Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch was a legendary figure in football, known for his exceptional career with the Los Angeles Rams and his induction into multiple Halls of Fame.
Born on June 17, 1923, in Wausau, Wisconsin, Hirsch displayed incredible athletic prowess from an early age. His unique running style earned him the nickname “Crazylegs,” and he left an indelible mark on the sport.
Hirsch’s career was filled with remarkable achievements, including setting records for pass receptions and being named to the NFL’s 1950s All-Decade Team.
He played pro football with the Chicago Rockets and the Los Angeles Rams, where he was moved to flanker, a position that allowed him to shine even brighter.
His impact extended beyond the football field. He also had a brief movie career and served as the University of Wisconsin athletic director from 1969 to 1987. His legacy is remembered and celebrated by fans and historians alike, and his contributions to football continue to inspire future generations. Learn more about his journey on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s official page.
Who Is Elroy Hirsch?
Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch was a prominent figure in American football known for his distinctive running style and significant contributions to the sport. He earned numerous accolades throughout his career and became a notable figure both on and off the field.
Where Did Elroy Hirsch Grow Up?
Elroy Hirsch grew up in Wausau, Wisconsin. He attended Wausau High School where he played football under coach Win Brockmeyer.
During his junior and senior years, Hirsch helped his school win the conference championship. He was not just a football star; he excelled in basketball as well, earning all-state honors in both sports.
His early athletic prowess set the stage for his future success in collegiate and professional football.
Where Does Elroy Hirsch Live?
Elroy Hirsch spent his post-football life primarily in Madison, Wisconsin. After retiring from professional sports, he remained active in the community and held various roles, including sport executive and actor.
Hirsch passed away at an assisted living facility in 2004 due to natural causes. His life and career continue to be celebrated, especially in places like Los Angeles and Wisconsin where he had a significant impact.
Who Is Elroy Hirsch Married To?
Elroy Hirsch was married to Ruth Francis Powers, often referred to as his high school sweetheart. The couple met during their teenage years in Wausau and maintained their relationship throughout Hirsch’s busy career in football and cinema. Their marriage endured through the various transitions in Hirsch’s life, from his college days to his years as a professional athlete and beyond.
Does Elroy Hirsch Have Children?
Elroy and Ruth Hirsch had one publicly known child, a daughter named Jerry Liska. While not much is deeply documented about his family life, it is clear that his family played a crucial role in supporting him through his eclectic career. Hirsch’s contributions to football and his legacy are often seen through the lens of his family’s support and encouragement.
For further details on Elroy Hirsch’s career and legacy, visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame or learn more about his life on Wikipedia. His high school achievements are also highlighted at the National High School Sports Hall of Fame.
Elroy Hirsch College Football Career
Elroy Hirsch had a notable college football career marked by impressive achievements and contributions. He played key roles in multiple sports at two universities and received numerous accolades.
Where Did Elroy Hirsch Play College Football?
Elroy Hirsch played college football at two universities, starting at the University of Wisconsin in 1942, where he played as a halfback. The team, known as the Badgers, finished the season with an 8-1-1 record.
After one year, Hirsch joined the Marine Corps and transferred to the University of Michigan in 1943. Here, he took on various sports, becoming the first four-sport letterman in the school’s history, with contributions to football, basketball, baseball, and track. Michigan’s Wolverines football team also achieved an 8-1 record during his time there.
Did Elroy Hirsch Coach College Football?
Elroy Hirsch did not pursue a career in coaching college football. After his time as a player, he shifted focus towards professional football and later served in various executive roles.
Post his playing career, he became an NFL general manager, college athletic director, and a television and radio pitchman. These positions showcased his leadership skills and deep knowledge of the sport but did not include coaching at the college level.
What Awards Did Elroy Hirsch Accomplish in College Football?
Hirsch received significant recognition during his college football career. He was an All-Big Ten Conference selection, showcasing his talent on the field. His performance was highly regarded, earning him a place among college football’s elite.
Notably, Hirsch was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974, a testament to his outstanding contributions and lasting impact on the sport at the collegiate level.
What Bowl Games Did Elroy Hirsch Win in College Football?
During Elroy Hirsch’s college football career, his teams did not participate in any bowl games. His contributions to the University of Wisconsin led to a strong season for the Badgers, but they did not compete in a bowl game that year.
Similarly, during his time with the University of Michigan Wolverines, despite their impressive 8-1 record, the team did not participate in any bowl games either. This was during an era when bowl game invitations were more limited compared to modern college football.
Elroy Hirsch Professional Football Career
Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch had a remarkable career in professional football, playing as both a receiver and halfback. He was known for his unorthodox running style and set multiple records during his time in the NFL.
Did Elroy Hirsch Play in the NFL?
Hirsch played in the NFL primarily with the Los Angeles Rams, joining the team after starting his career with the Chicago Rockets.
During his time with the Rams from 1949 to 1957, he was moved to flanker, where he excelled in Bob Waterfield and Norm Van Brocklin’s offensive schemes. Hirsch’s receiving skills, combined with his agility, made him a standout player.
Hirsch’s career statistics include 387 receptions for 7,029 yards and 60 touchdowns. His incredible 91-yard touchdown reception is a notable highlight from his career.
He also contributed to the Rams’ 1951 NFL Championship win, cementing his place in football history.
Did Elroy Hirsch Coach in the NFL?
Elroy Hirsch did not coach in the NFL. After his playing career, he became a general manager and sport executive, choosing to focus on that aspect of the game rather than coaching.
He served as a general manager for the Rams and later as the athletic director at the University of Wisconsin, where he managed various sports programs.
Though he did not coach, his influence on the game extended through his roles in management and administration, impacting the teams and institutions he was associated with.
What Awards Did Elroy Hirsch Accomplish in Professional Football?
Hirsch received numerous honors throughout his career. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968 and also into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974.
He was named to the NFL’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1969, highlighting his enduring impact.
Hirsch’s records include leading the league in receiving yards and touchdowns in several seasons. He was selected to the All-Pro team and honored as part of the NFL’s 1950s All-Decade Team. His legacy is preserved through these accolades, reflecting his excellence on the field.
Did Elroy Hirsch Win a Super Bowl?
During Hirsch’s playing career, the Super Bowl as it is known today did not exist. However, he did win an NFL Championship with the Los Angeles Rams in 1951.
This was a significant achievement and the pinnacle of team success at that time.
The 1951 Championship win was part of a highly successful season for Hirsch and the Rams. His performance contributed significantly to the team’s success, making that victory a memorable part of his professional football career. Consequently, although he did not win a Super Bowl, his championship win remains a crucial part of his legacy.
What Is Elroy Hirsch Up To Now?
Elroy Hirsch, famously known as “Crazylegs,” left a significant mark in football history. After his playing days, his involvement in the sport, public speaking, and potential ventures like broadcasting are subjects of interest to many fans.
Is Elroy Hirsch Still Involved In Football?
Elroy Hirsch passed away on January 28, 2004. Hence, he is no longer involved in football. During his lifetime, Hirsch remained connected to the sport in various roles.
Notably, he served as an athletic director at the University of Wisconsin. He had a significant impact, stabilizing the athletic department and ensuring that it thrived during his tenure. His legacy continues to inspire many within the football community.
Does Elroy Hirsch Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Due to his passing, Elroy Hirsch does not participate in private speaking engagements. However, during his lifetime, he did engage in such activities.
His speaking events were well-regarded, thanks to his charismatic personality and extensive knowledge of football. Attendees often appreciated his stories from his playing days and his insights as a sport executive. Now, his recorded speeches and interviews are valued resources for those looking to gain inspiration from his career.
Does Elroy Hirsch Have a Podcast?
Elroy Hirsch does not have a podcast since he passed away in 2004. At the time of his death, podcasts were not as widespread as they are today.
However, his influence continues through various media avenues. For those wanting to hear more about his life and career, many interviews and documentaries feature his journey and contributions to football. These resources capture his spirit and keep his legacy alive in the digital age.
Has Elroy Hirsch Gone Into Broadcasting?
While he did not venture into podcasting, Elroy Hirsch did dabble in broadcasting. After retiring from professional football, he pursued a career in Hollywood, both in acting and as a sports commentator.
His unique approach brought a fresh perspective to sports broadcasting. Hirsch was also known for his executive roles, such as general manager for the Los Angeles Rams. His diverse career post-football keeps him a memorable figure in many aspects of media and sports.
What Is Elroy Hirsch Net Worth?
Estimating Elroy Hirsch’s net worth involves reviewing his earnings as an athlete and his career after football.
Football Career Earnings
Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch played for the Chicago Rockets and Los Angeles Rams from 1946 to 1957. During his peak years, professional football players didn’t make the multi-million dollar salaries we see today.
Post-Football Ventures
Hirsch transitioned to a career as a sports executive and actor after retiring from football. He served as the athletic director at the University of Wisconsin and held other significant roles within professional sports administration. These positions likely provided substantial compensation.
Acting Career
Hirsch also appeared in movies and television. His most notable role was in the film “Crazylegs,” which added to his overall income.
Final Years and Legacy
Hirsch passed away at the age of 80 from natural causes in an assisted living facility. Despite injuries sustained during his football career, he remained influential in sports until the end of his life.
Financial Status
While there is no exact figure publicly available for Elroy Hirsch’s net worth, his diverse career in sports and entertainment suggests he had a comfortable financial status.
For more on Hirsch’s career, you can check out his biography on Wikipedia or his profile on the Pro Football Hall of Fame.