Ernie Nevers was born on June 11, 1902, in Willow River, Minnesota. His parents had moved there from New Brunswick, Canada. He was one of seven children. The family later moved to Superior, Wisconsin. He spent part of his youth there.
Nevers became known for his sports career. He played football, baseball, basketball, and track at Stanford University. He was a strong fullback and could run, pass, and kick. In 1925, he was named a first-team All-American.
He played professional football for the Duluth Eskimos and the Chicago Cardinals. In 1929, he scored 40 points in one NFL game. This record still stands. He also played baseball for the St. Louis Browns.
He coached college and professional football teams, including Stanford and the Chicago Cardinals. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.
Nevers was inducted into both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. He died in 1976 in California.
Willow River was where his life began. Though he left at a young age, the town is part of his story. It is where one of football’s early players first lived. His name remains connected to the place where he was born.
Ernie Nevers was selected as an All-NFL player five times over his five-season career as a Hall of Fame fullback.
Ernie Nevers was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.
