Elroy Hirsch

The "Crazylegs" Man Who Revolutionized the Passing Game

Few players in NFL history were as electrifying and game-changing as Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, NFL Champion, and one of the league’s first true deep-threat wide receivers, Hirsch helped redefine offensive football during the 1950s.

Known for his long-striding, zigzagging running style, which earned him the legendary nickname "Crazylegs," Hirsch became one of the first true superstars of the modern passing era. His ability to stretch defenses, make acrobatic catches, and rack up yardage at a record-setting pace made him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons of his generation.

Whether it was his record-shattering 1951 season, his role in leading the Los Angeles Rams to an NFL Championship, or his lasting impact on the game, Hirsch’s legacy is that of a pioneer who helped usher in the era of the deep-passing attack.

The Numbers Behind Hirsch’s Greatness

NFL Champion (1951)
Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1968)
Three-time Pro Bowler (1951-1953)
First-Team All-Pro (1951, 1953)
NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
Career Receptions: 387
Career Receiving Yards: 7,029
Career Receiving Touchdowns: 60
1,495 Receiving Yards in 1951 – NFL Record at the Time

Though passing numbers in the 1950s were modest compared to today, Hirsch’s impact on the game cannot be overstated. He was one of the first wide receivers to truly dominate as a deep threat, paving the way for future generations of game-breaking playmakers.

From Wisconsin to the Marines – The Making of a Legend

Hirsch’s journey to football greatness was anything but ordinary.

He first made his mark at the University of Wisconsin, where he became a standout halfback known for his speed and agility.
His college career was interrupted by World War II, as he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1943.
He continued playing football while in the service, suiting up for the University of Michigan in 1943, where he helped lead the Wolverines to a Big Ten Championship.
His rare ability to play both halfback and receiver with equal effectiveness made him a coveted NFL prospect.

After the war, Hirsch entered the 1945 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Cleveland Rams—a franchise that would later move to Los Angeles and become the team where he made history.

From Running Back to Revolutionary Wide Receiver

Hirsch’s first few NFL seasons were far from easy.

He played as a halfback and flanker, struggling to find his true role.
After battling injuries and position changes, his career stalled, and he was nearly considered a bust.
Everything changed when he moved to wide receiver full-time with the Los Angeles Rams in 1949.

Once the Rams fully committed to the passing game, pairing Hirsch with Hall of Fame quarterback Norm Van Brocklin, the results were historic.

The 1951 Season – A Year for the Record Books

In 1951, Hirsch delivered one of the greatest receiving seasons in NFL history, setting new standards for the position.

He caught 66 passes for an NFL-record 1,495 yards and 17 touchdowns, a mark that stood for over a decade.
His 22.7 yards per reception showcased his ability to dominate defenses with deep plays.
He had multiple 200-yard games, torching secondaries with speed and precision route-running.
The Rams’ offense was so explosive that they won the 1951 NFL Championship, defeating the Cleveland Browns 24-17.

This season cemented Hirsch’s status as one of the league’s greatest receivers, proving that the passing game could be just as dominant and game-changing as the traditional ground attack.

The "Crazylegs" Phenomenon – A Player Ahead of His Time

Hirsch’s impact on football went beyond the numbers.

His unorthodox running style, featuring high knees and zigzagging motion, was instantly recognizable.
He became a national sensation, earning his iconic nickname "Crazylegs" that followed him for the rest of his life.
The Rams, under Hirsch and Van Brocklin, were one of the first teams to truly build their offense around the deep pass, something that would become a staple of modern football.
Even as defenses adjusted, Hirsch remained a dominant force, finishing his career with multiple 1,000-yard seasons in an era where passing was not the primary focus.

His unique style and playmaking ability helped redefine the role of the wide receiver, influencing generations of pass-catchers who came after him.

Defining Moments of Hirsch’s Career

1951 NFL Championship – The Greatest Season Ever: Hirsch set records and led the Rams to a championship.
First receiver to dominate as a deep threat: Revolutionized how offenses used the passing game.
Three-Time Pro Bowler and Two-Time First-Team All-Pro: Recognized among the elite of his era.
NFL Hall of Fame Induction (1968): Secured his place as one of the game’s greats.
Pioneered the modern wide receiver role: His deep-play ability and acrobatic catches set new standards for the position.

The Most Iconic Elroy Hirsch Football Cards

For collectors, Hirsch’s cards represent a crucial era in football history:

1950 Bowman #30 Elroy Hirsch Rookie Card – The first major card of his career, highly valuable.
1951 Bowman #16 Elroy Hirsch – Released during his record-breaking season.
1955 Topps All-American #10 Elroy Hirsch – One of his most classic vintage cards.

Each of these cards is a tribute to one of the most important wide receivers in football history.

Beyond the Field – A Life in Football and Entertainment

After retiring from the NFL in 1957, Hirsch remained in the public eye.

He transitioned into acting, appearing in movies and television shows, further solidifying his status as a football icon.
He later became the Athletic Director at the University of Wisconsin, giving back to the school where his football journey began.
His contributions to football were recognized nationwide, with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and lasting respect from the football community.

Hirsch’s name and legacy continued to grow long after his playing days were over, ensuring that his impact on the game was never forgotten.

The Legacy of Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch – A True Game Changer

Hirsch’s influence on football cannot be overstated. He was:

A pioneer of the deep passing game.
A record-setting receiver who changed the way offenses played.
A 1951 NFL Champion and Hall of Famer.
One of the first truly electrifying wide receivers in history.

Without players like Hirsch, the modern passing attack may have developed very differently. His ability to stretch defenses, make game-breaking plays, and capture the imagination of fans helped shape the future of the game.

Final Thoughts – A Legend Who Changed the Game Forever

Elroy Hirsch wasn’t just a great receiver—he was a football innovator. His unique playing style, record-breaking season, and championship success made him one of the most influential figures in NFL history.

His legacy lives on in every deep-ball receiver and in the continued evolution of the passing game he helped revolutionize.