Hall of Fame Professional Football Player. A halfback who also played defense and special teams, he helped the Chicago Bears win three NFL championships. Raised in Ironton, Ohio, he played college football at Duke University, earning All-America honors and helping the Blue Devils to two Southern Conference crowns while also being a standout in baseball and track. The Philadelphia Eagles made him the second pick in the 1940 NFL draft, immediately trading him to the Bears for three linemen. He was a major part of the Bears' 1940 and 1941 championship teams, then served in the US Navy during World War II. His Bears repeated as champions in 1946; he retired after the 1950 season then spent three decades in the oil distribution business. Called "one-play McAfee" for his speed, he had 5,313 combined total yards, intercepted 25 passes, and as a punt-returner ran-back 112 kicks for a record 12.78 yard average. Today he is probably best remembered for pioneering the use of low-cut shoes. Mr. McAfee was named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1961 and to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966. He lived out his days in central North Carolina, was active in his church, and died of the effects of advanced age. His number 5 is retired by the Bears.
Hall of Fame Professional Football Player. A halfback who also played defense and special teams, he helped the Chicago Bears win three NFL championships. Raised in Ironton, Ohio, he played college football at Duke University, earning All-America honors and helping the Blue Devils to two Southern Conference crowns while also being a standout in baseball and track. The Philadelphia Eagles made him the second pick in the 1940 NFL draft, immediately trading him to the Bears for three linemen. He was a major part of the Bears' 1940 and 1941 championship teams, then served in the US Navy during World War II. His Bears repeated as champions in 1946; he retired after the 1950 season then spent three decades in the oil distribution business. Called "one-play McAfee" for his speed, he had 5,313 combined total yards, intercepted 25 passes, and as a punt-returner ran-back 112 kicks for a record 12.78 yard average. Today he is probably best remembered for pioneering the use of low-cut shoes. Mr. McAfee was named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1961 and to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966. He lived out his days in central North Carolina, was active in his church, and died of the effects of advanced age. His number 5 is retired by the Bears.
Bio by: Bob Hufford
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