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Bill Dudley

Halfback

Inducted 1956

Date of Birth

12/24/1919

Birthplace

Bluefield, VA

School

University of Virginia (1939-1941)

Bio

It was thought by most college recruiters that Bill Dudley was too small to play college football. Dudley was to prove the recruiters wrong. Once Virginia coach Frank Murray decided to take a chance on the under-sized halfback, Dudley launched a career which would see him become the only player to win Most Valuable Player honors in collegiate, Armed Forces and professional competition. By 1941, Dudley had grown to 175-pounds and led the nation in four categories - touchdowns, 18; points scored, 134; rushing average, 6.2 yards a play; and touchdowns responsible for, 29. Virginia had an 8-1 season, with a 21-19 loss at Yale. In the final game, Virginia beat North Carolina 28-7. Dudley had three touchdowns and four extra points; his teammates carried him off the field. He received the Maxwell Trophy as the nation's outstanding college player. Dudley joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1942 and led the National Football League in rushing. Then it was off to Army Air Corps. He returned to the Steelers in 1946, led the NFL in three departments - rushing, punt returns, pass interceptions - and was named the league MVP. His pro career, including seasons with Detroit and Washington, lasted through 1951. He later served four terms in the Virginia House of Representatives.