Bill Dudley
The only player to score six different ways and win MVP at three levels.
Bill Dudley (December 24, 1921 – February 4, 2010), nicknamed "Bullet Bill", was an American professional football halfback, safety and return specialist who played in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, and Washington Redskins. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966.
- Draft Position
- 1st Overall Pick (1942)
- Hall of Fame
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (Class of 1966)
- Primary Positions
- Halfback, safety and return specialist
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Dudley was drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1942 NFL draft. He led the league in rushing as a rookie and was named All-Pro. After military service in World War II, he returned to the Steelers in 1945 for the last four games. In 1946, he led the league in rushing, interceptions, and punt returns, was named All-Pro, and won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award. He was traded to the Detroit Lions after 1946 and later to the Washington Redskins after 1949. He retired after the 1953 season due to knee injuries.
In Their Own Story
Rain turned Forbes Field into a churning mud bath, the leather helmet slick against Bill Dudley's brow. He didn't just break from the line; he exploded through it, the ball locked tight as a linebacker lunged for his legs. With a sudden pivot on a muddy heel, Dudley danced around the tackle, surging forward with terrifying grace. As the whistle pierced the roar of the crowd deep in enemy territory, he looked up, wiping grime from his visor—a solitary figure defying gravity and grit in the Steel City's most unforgiving arena.
Reader's Guide
Dudley is the only player in NFL history to score touchdowns in six different ways: rushing, receiving, punt return, kickoff return, interception return, and fumble return. He also threw a touchdown pass and kicked extra points and field goals. He led his team in scoring during every one of his nine NFL seasons.
Did You Know?
- Dudley won the Maxwell Award as the best college football player in 1941.
- He is the only player to win MVP awards at the college, service, and professional levels.
- Dudley served four terms in the Virginia House of Delegates after his football career.
- He is an unlockable free agent running back in Madden NFL 08.
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