Pug Lund

Bio

It was Minnesota's ball, fourth down and four yards to go at the Pittsburgh 17. Time was running out when Gopher back Pug Lund found himself clutching a teammate's lateral and looking for daylight. Then he spotted end Bob Tenner in the open field, fired a strike to the rangy receiver and Minnesota suddenly had the touchdown which beat Pitt, 13-7, and ignited the Gophers charge to a perfect eight-game record and the 1934 National Championship. Lund averaged almost six yards per carry and passed with uncanny accuracy during that season, earning repeat laurels as an All-America. However, he was more than a big play performer. Lund was a magnificent blocking back, blessed with a feel for play flow and timing. He was also an indestructible athlete, as Minnesota coach Bernie Bierman was quick to proclaim. "He was our spark plug," Bierman said. "He was battered and broken up, teeth knocked out, finger amputated, thumb broken, and through all that he carried on. Our opponents might break him in two, but they couldn't stop him." Hall of Fame coach Bierman would later call Lund the greatest competitor he had ever seen.

Career Highlights

• 1934 All-Conference
• 1934 Conference MVP
• 1934 Consensus All-America
• 1933 All-Conference
• 1933 First Team All-America