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22. Jim Benton

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22. Jim Benton

One of the early stars of the Cleveland Rams was Jim Benton, the star End from the University of Arkansas who as a rookie would lead all players in Yards per Reception, though this was 1938 and he only had 418 Yards.  Still, that was the game back then, and he would be a Pro Bowler in 1940 where he had 7 Touchdown Passes, again league leading.  After a good 1940, he took a year off to coach (remember there wasn't a lot of money back then), but he returned in 1942 but due to the depletion of players due to World War II the Rams suspended operations, and he would join Chicago where he helped them win the NFL Championship.

Benton returned to Cleveland when the Rams were able, and in 1945 he would have his dream season where he would lead them to an NFL Championship was a named a First Team All-Pro and was the league leader in Receiving Yards with 1,067.  The year after he topped the NFL in Receiving Yards again (981) but this time was first in Receptions with 981.  Benton retired after 1947 with 4,566 Receiving Yards as a Ram, a high number for that era.  Notably, at the time of his retirement, he was second all-time in Receiving Yards.

The Bullet Points

  • Acquired: Selected in the 2nd Round, 11th Overall in the NFL Draft 12/12/37.
  • Departed:

    Loaned to the Chicago Bears for the 1943 Season.

    Acquired (2): Returned to the Rams when they resumed operations.

    Departed (2): Retired after the 1947 Season.
  • Games Played: 82
  • Notable Statistics:

    48 Games Started
    275 Receptions
    4,566 Receiving Yards
    42 Receiving Touchdowns
    8 Rushing Attempts
    19 Rushing Yards
    5 Kick Returns
    20 Kick Return Yards

    1 Playoff Game
    9 Receptions
    125 Receiving Yards
    1 Receiving Touchdown
    1 Kick Return 
    14 Kick Return Yards

  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    NFL Champion (1945)
    First Team All-Pro (1945 & 1946)
    Pro Bowl (1939)
    Most Receptions (1946)
    Most Receiving Yards (1945 & 1946)
    Most Yards per Reception (1938)
    Most Receiving Yards per Game (1945 & 1946)
    Most Yards from Scrimmage (1945 & 1946)

Last modified on Tuesday, 02 August 2022 01:49

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