Today, in 1943, Chicago Bears quarterback Sid Luckman set an NFL record when he threw for seven touchdowns in one game. Against the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds, Luckman was able to show signs of the success what would become of the NFL in years to come. The success of the forward pass.
That's not to say that the forward pass was not used before Luckman's historic day. It was a part of professional football offenses. But to truely comprehend the impressiveness of Luckman's feat, it should be made known that outside of fellow Hall of Famer Sammy Baugh, no other quarterback in the league in '43 threw for more than 20 touchdowns. Only the top six passers in the league that season had as many or more touchdowns that season than Luckman had in that one game against the Giants.
Also, take note that while other quarterbacks have throw for seven touchdowns in a game, but none since 1969. Which is also surprising, seeing as how the league has involved into more of a passing league over the years.
Luckman played 11 seasons in professional football, all with Chicago. He finished his career with nearly 15,000 passing yards, with 137 touchdowns. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1965. And there's no doubt that the game Luckman had in 1943 against the Giants played a big role in that induction.
Sources:
Photo- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sid_Luckman
http://www.todayinsport.com/day/november/14
http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.aspx?PlayerId=135&tab=Stats
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1943/passing.htm
http://www.nfl.com/history
No comments:
Post a Comment