'Clifford Franklyn Battles' (
May 1,
1910 –
April 28,
1981) was an
American football player from
Akron, Ohio. He played high school football at
Kenmore High School. He played
college football at
West Virginia Wesleyan. He caught
George Preston Marshall's eye in a game at Georgetown, which was an Eastern football power from 1925-29. Battles signed with Marshall's Boston Braves in 1932 and played quarterback,leading the league in rushing with 576 yards.
Battles His Way Into History
On
October 30 1932, Battles becomes the first player to rush for 100 yards in a game with 144 in the Boston Braves' 7-7 tie with the
Chicago Bears.
On
October 8 1933, Battles, playing for the Boston Redskins, is the first to exceed 200 rushing yard in a game, finishing with 215 against the
New York Giants.
From Washington To Canton
Moving to Washington in 1937, the Redskins opened their home season against the Giants and then defeated New York to win the Division. In that game, Battles scored two touchdowns,on a 74-yard and a 76-yard interception return. The Redskins then beat the Bears 28-21 in The NFL Championship as Battles scored the first touchdown of the game, in that 1937 season, Battles led the league with 874 yards on 216 carries. The next spring, Battles asked for a raise from $2,750 to $3,250. When Marshall wouldn't budge beyond $3,000. Battles retired after only a six-year career. Battles was inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in
1968.
External links
★ ''Pro Football Hall of Fame:''
Member profile
★ ''The Redskin Report: ''
Legend Profile: Cliff Battles