Ken Strong

Bio

Coach Chic Meehan had a brilliant idea. Every time one of his NYU players scored, students would fire a cannon. Meehan didn't figure a fullback named Ken Strong would exhaust the supply of gunpowder. The explosive Strong scored with such frequency, Meehan's crew of cannoneers hardly had time to reload. It was the 1928 season and senior Strong went off on a scoring spree which produced 162 points and the national scoring championship. Strong, a 6-1, 201-pounder from West Haven, Connecticut, amassed more than 2,000 yards rushing and earned All-America laurels that year. It shouldn't have been a surprise. Strong's two-time All-Connecticut performances led West Haven High to state-wide acclaim before he ventured to NYU - and he never stopped churning out the yardage. After his college career had ended and Strong's 285 points over three seasons experts were comparing him to the legendary "Red" Grange, Illinois' "Galloping Ghost." They said Strong had all the speed and power that was so evident in Grange. After leaving New York University, Strong played seven seasons with the New York Giants. He retired from professional football at age 41.

Career Highlights

• 1928 Consensus All-America
• 1928 Led nation in scoring