72. Alan Ameche

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Alan Ameche won the Heisman Trophy in 1954, and the Wisconsin Badgers star went 3rd overall in the Draft.   Chosen by the Baltimore Colts, he would win the NFL Rookie of the Year, leading the league in Rushing Yards, Rushing Touchdowns, and Yards from Scrimmage.  This was Ameche's best statistical year, but he became an offensive fixture on an excellent Colts team that won the NFL Championship in 1958 and 1959.  It was in the former title that Ameche cemented his legacy, as in that game (which has been dubbed “The Greatest Game Ever Played”), the Running Back scored two Touchdowns, including the game-winning one that would beat the New York Giants.  That alone makes Alan Ameche an iconic figure in Pro football lore.

Ameche was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection (1955-58) and was chosen for the 1950’s All-Decade Team.

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Saturday, 01 January 1966
  • Position: Fullback
  • Games Played: 70
  • Notable Statistics: 65 Games Started
    964 Rushing Attempts
    4,045 Rushing Yards
    40 Rushing Touchdowns
    101 Receptions
    733 Receiving Yards
    4 Receiving Touchdowns
    6 Kick Returns
    98 Kick Return Yards
    3 Approximate Value*

    2 Playoff Games
    2 Playoff Games Started
    23 Rushing Attempts
    96 Rushing Yards
    2 Rushing Touchdowns
    4 Receptions
    30 Receiving Yards

    *Approximate Value was calculated by Pro Football Reference as of the 1960 Season
  • Played For: Baltimore Colts
  • College: Wisconsin
  • Drafted: 1st Round, 3rd Overall in 1955
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    NFL Championships (2) (Baltimore Colts, 1958 & 1959)
    NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
    UPI Rookie of the Year (1955)
    The Sporting News Rookie of the Year (1955)
    First Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1965)
    Second Team All-Pro Selection (3) (1956, 1957 & 1959)
    Pro Bowl Selection (4) (1955, 1956, 1957 & 1958)
    Most Rushing Attempts (1) (1955)
    Most Rushing Yards (1) (1955)
    Most Rushing Touchdowns (1) (1955)
    Most Touchdowns (1) (1955)
    Most Yards From Scrimmage (1) (1955)
    Most Touches (1) (1955)
  • Other Points of Note:

    Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Attempts (5) (1955, 1956, 1957, 1958 & 1959)
    Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Yards (4) (1955, 1956, 1958 & 1959)
    Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Touchdowns (5) (1955, 1956, 1957, 1958 & 1959)
    Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Yards per Attempt (3) (1955, 1956 & 1958)
    Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Yards per Game (4) (1955, 1956, 1958 & 1959)
    Top Ten Finishes: Touchdowns (5) (1955, 1956, 1957, 1958 & 1959)
    Top Ten Finishes: Points Scored (1) (1955)
    Top Ten Finishes: Yards From Scrimmage (2) (1955 & 1956)
    Top Ten Finishes: All-Purpose Yards (2) (1955 & 1956)
    Top Ten Finishes: Touches (5) (1955, 1956, 1957, 1958 & 1959)
    Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Touch (1) (1956)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: None.
  • Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: None

Should Alan Ameche be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 90.9%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 4.5%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 4.5%
No way! - 0%
Last modified on Friday, 18 September 2026 21:47
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