Bob Waterfield was born on July 26, 1920, in Elmira, New York. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was an infant. He grew up in Van Nuys and starred in football at Van Nuys High School. Waterfield attended UCLA, where he played quarterback for the Bruins in the early 1940s. He led UCLA to its first Rose Bowl in 1942.
Waterfield’s professional career began with the Cleveland Rams in 1945. He played quarterback, safety, kicker, punter, and return specialist. He helped lead the Rams to NFL championships in 1945 and 1951. Waterfield was named NFL MVP in 1945. He set multiple NFL kicking records and was known for his strong passing skills.
Waterfield’s No. 7 jersey was retired by the Rams in 1952. He played eight seasons in the NFL and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. After retiring, he worked as a football coach and assistant for the Rams and in the Canadian Football League. He also pursued a career in motion pictures with his wife, Jane Russell, acting and producing films.
Waterfield’s connection to Elmira lies in his birth there before his family moved west. Though his football and life achievements happened mostly in California and beyond, his origins trace back to Elmira.
Bob Waterfield was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.
A native of Van Nuys, Calif., Waterfield attended Van Nuys High School, where he played football.
