Tom Harmon

[edit] Biography

Thomas Dudley Harmon, born on September 28, 1919 in Gary, Ind., was a professional football player in the 1940s, though his claim to fame is his 1940 Heisman Trophy at the University of Michigan.

Harmon played football at Michigan from 1938-1940 as a running back mostly, but he also was a quarterback, kicker, and also played defense. During his career, he rushed for 2,134 yards. In his final game, a 40-0 win over rival Ohio State, Harmon scored three rushing touchdowns, two passing touchdowns, four extra points, and intercepted three passes. He led the nation in scoring in 1939 and 1940.

Harmon was taken with the first selection of the 1941 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears but never played a down with them, instead deciding to become an actor, and even played himself in the biopic Tom Harmon of Michigan. He would later appear in several movies in 1950s and 60s as well.

Harmon enlisted in the Army during World War II, receiving both the Purple Heart and the Silver Star. Upon his return, he finally decided to play professional football, joining the Los Angeles Rams for two seasons in 1946 and 1947, but wartime injuries to his legs forced him to retire.

Following his retirement, he became a sports broadcaster. He died of a heart attack on March 15, 1990.

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