31 Facts About Hugh McElhenny

Hugh McElhenny was noted for his explosive, elusive running style and was frequently called "the King" and "Hurryin' Hugh".

Hugh McElhenny first rose to stardom as a standout all-around player for Compton Junior College in 1948.

Hugh McElhenny 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.

Hugh McElhenny was drafted by the 49ers with the ninth pick in the 1952 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.

Hugh McElhenny 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 returned kickoffs and punts, Hugh McElhenny had amassed the third most all-purpose yards of any player in NFL history when he retired.

Hugh McElhenny was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981.

Hugh McElhenny won both hurdles and the long jump at the 1947 CIF California State Meet.

Hugh McElhenny starred as a fullback for the Washington Huskies football team, forming a prolific offensive duo with quarterback Don Heinrich in 1950.

Hugh McElhenny rushed for over 1,000 yards that season, and was the last Huskies player to eclipse that mark until 1977.

One of Hugh McElhenny's celebrated plays at Husky Stadium was an uncommon 100-yard punt return against USC in 1951.

Hugh McElhenny was a first-team All-Pacific Coast Conference selection in both 1950 and 1951, and was selected for the Associated Press 1951 All-America team as a fullback.

Hugh McElhenny led the team in rushing in each of his three seasons and set 16 school records, including season and career rushing yards.

Hugh McElhenny's first play as a professional was a 40-yard touchdown run which had been drawn in the dirt because he had not yet learned the team's playbook.

Hugh McElhenny recorded the season's longest run from scrimmage, the longest punt return, and the top rushing average.

Hugh McElhenny was unanimously recognized as the season's top rookie.

Hugh McElhenny's versatility drew praise from opposing coaches, including George Halas of the Chicago Bears and Steve Owen of the New York Giants.

Hugh McElhenny repeated as a Pro Bowler for 1953, joining his backfield teammates, Tittle and fullback Joe Perry.

Hugh McElhenny still managed to make the AP's second-team All-Pro team and was a first-team selection by the New York Daily News.

Hugh McElhenny joined the newly formed Vikings in 1961 through the expansion draft.

Hugh McElhenny was invited to his sixth Pro Bowl following the season.

Hugh McElhenny was released by New York during training camp in 1964, and he was picked up by the Detroit Lions, for whom he appeared in eight games before retiring after the season.

Hugh McElhenny gained 11,375 all-purpose yards in his 13-year career and retired as one of just three players to eclipse 11,000 yards.

Hugh McElhenny was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970, an honor he described as the highlight of his life.

Hugh McElhenny was inducted into State of Washington Sports Hall of Fame in 1963 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981.

On January 20,1985, Hugh McElhenny participated in the opening coin toss at Super Bowl XIX at Stanford Stadium, along with US President Ronald Reagan, who participated by video feed from the White House after having been sworn into his second term of office earlier that day.

Hugh McElhenny proactively named himself general manager of the non-existent "Seattle Kings" in May 1972, and the next year the franchise gained the backing of entrepreneur Edward Nixon, brother of president Richard Nixon.

However, Hugh McElhenny's plans fell through, as the Seattle Seahawks were founded in 1974.

Hugh McElhenny was related to the McIlhenny family of Louisiana, the makers of Tabasco sauce.

Hugh McElhenny was temporarily paralyzed from the neck down and had to use a walker for a year.

Hugh McElhenny died at his home in Henderson, Nevada, on June 17,2022.