenny first rose to stardom as a standout all-around player for Compton Junior College in 1948.
- He then transferred to the University of Washington, where he was a two-time All-Pacific Coast Conference fullback for the Washington Huskies football team and set several school and conference records.
- He was drafted by the 49ers with the ninth pick in the 1951 NFL Draft, and his versatility made him an immediate star in the league, earning him five first-team All-Pro honors in his first six seasons.
- With the 49ers, he was selected for five Pro Bowls, and he earned a sixth Pro Bowl appearance with the Vikings.
- He finished his career after short stints with the Giants and Lions. An all-around player who was a threat as a runner and a receiver and also returned kickoffs and punts, McElhenny had amassed the third most all-purpose yards of any player in NFL history when he retired.
- He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981.
- According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, "Hugh McElhenny was to pro football in the 1950s and early 1960s what Elvis Presley was to rock and roll," a reference to both his popularity and his nickname.
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