Tony Canadeo

Tony Canadeo (1919-2003), American football player, who was only the third running back in National Football League (NFL) history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a single season. Canadeo was also one of the most versatile players in NFL history. He played all 11 seasons of his professional career with the Green Bay Packers, running, receiving, passing, punting, blocking, and playing defense.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Anthony Robert Canadeo attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. There he played both offense and defense, as did most players in the 1930s. He joined the Packers as an unknown seventh-round draft choice in 1941. After two seasons as a backup player, Canadeo became a star in 1943 when he passed for 875 yards and was named to the All-NFL team. He also made two interceptions that year while playing cornerback on the defensive unit.

After the Packers won the NFL title in 1944, Canadeo’s career was interrupted by military service, forcing him to miss the 1945 season. He returned the following year and thereafter was used mostly as a rusher and punt returner. His best year was 1949, when he rushed for 1,052 yards on 208 carries (an average of 5.1 yards per carry) and was named to his second All-NFL team. In 1950 he was shifted again, this time to fullback, where he served mainly as a blocker.

Canadeo lacked the amazing speed and quick moves often associated with running backs, but his versatility and consistency made him one of the early greats. During his career he gained 4,197 yards rushing and scored 26 touchdowns on the ground. He also caught 69 passes for 579 yards and 5 touchdowns, and completed 105 passes for 1,642 yards and 16 touchdowns. He returned 46 punts and 75 kickoffs, and he made 9 interceptions.

Canadeo retired after the 1952 season. He later became a television commentator for Packers games and also joined the team’s board of directors. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.