Hall of Fame Professional Football Player. For nine seasons (1942, 1945 to 1951, 1953), he played at the halfback, tailback and defensive back positions in the National Football League with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins. Born William McGarvey Dudley, he attended Graham High School in Bluefield, Virginia, and played collegiate football at the University of Virginia. While a member of the Cavaliers, Dudley became the school's first All-American and was recipient of the Maxwell Award in 1941. Chosen by Pittsburgh during the 1st round of the 1942 NFL Draft, his versatility was immediately displayed in his rookie season (1942), as he led the league in rushing yards with 696, and punt return yards with 271. He served two years in the United States Army Air Corp during World War II, and resumed his career in 1945, winning the league Most Valuable Player Award, while leading the NFL with 604 rushing yards, 385 punt return yards, and 10 interceptions for 242 yards with 1 touchdown. He earned All-Pro recognition six-times (1942, 1946 to 1948, 1950 to 1951), and Pro Bowl status three-times (1942, 1950 to 1951), while appearing in 90 career regular season games. He was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1956, Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966 and Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1972. Following his football career, Dudley worked in the insurance industry and was involved in politics, serving in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1966 to 1975. He died from complications of a stroke.
Hall of Fame Professional Football Player. For nine seasons (1942, 1945 to 1951, 1953), he played at the halfback, tailback and defensive back positions in the National Football League with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins. Born William McGarvey Dudley, he attended Graham High School in Bluefield, Virginia, and played collegiate football at the University of Virginia. While a member of the Cavaliers, Dudley became the school's first All-American and was recipient of the Maxwell Award in 1941. Chosen by Pittsburgh during the 1st round of the 1942 NFL Draft, his versatility was immediately displayed in his rookie season (1942), as he led the league in rushing yards with 696, and punt return yards with 271. He served two years in the United States Army Air Corp during World War II, and resumed his career in 1945, winning the league Most Valuable Player Award, while leading the NFL with 604 rushing yards, 385 punt return yards, and 10 interceptions for 242 yards with 1 touchdown. He earned All-Pro recognition six-times (1942, 1946 to 1948, 1950 to 1951), and Pro Bowl status three-times (1942, 1950 to 1951), while appearing in 90 career regular season games. He was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1956, Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966 and Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1972. Following his football career, Dudley worked in the insurance industry and was involved in politics, serving in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1966 to 1975. He died from complications of a stroke.
Bio by: C.S.
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