Bill Boedeker facts for kids

William Henry Boedeker, Jr. (born March 7, 1924 – died March 21, 2014) was an American football player. He played as a halfback for several teams in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and the National Football League (NFL). These teams included the Chicago Rockets, the Cleveland Browns, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Green Bay Packers.

Boedeker went to North Side High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After high school, he joined the United States Army. He trained at DePaul University in Chicago, where he also played basketball with famous player George Mikan. After serving in World War II, Boedeker began his professional football career.

He signed with the Chicago Rockets in 1946. In 1947, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns. The Browns won the AAFC championship three years in a row while he was there. In 1950, he played for the Green Bay Packers and then the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring.

Early Life and College Days

Bill Boedeker was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he attended North Side High School. After graduating in 1942, he joined the United States Army.

He was sent to a military program at DePaul University in Chicago. At DePaul, he played on successful basketball teams. He played alongside George Mikan, who later became a basketball legend. Their freshman team won 17 out of 18 games in the 1942–1943 season. During World War II, Boedeker was recognized for his service. He received a Bronze Star Medal and a Purple Heart.

Playing Professional Football

After three years in the military, Boedeker planned to return to DePaul for basketball. However, he got a chance to try out for the Chicago Rockets in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1946. Even though he hadn't played football in college, a coach from DePaul recommended him. Boedeker made the team, becoming the first person from Fort Wayne to play professional football.

He played for the Rockets for one year. Then, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 1947. With the Browns, Boedeker played as a halfback. He was part of a strong running team that included Marion Motley and Edgar Jones. He also returned kicks.

The Browns' coach, Paul Brown, described Boedeker as a very daring runner. He said Boedeker was "a terror when he ran back kicks." In 1947, the Browns finished the season with an excellent record. They won the AAFC championship game against the New York Yankees. The team had a perfect season in 1948, winning all their games and another championship. They won a third championship in 1949.

After the 1949 season, the AAFC league ended. The Browns then joined the National Football League (NFL). Boedeker continued his college studies at Kalamazoo College during the off-seasons. His bold running style often led to injuries, but his coach saw it as a special talent. In 1950, Boedeker moved to the NFL. He played for the Green Bay Packers and later that season for the Philadelphia Eagles. He retired from football after that season.

Life After Football

After his football career, Bill Boedeker continued his education. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He also earned an engineering degree from DePaul.

He settled back in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In the 1950s, he worked as a sales director for a company called Capehart-Farnsworth Corporation. In the 1960s, he was an executive at a television distribution company in Fort Wayne. Bill Boedeker passed away in March 2014, two weeks after his 90th birthday.