16 Facts About Ernie Caddel

Ernest Wiley Caddel was an American football running back.

Ernie Caddel helped lead the Detroit Lions to the NFL championship in 1935 and led the NFL in average yards gained per rushing carry for three consecutive years, from 1935 to 1937.

Ernie Caddel was the first player in NFL history to finish among the top 10 players in the league in both rushing and receiving yards, accomplishing the feat in 1934 and again in 1936.

Ernie Caddel was born in Granite, Oklahoma in 1911 and was raised near Fresno, California.

Ernie Caddel enrolled at Stanford University in 1929 on a baseball scholarship, having never played football.

Ernie Caddel played at the halfback position for Stanford from 1930 to 1932.

Ernie Caddel was then recruited by the Portsmouth Spartans to play professional football in Ohio.

Ernie Caddel began his professional football career in 1933 with the Portsmouth Spartans in Portsmouth, Ohio.

Ernie Caddel ran 82 yards for a touchdown on his first carry for the Spartans.

Ernie Caddel was the second leading passer for the 1935 Lions with 169 passing yards.

Ernie Caddel led the NFL in 1935 in all-purpose yards, rushing touchdowns, yards per rushing attempt, and yards per touch.

Ernie Caddel finished second in the NFL with 450 rushing yards.

Ernie Caddel remained one of the NFL's leading players in 1936.

Ernie Caddel was the first player in NFL history to finish among the top 10 players in the league in both rushing and receiving yards.

Ernie Caddel accomplished the feat in 1934 and again in 1936.

Ernie Caddel became known for his charismatic personality and for starring in light-hearted TV commercials" with "The Roseville Gang.