Howard “Red” Hickey

Howard Wayne "Red" Hickey revolutionized professional football as both player and coach, inventing the shotgun formation that transformed offensive strategy and remains fundamental to modern NFL gameplay. Born February 14, 1917 in Clarksville, Arkansas, Hickey attended Clarksville High School before enrolling at University of Arkansas, where he became a rare two-sport star earning All-Conference honors in both football and basketball. In 1941, he played forward on the Razorbacks basketball team that reached the Final Four, while also excelling as an end on the football team. He joined Kappa Sigma fraternity during his collegiate years.

Drafted in the sixth round (41st overall) by Philadelphia Eagles in 1941, Hickey's rights transferred to Pittsburgh Steelers in the Pennsylvania Polka transaction. After one season, the 6-foot-2, 204-pound Hickey joined the Cleveland Rams before serving three years as U.S. Navy gunnery officer during World War II. Upon returning in 1945, Hickey married high school sweetheart Cecelia Surina and contributed to Cleveland's NFL Championship victory over Washington Redskins, 15-14. When the franchise relocated to Los Angeles in 1946, Hickey moved west and continued playing through 1948, finishing his career with 75 receptions for 1,288 yards and 16 touchdowns. His most productive season came in 1948 when he posted 30 catches for 509 yards and seven touchdowns as the team's second-leading receiver.