Usually, when you speak of a five-year career in any sport, you can't be talking about a great player. Few people have had a five-year run like Cecil Isbell.
Isbell was the 7th Overall Draft Pick by Green Bay in 1938, and as a rookie, he joined Arnie Herber in the Packers’ backfield. Isbell was rushing more in the first two years, and back in those days, Tailbacks were often passing and rushing with similar frequency. He later helped the Packers win the 1939 NFL Championship.
Isbell took on more of a passing role, and in 1941 and 1942, he led the NFL in Passing Yards and Passing Touchdowns, with 1942 marking the first time a passer threw for 2,000 Yards. He would set the then-broken record with 23 straight games with a Touchdown Pass. Isbell was also one of the first players who could throw deep, and he was exceptionally fast for his era. It is also important to recognize his defensive ability, as he also recorded nine Interceptions.
He retired after 1942, not due to injury but because he began a coaching career.

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