Morris Hiram "Red" Badgro (December 1, 1902 – July 13, 1998) was a professional American football end in the National Football League for the New York Yankees, New York Giants, and the Brooklyn Dodgers. He graduated from the University of Southern California.

[edit] Professional career

In 1981, Badgro, at the age of 78, became the oldest person elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame up to that time. The 45-year span between his final game with the National Football League's 1936 Brooklyn Dodgers and his election also was a record.

Badgro was highly regarded as a sure-tackling defender and an effective blocker on offense but he was also a talented wide receiver. In 1934, he tied for the NFL's pass-catching crown with 16 receptions, a significant number in those defense-dominated days when most NFL teams concentrated on grind-it-out football. He also had the distinction of being the first player to score a touchdown in the NFL championship series that began in 1933.

Badgro made many other key catches that were converted into Giants victories, including a 15-yard reception that was a key play in a long drive for the game’s only score in a 3-0 New York divisional title win. Badgro had his big defensive moments as well. Playing against the Boston Redskins in 1935, Red blocked a punt and returned it for a go-ahead touchdown.

The Badgro saga is even more unusual in that he wasn't even sure he wanted to play pro football and, in fact, retired after one year with the NFL's 1927 New York Yankees to give pro baseball a try.

[edit] Personal

Badgro, who was born in Orillia, Washington, died in Kent, Washington at the age of 95.

[edit] External links

• Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Professional Football Researchers Association article
• Morris Badgro Profile at USC Legends
• Red Badgro at Baseball-Reference
• Morris Badgro at Find-A-Grave