Eddie LeBaron #40

Eddie LeBaron, nicknamed “The Little General,” was the first Tiger to have his number retired and became one of the most celebrated and accomplished alumni in Pacific history. At 5’7”, he led the Tigers to their greatest season ever, an 11-0 record and No. 10 Associated Press ranking in 1949, and finished a brilliant college career with All-American honors, Northern California’s Back of the Year, and recognition as the MVP of the ’49 East-West Shrine All-Star Game. A two-way, 60-minute player, he played quarterback on offense, safety on defense, and punter on special teams. He threw for 3,841 yards in four seasons at COP, and his 49 career touchdowns remained Pacific’s all-time record until 1991. Selected by the Washington Redskins in the 10th round in 1950, he was called into service at the outbreak of the Korean War and served in the Marine Corps for two years, earning a Bronze Star, Letter of Commendation, and Purple Heart. Returning to the Washington Redskins in 1952, he became starting quarterback in the fifth game and earned Rookie of the Year honors that season. He played in the Canadian Football League in 1954, then returned to Washington in 1955, earning three Pro Bowl berths over four years and winning the league passing title in 1958. After retiring in 1959 to practice law, he returned the next year as the first starting quarterback for the newly established Dallas Cowboys, where he won the league passing title and made the Pro Bowl in 1962. He retired in 1964 after an 11-year professional career and is still noted as the shortest quarterback in NFL history. Beyond playing, he practiced law, worked as a football announcer for CBS from 1966-1971, became general manager of the Atlanta Falcons in 1977 after leaving his law practice, and spent nine years with the Falcons as GM, executive VP, and a minority owner. He was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980, and his Pacific jersey was retired in 1950.

Stockton, California · United States