Philadelphia Eagles 1948-1949 - Back-to-Back NFL Championships One of the top defensive teams in the history of football, the Philadelphia Eagles soared in the late 1940s. Starting in 1947, Philadelphia under the guidance of head coach Earle 'Greasy' Neale, vaulted from a 6-5 so-so record in 1946 to finish at 8-4 in '47, then captured two straight NFL Championships - 1948-1949. The team was loaded with some of football's greatest all-around players - three Hall of Famers - including the NFL's leading runner, Steve Van Buren, legendary pass receiver , end Pete Pihos, and iron-man defensive standout, Alex Wojciehowicz. Greasy Neale' Eagles also had four All-Pro's - quarterback Tommy Thompson, guard Bucko Kilroy, tackle Al Wistert, and end Jack Ferrante... footballhistorian.com - The History of NFL Football
Football History
Bullet Bill Dudley was the winner of the 1941 Maxwell Trophy and was college footballs leading ground gainer in 1941 while playing halfback at Virginia.
During this era without substitution, when players played both on offensive and defense, Bill Dudley was a highly sought after football star. Noted for his quick start and ability to cut back or reserve his field while running at full speed he was a terror to opposing teams when running back kickoffs and punts. Once before a college All Star game, Bill Dudley finished 15th among players in a foot race prior to the game. However in the All Game he returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown.
In 1942, as a rookie with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 5 ft 9 inch 170 pound Bill Dudley played his first NFL game with an all tapped up bad ankle but still ran for a 55 yard TD from the line of scrimmage against the Philadelphia Eagles. The next week in the first half against the Washington Redskins, Bill Dudleys ankle gave way in the first half and he had to be carried off the field on a stretcher. He returned at the start of the second half with the ankle all taped up and ran back the opening kickoff for a touchdown. At that point the media dubbed him Fearless Bill Dudley.
Rated by many football historians as one of the top all-around players in football history, Bill Dudley excelled as punter, a passer and was used as a kicker for extra points and field goals. He was so good on pass defense that long-time NY Giant head coach said, Bill Dudley is the best defensive back in the league.
After serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II, Bill Dudley returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers and was chosen the 1946 NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP). He asked to be traded and was sent to the Detroit Lions and later traded to the Redskins.
In 1950 the NFL brought in the free substitution rule which changed pro football completely. Bill Dudley rates as one of the all time greats in football history. Bio by footballhistorian.com
