During the 134 contests in his career, LeBaron completed 898 of 1,796 tries for 13,399 yds. He totaled 100.0 passing yards per game. LeBaron passed for 104 TD’s compared to 141 picks. He lost a total of 354 yds while being the victim of a quarterback sack 59 different times. His TD rate on pass attempts was 5.8% and his interception percentage was 7.9%.
In his 0 games in his final year, LeBaron completed 0 of his 0 attempts for 0 yards. He averaged 0.0 passing yards per game with a 0.0 quarterback rating. LeBaron threw for 0 touchdowns in his last year while giving up 0 interceptions and his longest completion of the year went for 0 yds. He lost a total of 0 yards while being sacked 0 times. His touchdown percentage when attempting a pass was 0.0% and his interception percentage was 0.0%.
The journey of Eddie LeBaron, a name synonymous with resilience, perseverance and hard work, stretches over a career spanning across 13 years in an era that marked the heyday of the NFL. Born on July 7, 1922, in Rugby, North Dakota, Eddie LeBaron was a trailblazer in American football. His experience showcases what can be achieved even when facing significant challenges in life.
Often overlooked due to his diminutive stature, LeBaron stood at just 5 feet 7 inches and weighed 160 pounds. However, his unwavering drive to challenge conventions and societal expectations led him to a formidable career as a quarterback. He was neither afraid of the physicality of the game nor of paving his unique path to success.
It was in the 1940s that Eddie LeBaron first took to the field. His career began with the Los Angeles Dons of the All-America Football Conference where he played from 1949 to 1950. It was during this period that he was able to create quite a name for himself. His signature skill, strategic quick throws known as the “LeBaron Dive,” started to catch the eyes of young enthusiasts and elder football connoisseurs alike.
However, it was during his tenure in the NFL, especially between 1952 and 1959 with the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys, that LeBaron truly left an indelible mark on the history of American football. Under his leadership, both teams experienced a significant rise in their levels of performance. His initial endeavors with the Washington Redskins saw him win the 1948 NFL Championship. The hustle and dedication under LeBaron’s guidance did not go unnoticed, and the team earned an AFC Championship in 1948.
From there, he embarked on his journey to the Dallas Cowboys, a momentous decision for both his career and the team’s history.
With each touchdown pass, each strategic move, and each progressive game plan, Eddie LeBaron proved that determination and a love for the sport can trump physical stature and societal expectations. This fact was crystal clear when, under his leadership, the Dallas Cowboys embarked on their path to success, culminating in the team’s legendary first-ever victory in the franchise’s history over the New York Giants in 1960.
Eddie LeBaron’s career may not have lasted as long as others in the league, but his impact and influence were undeniable. Always ready to face new challenges and to lead his team to victory, Eddie LeBaron symbolized what it truly means to be an extraordinary player It’s no secret that Eddie LeBaron faced unique challenges as a result of his size. However, instead of letting this deter him, he leveraged his strengths, which included quick thinking, dexterity, and mental agility, to become one of the most respected quarterbacks in his time. As one sports commentator in the fifties once said, “LeBaron is like a jack rabbit with a football on fire. ” His ability to think on his feet and react quickly made him a dangerous opponent for his rivals.
But Eddie LeBaron’s career wasn’t just about his physical prowess on the field; it was about his influence as a leader. He deeply understood the value of teamwork and pushing his teammates to their greatest potential. As a result, even after his time as a player and coach had ended, he continued to leave a lasting impact on the sport.
After his illustrious journey in the NFL, Eddie LeBaron transitioned into coaching, eventually becoming the head coach of the Oakland Raiders and the Atlanta Falcons. His dedication to excellence didn’t taperhe was determined not only to improve individual players but to elevate the entire team.
LeBaron’s professional football career was one that uplifted and inspired, proving to the world that greatness could be achieved despite the odds. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and a deep love for the game. Today, as we remember the remarkable life and legacy of Eddie LeBaron, it is impossible not to acknowledge the profound impact he had on American football and the countless lives he touched along the way.