Elmer Layden is a name that resonates in the annals of football history, particularly for his role as one of the legendary “Four Horsemen” of Notre Dame. Layden’s unique running style and unmatched defensive skills helped establish Notre Dame as a football powerhouse during the early 20th century.
His prowess on the field earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a true football great.
Born on May 4, 1903, Layden’s career at Notre Dame was marked by remarkable success. He was a three-year letterman and played fullback, contributing significantly to the team’s 27-2-1 record during his varsity years.
His performance in the 1925 Rose Bowl, where his defensive skills led Notre Dame to a 27-10 victory over Stanford, is particularly noteworthy. Layden’s contributions went beyond his playing days; he served as the first NFL commissioner from 1941 to 1946, shaping the future of professional football.
Elmer Layden’s contributions to football extend beyond his time at Notre Dame and the NFL. His influence also touched roles as athletic director at Duquesne and Notre Dame, where he continued to affect the sport positively. Layden’s life and career offer an intriguing story of talent, leadership, and enduring impact on the world of football. This blog post will delve deeper into his remarkable journey and lasting legacy.
Who Is Elmer Layden?
Elmer Layden was a prominent figure in American football, known for his role as a player, coach, and administrator. He is perhaps most famous for being one of the Four Horsemen of Notre Dame.
Where Did Elmer Layden Grow Up?
Elmer Francis Layden was born on May 4, 1903, in Davenport, Iowa. He attended Davenport High School. His early years in Iowa played a significant role in shaping his athletic career.
After high school, he continued his education and athletic pursuits at Columbia College and then at Notre Dame, where he gained fame as part of the legendary Four Horsemen backfield. His upbringing in Iowa, coupled with his time at Notre Dame, laid the groundwork for his future successes in football.
Where Does Elmer Layden Live?
Elmer Layden lived in several places throughout his career. After his college years at Notre Dame, he spent time in various locations due to his roles as a player, coach, and administrator.
He took up coaching positions in places like South Bend, Indiana, and served as the athletic director at both Duquesne and Notre Dame. Later, he moved to Evanston, Illinois, where he worked as the first NFL commissioner from 1941 to 1946. His career took him to many places, each adding to his rich history in football.
Who Is Elmer Layden Married To?
Elmer Layden was married to Mary Dietz. The couple had a long and supportive relationship. Mary played a significant role in Layden’s life, standing by him through his various career transitions and achievements.
Her support was crucial as he navigated the challenges and successes of being a football player, coach, and sports executive. The couple’s strong bond was well-known among their friends and colleagues.
Does Elmer Layden Have Children?
Elmer Layden and Mary Dietz had children together, forming a family that balanced the demands of Layden’s professional life with personal commitments. Details about their children are less documented in public records, but it is known that family played an essential role in his life.
Layden’s commitment to his family was evident in the way he managed to juggle the responsibilities of his career while maintaining a close-knit family environment.
Elmer Layden College Football Career
Elmer Layden, known for his role in the “Four Horsemen” of Notre Dame, made significant strides both as a player and coach at the University of Notre Dame. His achievements on the field and later contributions as a head coach highlight his remarkable college football career.
Where Did Elmer Layden Play College Football?
Elmer Layden played college football at the University of Notre Dame. He was part of the legendary Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 1922 to 1924. Layden played as a fullback and became famous as one of the “Four Horsemen,” alongside Harry Stuhldreher, Don Miller, and Jim Crowley. This backfield, coached by Knute Rockne, is one of the most iconic in college football history.
Layden’s time at Notre Dame was marked by displays of athleticism and teamwork, contributing to the team’s dominance on the field. The “Four Horsemen” were immortalized in sports history by sportswriter Grantland Rice’s famous description. During his tenure, the Irish posted an impressive combined record of 27-2-1.
Did Elmer Layden Coach College Football?
Yes, Elmer Layden transitioned to coaching after his playing career. He served as the head coach of the University of Notre Dame’s football team from 1934 to 1940. Under his leadership, the team compiled a record of 47-13-3.
His coaching career at Notre Dame followed a stint as the head coach at Duquesne University.
Layden’s coaching style was influenced by his mentor Knute Rockne, and he continued the pro-style offense and attention to detail that Rockne had instilled in the program. His coaching tenure saw many successful seasons and solidified his legacy at Notre Dame both on and off the field.
What Awards Did Elmer Layden Accomplish in College Football?
Elmer Layden earned several accolades during his college football career. He was named an All-American in 1924, recognizing his outstanding performance on the field. Layden was also a member of the Notre Dame team that won the national championship in 1924.
The recognition did not stop there. In 1951, Layden was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, honoring his contributions to the sport both as a player and coach. His place in the Hall of Fame cements his status as one of the greats in college football history.
What Bowl Games Did Elmer Layden Win in College Football?
Elmer Layden’s most notable bowl game victory came in the 1925 Rose Bowl. Notre Dame defeated Stanford with a score of 27-10, cementing their season as national champions.
Layden’s performance in the bowl game included a 78-yard interception return for a touchdown and another touchdown run, demonstrating his versatility and skill.
The Rose Bowl victory was a pivotal moment in Layden’s college football career and remains a celebrated achievement in Notre Dame history. It was also the first and only Rose Bowl appearance for Notre Dame, as they typically did not participate in post-season games afterward until much later.
Elmer Layden Professional Football Career
Claim your free insider access before it's gone!
Elmer Layden had a significant impact on professional football, both as a player and later as a commissioner. His career extended from the field to the administrative offices, and his contributions to the sport are remembered to this day.
Did Elmer Layden Play in the NFL?
Elmer Layden did not play in the NFL, but his professional career included playing for the original American Football League (AFL) in 1925 and 1926. Layden played as a fullback for three different teams: the Hartford Blues, the Brooklyn Horsemen, and the Rock Island Independents. His time as a professional player was brief but notable, given his earlier fame with Notre Dame as one of the “Four Horsemen.”
Did Elmer Layden Coach in the NFL?
Elmer Layden did not take on coaching duties in the NFL. Instead, he served as a head coach in college football.
Layden was the head coach for the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 1934 to 1940, amassing a coaching record of 47-13-3. His coaching tenure at Notre Dame was highlighted by a strong winning percentage. He did not move into coaching roles within the NFL but transitioned to an administrative role instead.
What Awards Did Elmer Layden Accomplish in Professional Football?
Layden’s accolades in professional football come more from his administrative and pioneering efforts than his playing career. While he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951, he is also known for being appointed as the first Commissioner of the National Football League (NFL) in 1941.
His work as commissioner helped shape the league during its formative years, including merging the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers into the “Steagles” during World War II.
Did Elmer Layden Win a Super Bowl?
Elmer Layden did not win a Super Bowl. The Super Bowl era started after his time both as a player and as a commissioner.
During his tenure as NFL Commissioner from 1941 to 1946, the championship game was known as the NFL Championship Game. Although he played a critical role in the organization and growth of the league, the Super Bowl itself did not exist until 1967.
What Is Elmer Layden Up To Now?
Elmer Layden, famous for his role as a member of the “Four Horsemen” at Notre Dame and his tenure as the NFL’s first commissioner, has long been remembered for his contributions to football. This section explores his current activities and involvement in the sport.
Is Elmer Layden Still Involved in Football?
Elmer Layden passed away on June 30, 1973, in Chicago, IL. His legacy in football remains, but he is no longer actively involved.
During his lifetime, Layden served as the NFL commissioner and also as an athletic director at Duquesne University. His role significantly influenced the growth and direction of professional sports during his era. Although absent now, his impact on the game continues to be felt.
Does Elmer Layden Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Due to his passing, Elmer Layden is no longer available for private speaking engagements.
During his life, Layden was an influential figure and often spoke at events related to football and sports administration. His insights and experiences as the commissioner of the National Football League and as a college athletics administrator were highly valued. Layden’s contributions to football are still discussed and remembered in various forums.
Does Elmer Layden Have a Podcast?
Elmer Layden does not have a podcast, and given his era and passing, such a medium was not an option for him.
Podcasts have become a popular way for current sports figures to share their insights, but Layden’s career predated this technology. Instead, his career highlights and accomplishments are often featured in documentaries and written works related to football history. Fans and historians continue to celebrate his contributions through various media forms.
Has Elmer Layden Gone Into Broadcasting?
Elmer Layden did not transition into broadcasting during or after his football career. His primary focus remained on football administration and coaching. Broadcasting did not become a typical career path for former athletes and executives from his era.
Instead, Layden’s influence was more directly felt in his roles at Duquesne, as the NFL commissioner, and through his work with professional sports executives. His legacy continues to be honored in places like the College Football Hall of Fame and discussions in sports media.
What Is Elmer Layden’s Net Worth?
Elmer Layden’s net worth at the time of his death is not publicly documented in detail. As a football player, coach, and NFL commissioner, his earnings and financial status have various sources but remain less transparent than modern figures.
Football Career Earnings
Layden played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, forming part of the legendary Four Horsemen backfield. His college prominence likely contributed to his initial professional opportunities in the original AFL during 1925 and 1926. However, the financial rewards of this era pale compared to today’s standards.
Coaching and Administrative Roles
After his playing career, Layden shifted to coaching and administrative positions. He served as the athletic director at Duquesne and Notre Dame universities. These roles likely offered him a stable salary but did not yield substantial wealth commonly seen in sports today.
NFL Commissioner
Layden’s tenure as the first NFL commissioner from 1941 to 1946 was a notable highlight of his career. During these years, he played a pivotal role in shaping the league, yet his remuneration as a commissioner is not well-documented.
Lifetime Achievements
Layden’s influence in football, including his induction into the Hall of Fame, speaks volumes about his legacy.
While the exact figures of his net worth remain unclear, his impact on the sport is invaluable.
The financial records from his era do not typically reflect the significant incomes seen in the sport today, providing perspective on his career’s financial aspect.
Get the latest sent right to your inbox