Pro Football Hall of Famer Hugh McElhenny Has Died
Pro Football Hall Of Famer Hugh McElhenny Dead At 93
Hugh McElhenny, a former running back in the National Football League whose number 39 was retired by the San Francisco 49ers, passed away on Thursday, according to an announcement made by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
According to the Hall of Fame, McElhenny passed away at his home in Nevada due to natural causes.
A tweet sent out by The Hall to announce the news included the following message: “We pass along our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and to the many whose lives he impacted.”
McElhenny, also known as “The King,” was selected by the 49ers with the ninth overall pick in the 1952 NFL Draft. After being selected by the 49ers, he went on to be a standout for the team for a total of nine seasons.
Hugh was a one-of-a-kind offensive weapon that posed a threat to opposing defenses in the areas of running, receiving, and special teams. He was a 6-time participant in the Pro Bowl and a 2-time All-Pro.
In 1952, McElhenny played in his debut season in the National Football League (NFL), and at the end of that year, he was honored with the Rookie of the Year award, gained All-Pro status, and was selected for the Pro Bowl team.
McElhenny played for the Detroit Lions in his final season, 1964, although he also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants.
McElhenny, who had 38 rushing touchdowns and 5,281 rushing yards, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970.