Pete Pihos

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Lore & Background

Pihos's college career at Indiana was interrupted by war but marked by dominance; he earned first-team All-American honors in 1942, 1943, and 1945. Returning from service in the Army's 35th Infantry Division under George S. Patton, he played fullback for the undefeated 1945 team that won Indiana's first Big Ten title. In 1946, he was named MVP of the Hoosiers while playing three positions despite injuries. His pro debut with the Eagles in 1947 saw him block a punt by Sammy Baugh returned for a touchdown. The following two years defined his legacy: back-to-back NFL championships in 1948 and 1949. In the 1949 title game, played in a heavy downpour, Pihos scored the only offensive touchdown on a 31-yard reception. He was named to the NFL 1940s All-Decade Team in 1969.

In Their Own Story

On December 11, 1955, Pihos played his final NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Shibe Park, catching 11 passes for 114 yards. Earlier that season, he had announced his retirement, ending a streak of missing just one game in nine seasons. His last hurrah came in January's Pro Bowl, where he caught four passes and scored the East's first touchdown by out-leaping defender Jack Christiansen to snag a 12-yard pass from Eddie LeBaron. This performance capped a career that saw him lead the NFL in receptions in his final three seasons (1953–1955) and become the fourth player to achieve a receiving triple crown in 1953 with 63 catches, 1,049 yards, and 10 touchdowns.

Reader's Guide

Pihos played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1947 through 1955. He was selected by the team in the fifth round (41st overall) of the 1945 NFL draft but joined after graduating in June 1946. During his tenure, he recorded 2,834 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns in his first six seasons, then matched those numbers with 2,785 yards and 27 touchdowns in his final three. He was selected to the Pro Bowl six consecutive times from 1950 to 1955. In 1952, after a dip in receiving stats, he earned first-team All-Pro honors as a defensive end before returning to offensive dominance. After retiring, he coached at National Agricultural College (now Delaware Valley University) from 1956 to 1958, and held assistant roles at Tulane (1959–1960). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in February 1970.

Did You Know?

• Pihos was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1966, becoming the first Indiana player to receive this honor.
• He served as a second lieutenant in the Army's 35th Infantry Division under George S. Patton, earning both the Bronze Star and Silver Star for bravery.
• In 1953, Pihos became only the fourth different player in NFL history to record a 'triple crown' in receiving (leading the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns).
• His college scoring record of 138 points at Indiana stood as the school's all-time record for years after his graduation.
• Pihos was named to the Helms Athletic Foundation's Major League Football Hall of Fame in October 1961.