1953 Philadelphia Eagles season
Encyclopedia
The 1953
Philadelphia Eagles
season was their 21st in the league
. The team improved on their previous output
of 7–5, going 7–4–1. The team failed to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
is offered a pay raise in his contract. He chooses to play football in the CFL(Canadian Football League
) instead. He would have a career worthy of being named to the CFL's Hall of Fame
as a player. Later on he would make the Pro Football Hall of Fame as coach of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Eagles held training camp at Hershey Park Stadium in Hershey
, PA for the 3rd strait year.
Matt Guokas, Sr. is hire to be the PA announcer for the Eaagles. Guokas played basketball for Saint Joseph's Hawks
in college and the Philadelphia Warriors in the NBA. After losing his right leg in an automobile accident, Guokas turned to broadcasting, and he served as an announcer for the N Philadelphia Eagles for 32 yea,rs from 1953 to 1985.
was held on January 22, 1953. There was 30 rounds in the draft with 12 teams picking. The San Francisco 49ers
received this years Lottery bonus pick. With this pick they chose Harry Babcock
an End
out of University of Georgia
.
The 1952 expansion team Dallas Texans (NFL)
folded during the 1952 season and then became the Baltimore Colts on January 23, 1953. The Colts had the number 1 pick and choose Heisman Trophy
winner Billy Vessels
an Halfback
out of University of Oklahoma
.
With a 7–5 record in 1952 the Eagles got the 7th, 8th or 9th pick in the 30 rounds. With trading away their 1st round pick the Eagles 1st selection was the 7th pick in the 2nd round, 20th overall, they chose Al Conway
a Back out of Army
and William Jewell College
. He did not play due to injury and ended up as an official in the American Football League
and an official in the NFL for 28 years.
Not shown are acquired picks that the Eagles traded away.
The Eagles allowed 4 interceptions and would loose 1 fumble as they allowed Washington to gain 182 yards on 9 completions. The Eagles also hurt their cause by having 10 penalties for 99 yards called against them.
, with that Trimble is awarded a three-year contract after the team's second straight runnerup finish in 1953.
The Eagles placed 6 players on the 1953 Pro Bowl
team. Chuck Bednarik is named MVP of the Pro Bowl.
League Leaders
1953 NFL season
The 1953 NFL season was the 34th regular season of the National Football League. The names of the American and National conferences were changed to the Eastern and Western conferences....
Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
season was their 21st in the league
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. The team improved on their previous output
1952 Philadelphia Eagles season
The 1952 Philadelphia Eagles season was their 20th in the league. The team improved on their previous output of 4–8, winning seven games. The team failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season.-Off Season:...
of 7–5, going 7–4–1. The team failed to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
Off Season
At the end of the 1952 season, 2 year player Bud GrantBud Grant
Harry Peter "Bud" Grant, Jr is the former longtime American football head coach of the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League for eighteen seasons. Grant was the second and fourth head coach of the team...
is offered a pay raise in his contract. He chooses to play football in the CFL(Canadian Football League
Canadian Football League
The Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
) instead. He would have a career worthy of being named to the CFL's Hall of Fame
Canadian Football Hall of Fame
The Canadian Football Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit corporation, located in Hamilton, Ontario, that celebrates great achievements in Canadian football. It is an open to the public institution. It includes displays about the Canadian Football League, Canadian university football and Canadian...
as a player. Later on he would make the Pro Football Hall of Fame as coach of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Eagles held training camp at Hershey Park Stadium in Hershey
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey is a census-designated place in Derry Township, Dauphin County in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The community is located 14 miles east of Harrisburg and is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area. Hershey has no legal status as an incorporated municipality...
, PA for the 3rd strait year.
Matt Guokas, Sr. is hire to be the PA announcer for the Eaagles. Guokas played basketball for Saint Joseph's Hawks
Saint Joseph's Hawks men's basketball
The Saint Joseph's Hawks men's basketball team represents Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Its home court is the Hagan Arena. The team's only Final Four appearance in 1961 was removed from the NCAA records due to a gambling scandal. Through...
in college and the Philadelphia Warriors in the NBA. After losing his right leg in an automobile accident, Guokas turned to broadcasting, and he served as an announcer for the N Philadelphia Eagles for 32 yea,rs from 1953 to 1985.
NFL Draft
The 1953 NFL Draft1953 NFL Draft
The 1953 National Football League Draft was held on January 22, 1953.-Player selections:-Round one:* HOF Member of the Professional Football Hall of Fame-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:...
was held on January 22, 1953. There was 30 rounds in the draft with 12 teams picking. The San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
received this years Lottery bonus pick. With this pick they chose Harry Babcock
Harry Babcock (American football)
Harry Lewis Babcock was an American football end in the National Football League. He was the first overall selection in the 1953 NFL Draft....
an End
End (football)
An end in American football is a player who lines up at either end of the line of scrimmage. Rules state that a legal offensive formation must always consist of seven players on the line of scrimmage. An end who lines up close to the offensive line is known as a tight end, while one who lines up...
out of University of Georgia
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest and largest of the state's institutions of higher learning and is one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States...
.
The 1952 expansion team Dallas Texans (NFL)
Dallas Texans (NFL)
The Dallas Texans played in the National Football League for one season, 1952, with a record of 1–11.-History:After the 1951 NFL season, the financially troubled New York Yanks franchise were put on the market. Ted Collins had founded that franchise in 1944 as the Boston Yanks, moved it to New...
folded during the 1952 season and then became the Baltimore Colts on January 23, 1953. The Colts had the number 1 pick and choose Heisman Trophy
Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award , is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football. It was created in 1935 as the Downtown Athletic Club trophy and renamed in 1936 following the death of the Club's athletic director, John Heisman The Heisman Memorial...
winner Billy Vessels
Billy Vessels
Billy Vessels was a standout football player in his hometown of Cleveland, Oklahoma, where he was known as "Curly." He went on to play college football for the University of Oklahoma and win the 1952 Heisman trophy. He was the first Oklahoman to win the award, which is given to the nation's top...
an Halfback
Running back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
out of University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is a coeducational public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. Founded in 1890, it existed in Oklahoma Territory near Indian Territory for 17 years before the two became the state of Oklahoma. the university had 29,931 students enrolled, most located at its...
.
With a 7–5 record in 1952 the Eagles got the 7th, 8th or 9th pick in the 30 rounds. With trading away their 1st round pick the Eagles 1st selection was the 7th pick in the 2nd round, 20th overall, they chose Al Conway
Al Conway
Al Conway was an American Professional Football on-field official for 28 seasons. He was in the American Football League in its last year, 1969, and in the NFL fom 1970 to 1996...
a Back out of Army
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
and William Jewell College
William Jewell College
William Jewell College is a private, four-year liberal arts college of 1,100 undergraduate students located in Liberty, Missouri, U.S. It was founded in 1849 by members of the Missouri Baptist Convention and other civic leaders, including Robert S. James, a Baptist minister and father of the...
. He did not play due to injury and ended up as an official in the American Football League
American Football League
The American Football League was a major American Professional Football league that operated from 1960 until 1969, when the established National Football League merged with it. The upstart AFL operated in direct competition with the more established NFL throughout its existence...
and an official in the NFL for 28 years.
Player Selections
The table shows the Eagles selections and what picks they had that were traded away and the team that ended up with that pick. It is possible the Eagles' pick ended up with this team via another team that the Eagles made a trade with.Not shown are acquired picks that the Eagles traded away.
| = Pro Bowl Pro Bowl In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those... er |
= Hall of Fame Pro Football Hall of Fame The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees... r |
| Rd | Pick | Player | Position | School | Rd | Pick | Player | Position | School | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | Pick Traded to Los Angeles Rams |
2 | 20 | Al Conway Al Conway Al Conway was an American Professional Football on-field official for 28 seasons. He was in the American Football League in its last year, 1969, and in the NFL fom 1970 to 1996... |
Back Running back A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running... |
Army United States Military Academy The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City... and William Jewell College William Jewell College William Jewell College is a private, four-year liberal arts college of 1,100 undergraduate students located in Liberty, Missouri, U.S. It was founded in 1849 by members of the Missouri Baptist Convention and other civic leaders, including Robert S. James, a Baptist minister and father of the... |
|||
| 3 | 34 | Don Johnson | Back | California | 4 | 45 | George Mrkonic George Mrkonic George Ralph Mrkonic is a former American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He also played in the Canadian Football League for the BC Lions.... |
Guard | Kansas | |
| 5 | 56 | Eddie Bell | End | Pennsylvania | 5 | 61 | Rex Smith (pick from Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... ) |
End | Illinois | |
| 6 | 70 | Pick Traded to Chicago Cardinals |
7 | 76 | Jack Erickson pick from Chicago Cardinals |
Tackle | Army/Beloit | |||
| 7 | 81 | Ray Malavasi Ray Malavasi Ray Malavasi was a former football coach who served as head coach of two National Football League teams: the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Rams.... |
Guard | Army/Mississippi State | 8 | 92 | Jess Richardson Jess Richardson Jesse William Richardson was an American collegiate and Professional Football player who played defensive lineman in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, and in the American Football League for the Boston Patriots... |
Tackle | Alabama | |
| 9 | 106 | Roger French | End | Minnesota | 10 | 117 | Tom Brookshier Tom Brookshier Thomas Jefferson "Tom" Brookshier was an American professional football player, coach and sportscaster. He was a starting defensive back for the Philadelphia Eagles for seven seasons from 1953 to 1961... |
Back | Colorado University of Colorado at Boulder The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado... |
|
| 11 | 128 | Bob Pollard | Back | Penn State | 12 | 142 | George Porter | Tackle | San Jose State | |
| 13 | 153 | Ray Westort | Guard | Utah | 14 | 164 | Roy Bailey | Back | Tulane | |
| 15 | 178 | Willie Irvin Willie Irvin Willie James Irvin was an American football defensive back in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles.... |
End | Florida A&M | 16 | 189 | Bud Wallace | Back | North Carolina | |
| 17 | 200 | Tony Rados | Back | Penn State | 18 | 214 | Marv Trauth | Tackle | Mississippi | |
| 19 | 225 | Pete Bachouros | Back | Illinois | 20 | 236 | Rollie Arns | Center | Iowa State | |
| 21 | 250 | Hal Brooks | Tackle | Washington & Lee | 22 | 261 | Laurie LeClaire | Back | Michigan | |
| 23 | 272 | Jeff Knox | End | Georgia Tech | 24 | 286 | Eli Romero | Back | Wichita State | |
| 25 | 297 | Johnny Michels John Michels (guard) John Joseph Michels was an American football offensive lineman who played for the University of Tennessee and in the National Football League . In 1952 he was a consensus first-team All-American. In 1996, Michels was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.-See also:* 1952 College Football... |
Guard | Tennessee | 26 | 308 | Harvey Achziger | Tackle | Colorado State | |
| 27 | 322 | Earl Hersh | Back | West Chester | 28 | 333 | Joe Gratson | Back | Penn State | |
| 29 | 344 | Ralph Paolone | Back | Kentucky | 30 | 357 | Chuck Hren | Back | Northwestern | |
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 27, 1953 | at San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
L 31–21 |
| 2 | October 2, 1953 | Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
T 21–21 |
| 3 | October 10, 1953 | at Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 37–13 |
| 4 | October 17, 1953 | Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
W 23–7 |
| 5 | October 25, 1953 | at Chicago Cardinals | W 56–17 |
| 6 | November 1, 1953 | at Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
W 35–7 |
| 7 | November 8, 1953 | New York Giants New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 30–7 |
| 8 | November 15, 1953 | Baltimore Colts History of the Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional football team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They play in the AFC South division of the National Football League. They have won 3 NFL championships and 2 Super Bowls.... |
W 45–14 |
| 9 | November 21, 1953 | Chicago Cardinals | W 38–0 |
| 10 | November 29, 1953 | at New York Giants New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 37–28 |
| 11 | December 6, 1953 | at Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
L 10–0 |
| 12 | December 13, 1953 | Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 42–27 |
Week 1 @ San Francisco
Week 2 vs Washington
The Eagles inability to hold onto the ball allows the Washington Redskins to tie them at 21 – 21.The Eagles allowed 4 interceptions and would loose 1 fumble as they allowed Washington to gain 182 yards on 9 completions. The Eagles also hurt their cause by having 10 penalties for 99 yards called against them.
Week 3 @ Cleveland Browns
Week 4 vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 5 @ Chicago Cardinals
Week 6 @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 7 vs New York Giants
Week 8 vs Baltimore Colts
Week 9 @ Cleveland Browns
Week 10 @ New York Giants
Week 11 @ Washington Redskins
Week 12 vs Cleveland Browns
The Eagles give the Cleveland Browns their only loss of the regular season in the final week of the season. Cleveland would have 3 turn overs during the game.Standings
| NFL Eastern Eastern and Western Divisions (NFL) 1933-69 The Eastern and Western Divisions of the National Football League, renamed the American and National Conferences in 1950 and then the Eastern and Western Conferences in 1953, were organized as a result of the disputed NFL championship of 1932... |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA | STK | |
| Cleveland Browns 1953 Cleveland Browns season The 1953 Cleveland Browns season was the team's fourth season with the National Football League.-Exhibition Schedule:-Regular Season Schedule:-NFL Championship Game:Scoring*DET – Walker 1 yard run *CLE – FG Groza 13 yard... |
11 | 1 | 0 | .917 | 348 | 162 | L-1 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 7 | 4 | 1 | .636 | 352 | 215 | W-1 |
| Washington Redskins 1953 Washington Redskins season The 1953 Washington Redskins began with the team trying to improve on their 4-8 record from 1952.-Schedule:-Standings:... |
6 | 5 | 1 | .545 | 208 | 215 | L-1 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers 1953 Pittsburgh Steelers season -Schedule:- Week 1 : Detroit Lions :at Briggs Stadium, Detroit, Michigan* Game time:* Game weather:* Game attendance: 20,675* Referee:* TV announcers:Scoring drives:... |
6 | 6 | 0 | .500 | 211 | 263 | W-2 |
| New York Giants 1953 New York Giants season The 1953 New York Giants season was the 29th season for the club in the National Football League.-Schedule:-Standings:-New York Giants coaching vacancy:... |
3 | 9 | 0 | .250 | 179 | 277 | L-2 |
| Chicago Cardinals 1953 Chicago Cardinals season The 1953 Chicago Cardinals season was the 34th season the team was in the league. The team failed to improve on their previous output of 4-8, winning only one game, the final game of the season. They failed to qualify for the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.-Schedule:-Standings:-References:... |
1 | 10 | 1 | .091 | 190 | 337 | W-1 |
Playoffs
With a record of 7 – 4- 1 the Eagles finish behind Cleveland and fail to make the playoffs. The Detroit Lions won the National Division and played the Cleveland Browns in the 1953 NFL Championship Game.1953 Roster
(All time List of Philadelphia Eagles players in franchise history)| = 1953 Pro Bowl Pro Bowl In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those... |
= Hall of Fame Pro Football Hall of Fame The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees... r |
- + = Pro Bowl starter
NO. |AGE |GP |WT |YRS Jim Trimble Jim TrimbleJames W. "Jim" Trimble was a football coach who served as head coach in both the National Football League and Canadian Football League, but his legacy is more connected to football products, thanks to his "slingshot" goal posts...
>35 COACH 1953
record
7–3–1NFL-Eagles
Lifetime
14–9–12nd Indiana University Indiana UniversityIndiana University is a multi-campus public university system in the state of Indiana, United States. Indiana University has a combined student body of more than 100,000 students, including approximately 42,000 students enrolled at the Indiana University Bloomington campus and approximately 37,000...
>60 Chuck Bednarik Chuck BednarikCharles Philip Bednarik is a former professional American football player, known as one of the most devastating tacklers in the history of football and the last two-way player in the National Football League...
+28 C-LB 12 0 233 6–3 4 36 25 FB 6 0 230 6–4 1 Louisville Louisville Cardinals footballThe Louisville Cardinals football team represents the University of Louisville in college football as a member of the Big East Conference. Howard Schnellenberger started the program's rise to relevancy after winning the Miami Hurricanes' first national championship...
>45 Tom Brookshier Tom BrookshierThomas Jefferson "Tom" Brookshier was an American professional football player, coach and sportscaster. He was a starting defensive back for the Philadelphia Eagles for seven seasons from 1953 to 1961...
>22 DB 11 0 196 6–0 Rookie Colorado Colorado Buffaloes footballThe Colorado Buffaloes football program represents the University of Colorado at Boulder in college football at the NCAA Division I FBS level. The team is currently a member of the Pacific-12 Conference, having previously been a charter member of the Big 12 Conference. Before joining the Big 12,...
>10 Adrian Burk Adrian BurkAdrian Matthew Burk was an American football quarterback in the National Football League for the Baltimore Colts and Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at Baylor University and was drafted in the first round of the 1950 NFL Draft...
>26 QB 10 4 190 6–2 3 Baylor Baylor Bears footballThe Baylor Bears football team represents Baylor University in Division I FBS college football. They are a member of the Big 12 Conference. The team plays its home games at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, Texas.-History:...
>33 Russ Craft Russ CraftWilliam Russell Craft was an American football defensive back in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football at the University of Alabama and was drafted in the fifteenth round of the 1943 NFL Draft...
>34 DB-HB 12 0 178 5–9 7 Alabama Alabama Crimson Tide football|TeamName = Alabama football |Image = Alabama Crimson Tide Logo.svg |ImageSize = 110 |Helmet = Alabama Football.png |ImageSize2 = 150 |CurrentSeason = 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football team...
>53 Ken Farragut Ken FarragutKenneth David Farragut, Jr. is a former American football offensive lineman in the National Football League who played for the Philadelphia Eagles.-College career:...
>25 C-LB 12 0 240 6–4 2 14 Bob Gambold Bob GamboldRobert Lee "Bob" Gambold was an athletic star at Washington State University, who played briefly in the National Football League and coached in college and the NFL.-Biography:...
>24 QB 3 0 215 6–4 Rookie 27 Hal Giancanelli Hal GiancanelliHal Giancanelli is a former professional American football player who played running back for four seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles....
>24 HB 12 0 182 5–10 Rookie 88 23 DB-LB-E 12 0 225 6–4 2 81 Willie Irvin Willie IrvinWillie James Irvin was an American football defensive back in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles....
>23 DE-E 3 0 203 6–3 Rookie Florida A&M Florida A&M Rattlers footballThe Florida A&M Rattlers are the college football team representing the Florida A&M University. The Rattlers play in NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.-National championships:*1938*1942*1950...
>78 Mike Jarmoluk Mike JarmolukMichael M. Jarmoluk, Jr. was an American football defensive lineman in the National Football League for the Chicago Bears, Boston Yanks, New York Bulldogs, and the Philadelphia Eagles...
>31 DT-T-MG 12 0 232 6–5 7 Temple Temple Owls footballThe Temple Owls football team participates in the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the East Division of the Mid-American Conference...
>40 Don Johnson Don JohnsonDonnie Wayne "Don" Johnson is an American actor known for his work in television and film. He played the lead role of James "Sonny" Crockett in the 1980s TV cop series, Miami Vice, which led him to huge success. He also played the lead role in the 1990s cop series, Nash Bridges...
>22 HB 12 0 187 6–0 Rookie California California Golden Bears footballThe California Golden Bears football team is the college football team of the University of California. The team plays its home games at California Memorial Stadium, however the team played at San Francisco's AT&T Park in 2011 while Memorial Stadium was being renovated, the team will return to...
>76 32 G-MG-T-DT 12 0 243 6–2 10 25 Toy Ledbetter Toy LedbetterToy W. Ledbetter was a professional American football player who played running back for four seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles....
>26 HB 10 0 198 5–10 3 Oklahoma State Oklahoma State Cowboys footballThe Oklahoma State Cowboys football program represents Oklahoma State University–Stillwater in college football. The team is a member of the Big 12 Conference and completes at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. The Cowboys are led by Mike Gundy, who is in his seventh year as...
>67 John Magee John Magee (American football)John Wesley Magee was an American football guard in the National Football League. He played eight seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles . He played college football at Southwestern Louisiana University and Rice University.-References:...
>30 G 12 0 220 5–10 5 La-Lafayette and
RiceRice Owls footballThe Rice Owls football team represents Rice University in NCAA Division I college football. The Owls have competed in Conference USA's Western Division since 2005. Rice Stadium, built in 1950, hosts the Owls' home football games.-Venue:...
>61 John Michels John MichelsJohn Spiegel Michels is a former American football offensive tackle in the National Football League.-High school career:...
>22 G 11 0 200 5–11 Rookie 72 George Mrkonic George MrkonicGeorge Ralph Mrkonic is a former American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He also played in the Canadian Football League for the BC Lions....
>24 T-DT 10 0 225 6–2 Rookie Kansas Kansas Jayhawks footballThe Kansas Jayhawks football program is the intercollegiate football program of the University of Kansas Jayhawks. The program is classified in the NCAA's Division I, and the team competes in the Big 12 Conference....
>68 23 G 12 0 219 6–0 1 43 Jim Parmer Jim ParmerJames Richard Parmer was an American football running back in the National Football League who played for nine seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles...
>27 FB-HB 12 0 193 6–0 5 35 Pete Pihos Pete PihosPeter Louis Pihos was a professional American football player in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a high school junior when his mother moved the family to Chicago. His father was a murder victim, and when a suspect was acquitted, Pete decided to become a lawyer...
+30 E-DE 12 0 210 6–1 6 21 Al Pollard Al PollardAlfred Lee Pollard was a professional football fullback and halfback. After a brief stint at Loyola University, he decided to transfer to the United States Military Academy in the spring of 1949 where he played under the renowned Vince Lombardi as his backfield coach...
>25 HB-FB 12 0 196 6–0 2 Army and
Loyola Marymount >65 Jess Richardson Jess RichardsonJesse William Richardson was an American collegiate and Professional Football player who played defensive lineman in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, and in the American Football League for the Boston Patriots...
>23 DT 12 0 261 6–2 Rookie 52 Wayne Robinson Wayne RobinsonWayne L. Robinson is a former professional American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1952 through 1956. He played college football at the University of Minnesota and was drafted by the Eagles in the eighth round of the 1952 NFL Draft...
>23 LB-C 11 0 225 6–2 1 85 Bob Schnelker Bob SchnelkerRobert Bernard Schnelker is a former American football wide receiver who played for nine seasons in the National Football League, mainly with the New York Giants. Schnelker was a two-time Pro Bowler. After retiring from football, he was an assistant coach with the Green Bay Packers and the...
>25 E 8 0 214 6–3 Rookie 82 23 DE-LB 12 0 218 6–2 Rookie 79 Vic Sears Vic SearsVictor Wilson Sears was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at Oregon State University and was drafted in the fifth round of the 1941 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sears is a member of the NFL's...
>35 T-DT 12 0 223 6–3 12 73 Lum Snyder Lum SnyderKenneth David "Lum" Snyder was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League who played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1952 to 1958. He was named to the Pro Bowl two times. Snyder attended Georgia Tech....
>23 T 12 0 228 6–5 1 44 24 LB-FB 12 0 197 6–1 1 11 Bobby Thomason Bobby ThomasonRobert Lee "Bobby" Thomason is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League for the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, and the Philadelphia Eagles. He was selected to three Pro Bowls. Thomason played college football at Virginia Military Institute and was drafted in...
>25 QB 12 8 196 6–1 4 VMI VMI Keydets footballThe VMI Keydets football team represents the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. The Keydets compete in the Big South Conference of the NCAA Division I FCS, and are currently coached by Sparky Woods, now in his 4th year...
>31 Ebert Van Buren Ebert Van BurenHarry Ebert Van Buren is a former American football fullback/halfback who played for the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1951 and played in the 1951-1953 seasons. He went to Louisiana State University.-External links:* NFL.com profile* at databaseFootball.com...
>29 DB-LB-FB-HB 12 0 210 6–2 2 83 Bobby Walston Bobby WalstonRobert Harold Walston was an American football wide receiver and placekicker in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at the University of Georgia and was drafted in the 14th round of the 1951 NFL Draft.Coached Receivers, Kicking from 1966-67 for the...
>25 E-HB-K 12 0 190 6–0 2 Georgia Georgia Bulldogs footballThe Georgia Bulldogs football team represents the University of Georgia in football. The Bulldogs are a member of the Southeastern Conference and are frequently a top-25 team. The University of Georgia has had a football team since 1892 and has an all-time record of 738–398–54...
>86 Norm Willey Norm WilleyNorman Earle "Norm" Willey was an American football defensive lineman in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He went to two Pro Bowls during his eight-year career and was credited with an unofficial 17 sacks in one game...
>26 DE-G-E 12 0 224 6–2 3 Marshall Marshall Thundering Herd footballThe Marshall Thundering Herd football team is an intercollegiate varsity sports program of Marshall University. The team represents the university as a member of the Conference USA Eastern division of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, playing at the Division 1 Bowl Subdivision...
>49 30 DB-HB 12 0 175 5–10 4 Idaho and
Washington StateWashington State Cougars footballThe Washington State Cougars football team is the intercollegiate football team of Washington State University. The team is a member of the Pacific-12 Conference...
>75 Frank Wydo Frank WydoFrank Wydo was an American football tackle who played eleven seasons in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles.-External links:...
>29 T-DT 12 12 225 6–4 6 Cornell Cornell Big Red footballThe Cornell Big Red football team represents Cornell University in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision college football competition as a member of the Ivy League. It is one of the oldest and most storied football programs in the nation...
>41 Frank Ziegler Frank ZieglerFrancis Richard Ziegler was an American football running back in the NFL who played for five seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles....
>30 HB-DB 12 0 175 5–11 4 35 Players
Team Average12
- Jerry Williams will become Head coach of Eagles for the 1969 season
Post Season
Philadelphia finished second in last 2 seasons to the Cleveland BrownsCleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, with that Trimble is awarded a three-year contract after the team's second straight runnerup finish in 1953.
Awards and Honors
Pro BowlThe Eagles placed 6 players on the 1953 Pro Bowl
1953 Pro Bowl
The 1953 National-American Pro Bowl was played on January 10, 1953. National Conference beat American Conference by a score of 27-7. Don Doll was named the game's Most Valuable Player....
team. Chuck Bednarik is named MVP of the Pro Bowl.
- Chuck Bednarik (Center – Linebacker)
- Ken Farragut (Center – Linebacker)
- Bucko Kilroy (Lineman)
- Pete Pihos (End)
- Lum Snyder (Tackle)
- Bobby Thomason (Quarterback)
League Leaders
- Bobby Thomason finished 2nd in Passing Attempts and Passing Yards to George BlandaGeorge BlandaGeorge Frederick Blanda was a collegiate and professional football quarterback and placekicker...
- Bobby Thomason finished 3rd in Pass Completions
- Pete Pihos leads league in Receptions, Receiving Yards and Receiving TDs
- Chuck Bednarik ties for lead in Interceptions Returned for TD