Benny Friedman

Born March 18, 1905, in Cleveland, Ohio, was a man who would go on to do great things in the game of football, Benny Friedman.

The Quarterback Who Revolutionized the Game

Often considered the first modern quarterback, Benny Friedman’s influence on professional football is immeasurable. He was a trailblazer who transformed the forward pass from a desperation play into a primary offensive weapon, changing the way the game was played. In an era dominated by brute force and a run-first mentality, Friedman’s confidence and skill with the football were nothing short of revolutionary.

College and Early Pro Career

Benny Friedman was a legend long before he reached the NFL. As a star quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines, he was arguably the second most prominent name in college football, behind only the legendary Red Grange. In 1927, he made his professional debut with the Cleveland Bulldogs, and his impact was immediate and undeniable. In his first year, he led the NFL with nine touchdown passes, and over his first two seasons with the Cleveland Bulldogs and the Detroit Wolverines, he amassed an incredible 20 touchdown passes in just 23 games.

To put this into perspective, the second-most touchdowns thrown in those two years was nine, a total that came in 34 games. Friedman was averaging almost a touchdown per game, a feat unheard of at the time. This was especially remarkable considering he was throwing the “pumpkin ball,” a larger, less aerodynamic ball than what is used today.

The Birth of the Modern Passing Game

Friedman’s audacious approach to the game was his signature. While other teams would punt the ball away from their own territory, he was known for throwing deep passes from his own five-yard line on first or second down. Newspaper accounts of the time referred to him as the “audacious Benny Friedman” because of his fearless slinging. His forward-thinking style was a stark contrast to the prevailing philosophy of “straight football,” a term used to describe the ground-and-pound, run-heavy game. To many, the forward pass was a gimmick, and Friedman was a disruptor of the status quo.

Unfortunately, official NFL statistics were not kept until 1932, near the end of his career. As a result, his passing yards, completion percentages, and interception totals are largely lost to history. Still, the one statistic that was always recorded—the touchdown pass—tells a story of his dominance.

Joining the Giants and Legacy

Friedman’s talent was so coveted that Giants owner Tim Mara took the unprecedented step of buying the entire Detroit Wolverines franchise in 1929 to acquire him. The strategy was simple: “If we can’t beat him, let’s sign him.” It was a wise investment. Friedman, the only player to lead the NFL in both rushing and passing touchdowns in a single season (1928), became an instant star in New York.

He was the gate attraction, often advertised as “Benny Friedman’s Giants” in newspaper ads—a testament to his star power, a status previously reserved for only Red Grange. His time with the Giants solidified his legacy as the NFL’s first passing sensation. While the full impact of his passing game wouldn’t be seen until the arrival of Sammy Baugh years later, Friedman laid the groundwork. He proved that the forward pass was not just a gimmick but a powerful, strategic weapon that could win games and draw fans. Benny Friedman changed the game forever, setting the stage for every quarterback who followed.

Accomplishments, Awards, and Accolades of Benny Friedman

Pioneering Quarterback: He is considered by many to be the first modern NFL quarterback who revolutionized the game by making the forward pass a strategic weapon.

Led the NFL in Passing Touchdowns:

• He led the league in passing touchdowns for four consecutive seasons, from 1927 to 1930.
• In his rookie season in 1927, he led the NFL with 11 touchdown passes.
• In 1929, he threw 20 touchdown passes, which was an NFL record for many years.

Unique Statistical Feat: In 1928, he led the NFL in both rushing touchdowns and touchdown passes, a feat no other player has accomplished.

Career Touchdowns: He had a total of 20 touchdown passes in his first two professional seasons, a number more than double his closest competitor over the same period, despite playing fewer games. He finished his career with 66 touchdown passes.

Acquisition by the Giants: Giants owner Tim Mara was so determined to have Friedman on his team that he bought the entire Detroit Wolverines franchise to acquire him.

All-NFL Honors: He earned first-team All-NFL honors in each of his first four seasons (1927-1930).

Fame and Recognition:

• He was a major “gate attraction,” with newspaper ads for games often billing them as “Benny Friedman’s Giants.”
• He was the second-biggest name in college football after Red Grange.
• He was one of the first to be elected to the College Football Hall of Fame (1951).
• He was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.