Bob Waterfield
Hall of Fame quarterback, kicker, and coach who led the Rams to two NFL championships.
Bob Waterfield (July 26, 1920 – March 25, 1983) was an American professional football player and coach in the NFL. He played eight seasons, primarily as a quarterback, but also as a safety, kicker, punter and return specialist for the Cleveland / Los Angeles Rams. He played college football for UCLA and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. His No. 7 jersey was retired by the Rams in 1952. He also worked as a motion picture actor and producer.
- Major Honors
- 1945 NFL MVP, 1951 NFL Championship
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Waterfield was born in Elmira, New York, and moved to Los Angeles as an infant. He played college football for UCLA in 1941, 1942, 1943, and 1944. In 1942, he led UCLA to a Pacific Coast Conference championship and its first Rose Bowl, and was selected as the quarterback on the All-Pacific Coast team. He married actress Jane Russell in 1943. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1944 due to a knee injury. He was drafted by the Cleveland Rams in the fifth round of the 1944 NFL draft and signed in June 1945.
In Their Own Story
On Thanksgiving Day 1945, Waterfield completed 12 of 21 passes for a season-high 329 yards in a 28–21 victory over the Detroit Lions. Jim Benton caught 10 of Waterfield's passes for an NFL record of 303 receiving yards in a single game. In the 1950 divisional playoff game against the Chicago Bears, Waterfield came off the bench suffering from the flu and completed 14 of 21 passes for 280 yards, including touchdown passes of 68, 28, and 22 yards to Tom Fears; Waterfield also kicked a 43-yard field goal and three extra points. After the game, George Halas called the Rams 'the finest passing team I've ever played against.' On the first play from scrimmage in the 1950 NFL Championship Game, Waterfield threw an 82-yard touchdown pass to Glenn Davis, but the Browns prevailed, 30–28.
Reader's Guide
Waterfield led the Rams to NFL championships in 1945 and 1951 and was named NFL MVP in 1945. He was first-team All-Pro in 1945, 1946, and 1949. He set NFL career place-kicking records with 315 extra points and 60 field goals, as well as a single-season record with 54 extra points in 1950, and a single-game record with five field goals. He also served as head coach of the Rams from 1960 to 1962.
Did You Know?
- Waterfield's No. 7 jersey was retired by the Rams in 1952.
- He set an NFL single-season record with 54 extra points in 1950.
- He signed a three-year contract for $20,000 per year after the 1945 NFL Championship Game, making him the highest-paid player in pro football at that time.
- He was the first unanimous choice for the NFL's MVP award in 1945.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bob Waterfield?
Bob Waterfield was a professional football player who starred for the Los Angeles Rams between 1945 and 1952. He is widely considered one of the franchise's most iconic early quarterbacks.
What positions did he play on the field?
During his tenure, he served as a quarterback, safety, kicker, punter, and return specialist. This versatility earned him the reputation of being a true triple-threat star on the field.
Which championships did Waterfield win with the team?
Waterfield led the team to NFL championship titles in 1945 and 1951 during his time with the club. He also secured the league's MVP award for his outstanding performance in the 1945 season.
Why is Bob Waterfield's number retired?
The Rams retired his number 7 jersey in 1952 as a tribute to his significant achievements on the field. This honor recognized him as a foundational legend of the organization long before he entered the Hall of Fame.
When did Bob Waterfield enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
He was officially enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965 for his career accomplishments. This induction solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in NFL history.
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