22 Facts About Cecil Isbell

Cecil Frank Isbell was an American football quarterback and coach.

Cecil Isbell played 5 seasons in the National Football League with the Green Bay Packers, leading them to the NFL Championship in 1939.

Cecil Isbell retired after the 1942 season to become an assistant coach at his alma mater, Purdue University, and the following year became its head coach for three seasons.

Cecil Isbell then became an assistant under former head coach Curly Lambeau, now with the Chicago Cardinals.

When Lambeau resigned late in the 1951 season, Cecil Isbell was the interim head coach for the final two games, which they split.

Cecil Isbell was hired as an assistant coach with the Dallas Texans of the NFL in 1952.

Cecil Isbell was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1967.

Cecil Isbell's older brother Cody was a football player for Purdue and his two younger brothers played college football: William Adger "Dub" Isbell Jr.

Cecil Isbell attended Sam Houston High School in Houston, then went to Purdue, where played from 1935 through 1937.

Cecil Isbell was voted the Boilermakers' most valuable player for the 1937 season.

Cecil Isbell was selected in the first round of the 1938 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers, the seventh overall pick.

Cecil Isbell was a very accurate passer and a good runner and he led the Packers in rushing and passing in his rookie year.

In 1939, the Packers used the same attack and again Cecil Isbell led the team in rushing while catching 9 passes as well.

Cecil Isbell became a more accomplished passer during this time, connecting regularly with Don Hutson in record-setting frequency.

In 1941, Cecil Isbell set an NFL record for yards passing with 1,479 and led the league in completion percentage and touchdown passes with 15.

In 1942, Cecil Isbell surpassed his own record with 2,021 yards passing and set a new record with 24 touchdown passes.

Cecil Isbell finished with 5,945 yards passing, 61 touchdowns, and 52 interceptions.

Cecil Isbell is one of ten players that were named to the National Football League 1930s All-Decade Team that have not been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Cecil Isbell was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1972.

Cecil Isbell started out at Purdue as an assistant coach in 1943 and took over as head coach in 1944.

Cecil Isbell was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1967.

Cecil Isbell's tombstone gives his name as Cecil Fay Isbell.