130. Jim Benton

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Selected in the 2nd Round out of the University of Arkansas in 1938, Jim Benton would go on to be one of the first great receivers in the history of the Rams franchise.  Benton led the NFL in Yards per Reception as a rookie and was named to the Pro Bowl in his second season.  He took 1941 off and returned to the NFL in 1942; because of a heart murmur, he was not permitted to enlist in the U.S. Military for World War II.  He was loaned to the Chicago Bears in 1943 because the Rams couldn't field a team due to a depletion of talent, but he returned in 1944, 1945, and 1946, and together they had two excellent seasons in which he led the NFL in Receiving Yards.

1945 was a uniquely special season for Benton.  Not only would it be a large part of the Rams’ 1945 NFL Championship, but his league-leading 1,067 receiving yards were also accomplished in only nine games.  He also would become the first Wide Receiver to exceed 300 Yards in a Game, a mark that was duplicated for another 40 Years!

At the time of his retirement, he was second all-time in Receiving Yards, and he was chosen for the 1940’s All-Decade Team.

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Carthage, Arkansas, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Tuesday, 01 January 1963
  • Position: End
  • Games Played: 91
  • Notable Statistics: 55 Games Started
    288 Receptions
    4,801 Receiving Yards
    45 Receiving Touchdowns
    8 Rushing Attempts
    19 Rushing Yards
    5 Kick Returns
    20 Kick Return Yards

    2 Playoff Games
    1 Plyoff Game Started
    10 Receptions
    154 Receiving Yards
    1 Receiving Touchdown
    1 Kick Return
    14 Kick Return Yards
  • Played For: Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams
  • College: Arkansas
  • Drafted: 2nd Round, 11th Overall in 1938
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    NFL Championships (2) (Chicago Bears 1943 & Cleveland Rams 1945)
    NFL 1940s All-Decade Team
    First Team All-Pro Selection (2) (1945 & 1946)
    Pro Bowl Selection (1) (1939)
    Most Receptions (1) (1946)
    Most Receiving Yards (2) (1945 & 1946)
    Most Receiving Touchdowns (1) (1939)
    Most Yards per Reception (1) (1938)
    Most Receiving Yards per Game (2) (1945 & 1946)
    Most Yards From Scrimmage (2) (1945 & 1946)
  • Other Points of Note:

    Top Ten Finishes: Receptions (8) (1938, 1939, 1940, 1942, 1944, 1945, 1946 & 1947)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards (7) (1938, 1939, 1940, 1942, 1944, 1945, & 1946)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Touchdowns (8) (1938, 1939, 1940, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946 & 1947)
    Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Reception (7) (1938, 1939, 1940, 1942, 1944, 1945, & 1946)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards per Game (7) (1938, 1939, 1940, 1942, 1944, 1945, & 1946)
    Top Ten Finishes: Touchdowns (5) (1938, 1939, 1944, 1945 & 1946)
    Top Ten Finishes: Points Scored (4) (1938, 1939, 1944 & 1945)
    Top Ten Finishes: Yards From Scrimmage (2) (1945 & 1946)
    Top Ten Finishes: All-Purpose Yards (2) (1945 & 1946)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: 72. Yards per Reception: 16.7
  • Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: None

Should Jim Benton be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 76.9%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 15.4%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 7.7%
Last modified on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 00:44
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