NFL quarterback from 1937-1952 for the
Washington Redskins partially responsible for the evolution of the league from a running league to a passing one.
After an All-American career at Texas Christian University (TCU), Baugh (DOB: 3/17/1914; Temple, Texas)was drafted by the Redskins 6th overall in 1937. Baugh led the Redskins to the NFL championship in his rookie season (1937), beating the Chicago Bears 28-21. His Redskins also beat the Bears for the title in 1942.
Baugh led the NFL in passing 6 times and was one of the forces involved in the NFL developing into a passing league from what was mostly a grind-it-out rushing league in the early years.
"Slingin' Sammy" also was a great punter and defensive back (in those times, players often played both offense and defense). In fact, in 1943, he led the NFL in passing, punting, and interceptions.
After 1952, Baugh retired. His career totals were 1693 completions, 2995 attempts, 21886 yards, 187 touchdowns, and 203 interceptions thrown. Most of his passing marks were records, which have since been broken. As a punter, he averaged 45.1 yards in 338 punts, which is an NFL record that still stands.
In 1963, Baugh was one of the charter members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He also coached the AFL's New York Titans (who later became the New York Jets) from 1960-1961 and the Houston Oilers (also of the AFL) in 1964.
In 1999, ESPN's SportsCentury selected Baugh as #64 on their list of the top 100 North American athletes of the 20th century.