Bob Waterfield was a standout football player whose legacy continues to inspire. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, Waterfield excelled as a quarterback, leading the National Football League in passing in 1946 and 1951.
Over his career, he played 91 games and achieved 11,849 passing yards along with 97 touchdown passes, making him one of the most remarkable players of his time. His accolades include being named to the All-NFL team five times, showcasing his elite skills on the field.
In addition to his time as a quarterback, Waterfield often shared the spotlight with Norm Van Brocklin when playing for the Los Angeles Rams. His versatility was unmatched, playing not just as a quarterback but also stepping in as a safety, kicker, and punter.
This range of skills made him a unique asset to his team and left a lasting impact on the sport.
Waterfield’s significance goes beyond his stats. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965 solidified his status as one of football’s greats. Fans of teams like the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears remember his era fondly, where he often led his team to victory despite the challenges.
His story remains a vital part of football history, illustrating the dedication and talent needed to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.
Who Is Bob Waterfield?
Bob Waterfield was an accomplished football player who made a significant impact in the NFL. As a versatile player, he excelled in multiple positions and later became a coach. Additionally, he was honored by various institutions for his contributions to the sport.
Where Did Bob Waterfield Grow Up?
Bob Waterfield was born on July 26, 1920, in Elmira, New York. However, his most formative years were spent in California.
He attended Van Nuys High School in Los Angeles, where he showcased his athletic talent early on. His exceptional skills earned him a spot at UCLA, where he played college football.
At UCLA, he developed into a standout quarterback, setting the stage for his future professional career.
Where Did Bob Waterfield Live?
Most of Bob Waterfield’s adult life was spent in Los Angeles, California. After attending UCLA, he continued to reside in the area due to his professional commitments.
As a player and later as a coach for the Los Angeles Rams, he remained closely tied to the city. His long-standing residence in Los Angeles allowed him to build a life and career deeply rooted in Southern California’s football culture.
Who Is Bob Waterfield Married To?
In 1943, Bob Waterfield married actress Jane Russell. Their marriage attracted notable public interest due to Russell’s fame in Hollywood. However, the couple divorced in 1968. Waterfield remarried in 1970 to Ann Mangus.
The marriages often highlighted his life off the field, sharing the public’s attention between his athletic accomplishments and his personal relationships.
Does Bob Waterfield Have Children?
Bob Waterfield and his first wife, Jane Russell, adopted three children: Thomas, Tracy, and Robert. Their family life was often the subject of media attention, partly due to Russell’s status as a Hollywood star.
The adopted children added a layer of familial responsibility to Waterfield’s already demanding career in professional football. His second marriage to Ann Mangus did not produce any additional children.
Bob Waterfield College Football Career
Bob Waterfield, a standout quarterback, made significant contributions to college football during his time at UCLA. Known for his versatile skills, he played both offense and defense, demonstrating exceptional talent on the field.
Where Did Bob Waterfield Play College Football?
Bob Waterfield played college football at UCLA. He is well-remembered for leading the UCLA Bruins to their very first victory over USC in 1942.
During his college career, Waterfield stood out as a versatile player, contributing not just as a quarterback but also as a kicker and defensive player. He was known for his strong arm, strategic plays, and the ability to make crucial decisions under pressure, solidifying his reputation in college football history.
Did Bob Waterfield Coach College Football?
Bob Waterfield did not coach college football. His focus remained on his playing career and later transitioned to coaching in the professional leagues.
After his successful stint at UCLA, he joined the NFL, where he played for the Cleveland/Los Angeles Rams. Waterfield’s coaching career was primarily in the NFL, proving his expertise and knowledge of the game at a professional level rather than in college football.
What Awards Did Bob Waterfield Accomplish In College Football?
During his college football career at UCLA, Bob Waterfield earned several accolades. One of his most notable achievements was leading the Bruins to their first Rose Bowl invitation in 1942.
His performances on the field garnered attention, though specific individual awards like All-American honors, common today, are not well-documented. His legacy, however, is marked by his impact on the team’s success and his versatility in playing multiple positions effectively.
What Bowl Games Did Bob Waterfield Win In College Football?
Bob Waterfield’s most notable bowl game achievement during his college career was leading UCLA to its first Rose Bowl invitation in 1942. This landmark event highlighted his role in propelling the team to new heights.
Although records of specific bowl game wins at that time are limited, his leadership and performance in securing the Rose Bowl invitation remain a significant part of his college football legacy.
Bob Waterfield Professional Football Career
Bob Waterfield had an impressive career, both as a player and a coach in the National Football League (NFL). He excelled in multiple roles on the field and earned several prestigious awards, including an MVP title.
Did Bob Waterfield Play In The NFL?
Bob Waterfield played in the NFL for eight seasons, primarily as a quarterback. He started with the Cleveland Rams and later moved with the team to Los Angeles.
Known for his versatility, he also took on roles as a defensive back, punter, and kicker. Waterfield’s passing skills were a highlight of his career. In 1946 and 1951, he led the league in passing yards.
He completed 814 passes for a total of 11,849 passing yards and 97 touchdown passes. His ability to throw deep was well-known, making him a formidable opponent on the field.
Did Bob Waterfield Coach In The NFL?
Bob Waterfield also had a stint as a coach after his playing career. He served as the head coach for the Rams for three seasons.
Before becoming a head coach, he was an assistant coach under Hampton Pool and Sid Gillman. His coaching tenure was marked by dedication and a deep understanding of the game.
While his coaching career wasn’t as illustrious as his playing days, he contributed to the development of future talents and strategies in the league.
What Awards Did Bob Waterfield Accomplish In Professional Football?
Bob Waterfield won several awards throughout his career. In his rookie year, he was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1945. He also led his team to an NFL championship the same year.
Waterfield was named first- or second-team All-NFL five times during his career. In 1965, he was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a testament to his impact on the sport. His accolades also include multiple Pro Bowl appearances and the Joe F. Carr Trophy for MVP.
Did Bob Waterfield Win A Super Bowl?
While Super Bowls were not held during Bob Waterfield’s time, he did lead his team to an NFL championship in 1945. This was a significant accomplishment and is considered equivalent to winning a Super Bowl in modern terms.
The 1945 NFL championship game saw Waterfield’s team, the Cleveland Rams, emerging victorious. His contribution to this win was crucial and solidified his reputation as an elite player in the league.
What Is Bob Waterfield Up To Now?
This section explores his current activities, including his ongoing involvement in football, private speaking engagements, podcasting, and broadcasting.
Is Bob Waterfield Still Involved In Football?
Bob Waterfield, who played primarily for the Cleveland/Los Angeles Rams from 1945 to 1952, is no longer involved in professional football activities.
Having passed away on March 25, 1983, he left behind a legacy that continues to inspire future generations. Although he is not currently active in the sport, his contributions to football are still celebrated.
Waterfield’s storied career, including winning the NFL MVP in 1945, ensures that his name remains significant in football history. For more details about his career, visit his Wikipedia page.
Does Bob Waterfield Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Given that Bob Waterfield passed away in 1983, he does not participate in any private speaking engagements. During his lifetime, he was known for his insights into the game, but his public appearances were limited.
Instead, various Hall of Fame exhibits and tributes maintain his memory and share his story with new fans. Institutions like the Pro Football Hall of Fame continue to honor his achievements and legacy.
Does Bob Waterfield Have A Podcast?
Bob Waterfield does not have a podcast. The concept of podcasting did not exist during his lifetime.
Fans interested in learning more about his career and impact might turn to biographical resources, documentaries, and football history books. Podcasts created by historians and sports analysts often reflect on legendary players like Waterfield, offering insight and context that keep his memory alive.
Has Bob Waterfield Gone Into Broadcasting?
Bob Waterfield did not venture into broadcasting roles during or after his football career. His primary focus was on the sport itself, excelling in various positions including quarterback, kicker, and punter.
After retiring from playing, Waterfield’s activities were mostly out of the public eye. Nonetheless, his career highlights often feature in broadcasts discussing football history.
What Is Bob Waterfield Net Worth?
Bob Waterfield’s net worth, like many players of his era, is not well-documented. Salaries in the 1940s and 1950s were not as high as they are today. Football players often had to take on additional jobs during the offseason to make ends meet.
He had a successful career in both playing and coaching.
Career Earnings
| Period | Role | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1945-1952 | Quarterback | Cleveland/Los Angeles Rams |
| 1960-1962 | Head Coach | Los Angeles Rams |
Waterfield was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965, reflecting his significant impact on the field.
Assets and Business Ventures
Waterfield also ventured into various business opportunities.
Besides football, he was married to actress Jane Russell, which may have contributed to his financial status.
Though exact figures are unavailable, Waterfield’s diverse career likely provided him with a modest but respectable net worth, typical for athletes of his generation.
His contributions to football, both as a player and coach, have left a lasting legacy.