Bob Waterfield

The Golden Arm Who Led the Rams to Glory

In the golden era of professional football, Bob Waterfield stood as one of the most dominant, versatile, and impactful quarterbacks in history. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, two-time NFL Champion, and one of the most skilled passers of his generation, Waterfield defined what it meant to be a true field general.

More than just a quarterback, Waterfield was a rare three-way player, excelling as a passer, punter, and kicker, making him one of the most complete football players ever. He was the first rookie quarterback to ever lead his team to an NFL Championship, a feat that still places him among the most elite quarterbacks in history. His leadership, precision passing, and ability to win under pressure made him the face of the Los Angeles Rams franchise during its early years, and his legendary deep-ball accuracy helped usher in the modern passing attack.

Beyond the field, Waterfield’s Hollywood lifestyle, marriage to actress Jane Russell, and status as a sports icon made him one of the first crossover superstars in American sports history. His impact on football, both on and off the field, remains one of the most influential in NFL history.

This collection honors Bob Waterfield, the championship-winning quarterback, elite athlete, and pioneering passer who helped shape the modern NFL.

Bob Waterfield’s Legendary Career by the Numbers

Waterfield wasn’t just a quarterback—he was a do-it-all player who changed how the position was played.

Career Statistics & Achievements (1945–1952)

Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1965)
Two-time NFL Champion (1945, 1951)
NFL MVP (1945)
Two-time First-Team All-Pro (1945, 1951)
Three-time Second-Team All-Pro (1946, 1949, 1950)
Four-time Pro Bowler (1950–1952)
NFL 1940s All-Decade Team
Los Angeles Rams Ring of Honor
Career Passing Yards: 11,849
Career Passing Touchdowns: 97
Career Interceptions Thrown: 128
Career Completion Percentage: 50.3%
Career Punting Average: 42.4 yards per punt
Career Field Goals Made: 60
First Rookie QB to Win an NFL Championship (1945)

Waterfield was more than just a quarterback—he was an elite athlete who could pass, punt, and kick at an elite level, a true all-around football legend.

The Early Years – A Natural Leader from the Start

Before Bob Waterfield became the face of the Rams, he was just a kid from California with a cannon for an arm and a drive to win.

Born for Greatness

Robert Stanton Waterfield was born on July 26, 1920, in Elmira, New York, but his family moved to Van Nuys, California, when he was young.
He quickly became one of the best high school athletes in California, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball.
He had a rocket arm, incredible poise, and a competitive fire that set him apart from his peers.

UCLA – A Star in the Making

Waterfield attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he became the team’s starting quarterback and star player.
As a two-way player, he dominated both sides of the ball, excelling as a quarterback, punter, kicker, and even defensive back.
In 1942, he led UCLA to a conference championship, proving that he was NFL material.
His time at UCLA was cut short by World War II, as he left school to serve in the U.S. Army.
After returning from military service, Waterfield was selected in the 5th round of the 1944 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Rams (who later became the Los Angeles Rams).

The Cleveland Rams Years – A Rookie Sensation & NFL Champion (1945)

Waterfield’s NFL career began in 1945, and he made history right away.

A Rookie for the Ages

Stepping in as the starting quarterback in his very first season, Waterfield immediately dominated the league.
He threw for 1,609 yards and 14 touchdowns, an impressive feat in the run-heavy era of the 1940s.
His ability to throw deep with precision and play with incredible poise made him an instant star.

Winning the 1945 NFL Championship

In just his first season, Waterfield led the Cleveland Rams to the 1945 NFL Championship Game against the Washington Redskins.
The game was played in frigid conditions, with the temperature at -8 degrees Fahrenheit, making passing extremely difficult.
Waterfield accounted for all of the Rams’ scoring, throwing two touchdown passes and kicking a crucial extra point.
The Rams won 15-14, making Waterfield the first rookie quarterback to lead his team to an NFL title.
He was named NFL MVP, an unheard-of achievement for a first-year player.

At just 25 years old, Waterfield was already one of the best quarterbacks in football.

The Los Angeles Rams Years – A Pioneering Superstar (1946–1952)

In 1946, the Rams moved from Cleveland to Los Angeles, and Waterfield became the first star quarterback of the West Coast.

Building the First Great Rams Dynasty

In 1948, the Rams drafted Norm Van Brocklin, creating a rare two-quarterback system.
While sharing time with Van Brocklin, Waterfield still led the Rams to multiple playoff appearances, proving his ability to win games in any situation.
His ability to throw deep passes with pinpoint accuracy made the Rams one of the first high-powered passing teams in NFL history.

The 1951 NFL Championship – Returning to Glory

By 1951, Waterfield and Van Brocklin had perfected their dual-QB attack.
The Rams dominated the regular season, finishing 8-4 and reaching the NFL Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns.
Waterfield and Van Brocklin combined for one of the greatest passing performances in championship history, leading the Rams to a 24-17 victory.
Waterfield became a two-time NFL champion, cementing his place among the greatest quarterbacks in league history.

Retirement & Coaching Career (1952–1965)

By 1952, Waterfield had proven everything he needed to prove, retiring as one of the greatest quarterbacks of his era.

Coaching & Later Life

After retiring, he remained involved in football, serving as the head coach of the Rams from 1960 to 1962.
Though his coaching career wasn’t as successful as his playing days, he remained a highly respected football mind.
In 1965, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, forever enshrining his legacy.

Defining Moments of Waterfield’s Career

1945 – Wins NFL Championship as a Rookie: Becomes the first rookie QB to win a title.
1945 – Wins NFL MVP: Proves he is the best quarterback in the league.
1949 – Becomes Part of a Two-QB System with Van Brocklin: Helps develop the first great passing offense.
1951 – Wins His Second NFL Championship: Leads the Rams to another title over Cleveland.
1965 – Inducted into the Hall of Fame: Becomes one of football’s greatest legends.

A Legacy That Defined an Era

Bob Waterfield wasn’t just a quarterback—he was a trailblazer.

He helped transform the NFL into a passing league, proving that quarterbacks could be true superstars.
He remains one of the most versatile players in NFL history, excelling as a passer, punter, and kicker.
He led the Rams to their first championships, laying the foundation for future success.

A Champion, A Trailblazer, and One of the Greatest Quarterbacks in NFL History.