Frankie Albert

Bio

While Frankie Albert possessed immense physical abilities, his success partly stems from being in the right place at the right time. In 1939, Albert had a mediocre sophomore season playing tailback in Stanford's single-wing offense. His play was so poor that he considered quitting the Stanford squad. The following year, Stanford hired Clark Shaughnessy as the head coach. Known as the "Father of the T Formation," Shaughnessy saw that Albert was an excellent ball handler and passer whose skills were well suited to playing quarterback in his revolutionary new formation. Stanford set an NCAA record for improvement in 1940 going from a 1-7-1 record in 1939 to a perfect 10-0 mark in 1940. The 1940 season included a 21-13 victory over Nebraska in the Rose Bowl and a number two national ranking. The 1940 team featured fellow Hall of Fame members Hugh Gallarneau and Chuck Taylor. Albert received All-America recognition in both his senior and junior seasons. Known for his ball handling abilities, Albert was often termed as a "magician" and is said to have perfected the bootleg play. Following graduation, Albert served in the Navy during World War II, then launched an All-Pro career with the San Francisco Forty-Niners. Albert stood 5-9 in height, weighed 166, and was a left-handed passer. Against Nebraska in the Rose Bowl he completed a 41-yard touchdown pass, kicked three extra points, and had an 85-yard punt. He played for the San Francisco 49ers in 1946-52 and was the 49ers head coach 1956-58.

Career Highlights

• 1941 Consensus All-America
• 1941 Heisman - Third
• 1940 Consensus All-America
• 1940 Heisman - Fourth