Jim Youel

James Stewart Youel (February 13, 1922 – April 9, 2020) was an American football quarterback who played three seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Early life and education Youel was born in Vinton, Iowa and attended Fort Madison High School, where he participated in football, basketball, and track. His mother was originally hesitant to let him play football because she had lost a brother to a cervical fracture of the spine while playing football.

College career Youel attended and played college football at the University of Iowa as a quarterback and punter. In 1942, he helped the Hawkeyes defeat the previously unbeaten Wisconsin Badgers, 6–0. During the game, he had four punts of 50+ yards, which helped stall the Wisconsin offense.

Professional career After finishing his service with the Navy, Youel was signed by Cleveland Rams in January 1945. However, he was traded to the Washington Redskins for guard Al Fiorentino before ever playing with the Rams. In 1946 and 1947 with the Redskins, he served as the backup quarterback for Sammy Baugh.

On June 1, 1948, Youel was traded, along with end Joe Duckworth, to the Boston Yanks for offensive tackle Tom Dean. He started only one game for the Yanks (in early October) and was then waived, after which he was signed by the Detroit Lions. Youel was named to the Iowa Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

He died on April 9, 2020, in Traer, Iowa at age 98.