Bob Waterfield
The triple-threat star who led the Rams to two NFL championships.
Bob Waterfield was an American professional football player who played for the Cleveland / Los Angeles Rams from 1945 to 1952. He played quarterback, safety, kicker, punter, and return specialist. He led the Rams to NFL championships in 1945 and 1951 and was selected as the NFL's most valuable player in 1945. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. The Rams never officially retired his No. 7 jersey, so it remained available for other players to wear.
- Major Honors
- 1945 NFL MVP, 1951 NFL Championship
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Waterfield's legacy is tied to his versatility and skill as a passer, punter, and kicker. He recorded 315 extra points and 60 field goals in his career, and made 45 extra points in 1950. On December 9, 1951, he kicked five field goals in a single game. In the 1945 NFL Championship Game, he led the Rams to a 15–14 victory over the Washington Redskins, throwing touchdown passes of 37 and 44 yards and punting to keep the Redskins pinned deep. After the 1945 season, he was named the NFL's MVP.
In Their Own Story
On Thanksgiving Day 1945, Waterfield completed 12 of 21 passes for a season-high 329 yards in a 28–21 victory over the Detroit Lions. Jim Benton caught 10 of Waterfield's passes for an NFL record of 303 receiving yards in a single game. In the 1950 divisional playoff game against the Chicago Bears, Waterfield came off the bench suffering from the flu and completed 14 of 21 passes for 280 yards, including touchdown passes of 68, 28, and 22 yards to Tom Fears; Waterfield also kicked a 43-yard field goal and three extra points. After the game, George Halas called the Rams 'the finest passing team I've ever played against.' On the first play from scrimmage in the 1950 NFL Championship Game, Waterfield threw an 82-yard touchdown pass to Glenn Davis, but the Browns prevailed, 30–28.
Reader's Guide
The Waterfield Era represents the foundational chapter of the Rams' offensive identity. In 1945, as a rookie, he won the starting quarterback job and led the Rams to a 9–1 record and the NFL championship, leading the league with 1,627 yards of total offense, 14 touchdown passes, and an average of 9.4 yards per attempt. In 1946, he led the NFL in pass attempts (251), completions (127), and passing touchdowns (17). In 1949, he compiled career highs with 154 completed passes, 296 pass attempts, and 2,168 passing yards. In 1951, he led the NFL with an 81.8 passer rating, an average of 17.8 yards per completion, and 13 field goals made, leading the Rams to an 8–4 record and the NFL championship.
Did You Know?
- Waterfield was also a motion picture actor and producer, appearing in a supporting role in 'Jungle Manhunt' (also known as 'Jungle Jim in the Forbidden Land') alongside Johnny Weissmuller.
- He was married to movie actress Jane Russell from 1943 to 1968.
- In the 1943 Rose Bowl, Waterfield's punt was blocked for a safety, and Georgia went on to win 9–0.
- Waterfield kicked five field goals in a game on December 9, 1951.
- He served as head coach of the Rams from 1960 to 1962.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bob Waterfield?
Bob Waterfield was a professional football player who starred for the Los Angeles Rams between 1945 and 1952. He is widely considered one of the franchise's most iconic early quarterbacks.
What positions did he play on the field?
During his tenure, he served as a quarterback, safety, kicker, punter, and return specialist. This versatility earned him the reputation of being a true triple-threat star on the field.
Which championships did Waterfield win with the team?
Waterfield led the team to NFL championship titles in 1945 and 1951 during his time with the club. He also secured the league's MVP award for his outstanding performance in the 1945 season.
Why is Bob Waterfield's number retired?
The Rams retired his number 7 jersey in 1952 as a tribute to his significant achievements on the field. This honor recognized him as a foundational legend of the organization long before he entered the Hall of Fame.
When did Bob Waterfield enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
He was officially enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965 for his career accomplishments. This induction solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in NFL history.
More in Club History & Eras
Related in Los Angeles Rams
Links follow this subject's own source article.
Elsewhere in the Los Angeles Rams universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record