Bill Paschal

William Avner Paschal Jr. (May 28, 1921 – May 25, 2003) was an American professional football fullback in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Boston Yanks.

Early life Paschal was born in Atlanta, Georgia and attended Tech High School, where he played football and track. He then played briefly at Georgia Tech before injuring his knee. After the injury, he left school and went to work as a railroad switchman in Georgia.

Professional career After his knee healed, Paschal got a tryout with the New York Giants on the recommendation of the sportswriter Grantland Rice and eventually signed with New York in 1943 for $1,500. He became the first player to win consecutive rushing championships in the NFL, gaining 572 yards on 147 carries in his rookie year and 737 yards on 196 rushes in his second year. He also led the league in rushing touchdowns both years, with ten in 1943 and nine in 1944.

Paschal was then traded to the Boston Yanks during the 1947 season and played through 1948, before retiring. He gained 2,430 yards with 28 rushing touchdowns for his career.

NFL career statistics Legend Led the league Bold Career high

Regular season Year Team Games Rushing Receiving GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD 1943 NYG 9 3 147 572 3.9 54 10 9 74 8.2 24 2 1944 NYG 10 6 196 737 3.8 68 9 0 0 0.0 0 0 1945 NYG 4 1 59 247 4.2 77 2 2 11 5.5 6 0 1946 NYG 10 1 117 362 3.1 30 4 9 78 8.7 35 2 1947 NYG 4 0 41 139 3.4 23 1 1 3 3.0 3 0 BOS 8 4 37 124 3.4 - 1 3 67 22.3 30 0 1948 BOS 12 6 80 249 3.1 20 1 8 93 11.6 22 4 57 21 677 2,430 3.6 77 28 32 326 10.2 35 8

Playoffs Year Team Games Rushing Receiving GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD 1943 NYG 1 0 16 56 3.5 16 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1944 NYG 1 0 2 3 1.5 3 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 2 0 18 59 3.3 16 0 0 0 0.0 0 0

Personal life Paschal and his wife, Carolyn had four daughters and a son.