Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch Dies
By Rams Nation's Site Staff
When he retired, Hirsch was fourth in NFL history with 66 receptions in one
season, tied for first in touchdown receptions in one season (17), and first
in yards in one season (1,495).
Hirsch, who was the Rams' first round draft choice (fifth overall) in the
1945 NFL Draft, is still at the top of a number of Rams' all-time lists, including
most consecutive games scoring a touchdown (11 from 1950-51), and is tied for
the most points in a game and most touchdowns in a game (24 points vs. N.Y.
Yanks 9/28/51 on four touchdowns).
"Elroy Hirsch was truly an all-time great - college and pro," said
team owner and chairman Georgia Frontiere. "He basically revolutionized
the wide receiver position with his deep threat and his concise route-running.
It was a thing of beauty to watch him play. But more than that, he was a wonderful
person and a true gentleman. He was an integral part of our organization as
a member of our advisory board for many years. I welcomed his wise counsel after
he retired. He was truly a good friend and an all around football player who
was loved by all who knew him -- teammates and coaches alike. We will miss him."
In 1951, Hirsch helped lead the Rams to the NFL Championship with 17 touchdown
receptions, averaging 51.2 yards per touchdown reception. His best season was
1951, when he led the NFL with 66 catches, 1,495 yards receiving, and 17 touchdowns.
"Mr. Hirsch will truly be missed in the Rams family," said Rams'
WR Isaac Bruce. "He set the standard for guys like myself, Henry Ellard,
Aaron Cox, and Flipper Anderson. He started the tradition of Rams having great
receivers. He was definitely the alpha of the legacy we are trying to carry
on. He will truly be missed, not only by his immediate family, but his Rams
family as well."
After his playing career, Hirsch succeeded Pete Rozelle as General Manager
of the Rams from 1960-69 before returning to his alma mater, Wisconsin, to become
the Athletic Director from 1969-87.
Hirsch's number 40 has only been issued one time since he retired, and has
not been issued since 1960.