Glen Hepburn

Gleanville Ervin Hepburn (November 4, 1938 – September 12, 1968) was an American football end and linebacker who played five seasons for the Omaha Mustangs in the Professional Football League of America (PFLA) and Continental Football League (COFL). He died on September 12, 1968, following head injuries received during a game against the Michigan Arrows.

Early life and education Hepburn was born on November 4, 1938, though the year has been listed by some sources to be 1937 or 1936. He moved to Boys Town, Nebraska, following his graduation from Father Flanagan's Boys' Home. He attended high school at Boys Town, which led to him being offered a scholarship from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. A school spokesman at Boys Town described him as, "was one of the finest boys ever to attend Boys’ Town. He's well remembered here and not just because he worked here. He was one of the first Negro boys to be elected mayor and maybe the best football player ever." Shortly afterwards he transferred to Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas, where he attended until 1961. Afterwards he moved to Nebraska–Omaha. He was listed by The Benson Sun as a potential JV award candidate. He graduated following 1962; he was ruled ineligible to play for the season. He was rushed to the Martin Place East Hospital, where he remained in serious condition and fell into a coma that night. Doctors later said he suffered a brief heart stoppage and ruptured blood vessel in the brain on the play. He died from his injuries on September 12. He was buried in Miami, Florida, his hometown. Nebraska–Omaha University also made an award to honor him, the Glen Hepburn Trophy, given to those who display defensive excellence.