William Walter “Pudge” Heffelfinger

William Walter “Pudge” Heffelfinger was born in 1867 in Minneapolis and began playing football at age 15. He organized a team at his high school and played four seasons on Yale's varsity team, where in 1890 he conceived the idea of the Pulling Guard Play. He also played baseball and track and rowed on the Yale crew. He is considered the first professional football player in the U.S., having been paid $500 to play in Pittsburgh in 1892. He coached college teams in three states, taking Yale football style to his California team. Heffelfinger married Matagorda County native Grace Harriett Pierce in 1901, and they had three children. “Pudge” was inducted into the college football hall of fame in 1951. He died in 1954 at his home near Blessing.

Texas · United States