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Stephen W. Van Buren (born December 28, 1920 in La Ceiba, Honduras) is a former professional American football player who played for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League from 1944 to 1951.
[edit] Early life
Van Buren began life in Honduras, but after he was orphaned as a boy, he was sent to live with relatives in New Orleans. From Easton High School in New Orleans, he received an athletic scholarship to Louisiana State University, where he led the nation in points (110) and touchdowns (16) as a senior.
[edit] NFL career
A first-round draft pick in the 1944 NFL Draft, Van Buren ran for 444 yards in nine games during his first season. He also led the league in returning punts as a rookie. The following season, Van Buren led the NFL in rushing for the first time. He would win three additional rushing crowns during his career.
[edit] 1948 NFL Championship game
Van Buren's signature game came on December 26, 1948. Playing in a blizzard for the NFL Championship against the Chicago Cardinals, Van Buren scored the only touchdown of the game to give the Eagles their first league title. They would win their second crown a year later against the Rams. In that game, Van Buren set a league record with 196 yards rushing.
The greatest irony was that Van Buren almost missed the game. Thinking the game wouldn't be played in the blizzard, he remained home until Eagles coach Earle "Greasy" Neale called him and told him the game was still on. He had to catch 3 trolleys and walk 12 blocks in order to make the game on time.
[edit] Retirement
After a knee injury before the 1952 season, Van Buren retired as league record holder for rushing yards (5860) and rushing touchdowns (69). He also scored three times returning kickoffs, three times on receptions, and twice on punt returns for a total of 77 touchdowns. He was also the first running back to pass 1000 yards in a season twice. A fast, powerful back he stood 6-1 and weighed 200 and could step the century (100 yard dash) in 9.8 seconds.
[edit] Honors
Steve Van Buren was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the Class of 1965. In 1999, he was ranked number 77 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players.
[edit] External links
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Eagles Honor Roll inductees |
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