Texas HS Football Legend: Y.A. Tittle

Y.A. Tittle is one of the most iconic figures in NFL history. He was a quarterback for 17 seasons and was known for his strong arm, accuracy, and toughness. Tittle’s story is one of perseverance, hard work, and determination, and his legacy is one that will endure for generations to come.

Early Life and High School Career

Yelberton Abraham Tittle Jr. was born on October 24, 1926, in Marshall, Texas. He grew up in a football-loving family and played the sport from a young age. Tittle was a standout athlete at Marshall High School, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He excelled in football, leading his team to a state championship in 1944.

College Career

Y.A. Tittle chose to attend Louisiana State University (LSU) after a recruiting battle with the University of Texas. As a freshman during World War II, he was eligible to play varsity football and enjoyed an early highlight when he set a school record with 238 passing yards in a win over Tulane. Initially playing tailback, Tittle later moved to quarterback in his sophomore year. In 1946, his three touchdown passes against Tulane helped secure LSU’s spot in the Cotton Bowl Classic. The infamous “Ice Bowl” in 1947 saw LSU face Arkansas Razorbacks in freezing conditions, with neither team scoring and Tittle sharing the MVP award with Arkansas’ Alton Baldwin.

Tittle was named United Press International (UPI) first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) quarterback in both 1946 and 1947. He played on both offense and defense, notably intercepting a pass during a game against Ole Miss, only to trip and fall short of a game-winning touchdown when his pants fell down. Over his college career, Tittle set school records with 162 completions, 2,525 passing yards, and 23 touchdowns, alongside seven rushing touchdowns. His records remained unbroken until the 1970s when Bert Jones surpassed them.

The NFL Years

Although drafted by the Detroit Lions, Y.A. Tittle began his professional career with the Baltimore Colts in 1948. Earning the title of “passing ace,” he was named the AAFC Rookie of the Year. However, the Colts folded in 1950, and Tittle was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1951. Sharing quarterback duties with Frankie Albert initially, Tittle took over as the starter in 1953, passing for 2,121 yards and 20 touchdowns. The 49ers finished with a 9-3 record, leading the league in points scored.

In 1954, Tittle was part of the Million Dollar Backfield, comprising four future Hall of Famers. Despite championship aspirations, injuries derailed their season. Nonetheless, Tittle shone in his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance. He made history as the first professional football player featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1954.

Leading the NFL in touchdown passes and interceptions in 1955, Tittle faced challenges when Albert became head coach in 1956. Tittle’s return to the starting role led the team to an undefeated streak in the season’s final five games. In 1957, Tittle and R.C. Owens developed the “alley-oop” play, which proved highly successful. Despite Tittle’s league-leading 63.1% completion rate, the 49ers lost in the Western Conference playoff to the Detroit Lions.

Facing more quarterback changes in 1958, Tittle eventually suffered a knee injury that ended his season. Tittle and John Brodie continued sharing quarterback duties until 1960 when the 49ers adopted the shotgun formation and moved on from Tittle. Throughout his time with the 49ers, Tittle earned several accolades, including four Pro Bowl appearances and being named “pro player of the year” in 1957.

In August 1961, the San Francisco 49ers traded 34-year-old Y.A. Tittle to the New York Giants for second-year guard Lou Cordileone. Both players were surprised by the trade, with Tittle expressing his preference for a trade to the Los Angeles Rams instead. Initially considered past his prime, Tittle was expected to share quarterback duties with veteran Charlie Conerly. Although initially met with resistance from his teammates, Tittle became the Giants’ primary starter after Conerly and led the team to first place in the Eastern Conference. He was awarded the Newspaper Enterprise Association’s Jim Thorpe Trophy as the NFL’s players’ choice of MVP. However, the Giants were shut out by the Green Bay Packers in the 1961 NFL Championship Game.

In January 1962, Tittle announced his intention to retire after the season. Following an off-season quarterback competition, Tittle started in a career-high 14 games. In one game, he tied an NFL record with seven touchdown passes, and by the end of the season, he had set a single-season record with 33 touchdown passes. Tittle received several Player of the Year honors and finished second in voting for the AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award. The Giants faced the Packers again in the 1962 NFL Championship Game but lost in frigid, windy conditions.

Tittle continued to play for the Giants in 1963 and broke his own single-season passing touchdowns record with 36. Despite a strong season, the Giants lost the 1963 NFL Championship Game to the Chicago Bears. In 1964, Tittle’s final season, the Giants had the worst record in the league. After suffering multiple injuries, Tittle retired at age 39. Over his 17-season professional career, Tittle completed 2,427 out of 4,395 passes for 33,070 yards and 242 touchdowns, with 248 interceptions, and rushed for 39 touchdowns.

The Legacy of Y.A. Tittle

Y.A. Tittle’s impact on the game of football is immeasurable. He was a quarterback ahead of his time, known for his ability to read defenses and make accurate passes. Tittle’s toughness and resilience on the field earned him the respect of his teammates and opponents alike, and his legacy as a player and mentor will endure for generations to come.

In addition to his success on the field, Y.A. Tittle was also a man of great character and integrity. He was known for his kindness and generosity off the field, and he was a beloved member of the football community. His legacy as a player and a person is one that will be remembered for years to come.

Y.A. Tittle was one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. From his early years in Texas high school football, to his success at LSU and in the NFL, Tittle’s story is one of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. His impact on the game of football is immeasurable, and his legacy as a player and a person will continue to inspire future generations of football players and fans alike.