29 Facts About Fred Gehrke

Clarence Fred Gehrke was an American football player and executive.

Fred Gehrke later served as the general manager of the Denver Broncos from 1977 through 1981.

Fred Gehrke is the great-grandfather of Milwaukee Brewers left fielder and 2018 NL MVP Christian Yelich.

Fred Gehrke attended South High School where he participated in swimming, track and field, and football.

Fred Gehrke graduated from high school in 1935 and then attended the University of Utah, where he majored in art.

Fred Gehrke entered the National Football League as an undrafted rookie.

Fred Gehrke landed a try-out with the Cleveland Rams in 1940.

Fred Gehrke was awarded a spot on team after he returned a kickoff for a touchdown in a pre-season exhibition game.

Fred Gehrke appealed the decision but was still denied entry in the armed forces.

However, Fred Gehrke contributed to the war effort by landing a job with Northrop Aircraft, which was based in California, as a technical illustrator, and began helping with the design of airplanes.

Fred Gehrke was on the team that drafted and designed the P-61 Black Widow warplane.

In 1942, Fred Gehrke joined the Hollywood Bears of the Pacific Coast Professional Football League, which at this time had a talent level considered to be on par with NFL, since many NFL players were in the military stationed on the West Coast and others were working in war industries there.

Fred Gehrke played for the Los Angeles Bulldogs in 1943 and the Los Angeles Wildcats in 1944.

Once the war ended in 1945, Fred Gehrke returned to the Cleveland Rams.

Fred Gehrke led the NFL that year in both average rushing yards, with 6.3 yards per rush, and an average punt return of 15.0 yards.

Fred Gehrke repeated as the NFL's average rushing leader with 5.2 yards per carry.

Fred Gehrke continued working at Northrup, since many players at the time took up jobs outside of football during the off-season.

Fred Gehrke painted two ram horns on an old college helmet and presented the design to Reeves, who was intrigued.

Fred Gehrke is credited with developing the first helmet with a full facemask.

Fred Gehrke developed the face mask after having his nose broken three times during the 1946 season.

Fred Gehrke played the entire 1947 season with the facemask, which was made by Gehrke first applying a clay mold to his face.

Fred Gehrke then took the mask to his grandfather, who covered it in leather.

In order for Fred Gehrke to get the helmet on, it was cut up the back and laces were weaved into it.

Fred Gehrke returned to using the traditional helmet the next season.

Fred Gehrke held the job with Harmon for the next 13 seasons.

In 1964, Fred Gehrke was approached by Mac Speedie, a former Utah Utes football player who was then the coach of the American Football League's Denver Broncos, to become a pro scout for Denver.

Fred Gehrke then rose from personnel director to general manager to vice-president of the team.

Fred Gehrke died at his home in Palm Springs, California, on February 9,2002.

Fred Gehrke was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.