Near Blessing in Matagorda County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

William Walter “Pudge” Heffelfinger

Photographed By James Hulse, March 11, 2021

1. William Walter “Pudge” Heffelfinger Marker

Inscription.

”Pudge” Heffelfinger was born in 1867 in Minneapolis and began playing football at age 15. He organized a team at his High School and played four seasons at Yale on the Varsity team where, in 1890, he conceived the idea of the Pulling Guard Play. “Pudge” also played baseball, track and rowed on the Yale crew. He is considered the first professional football player in the U.S., being paid $500 to play in Pittsburgh in 1892. He coached college teams in three states, taking Yale football style to his California team. Heffelfinger married Matagorda county native Grace Harriett Pierce in 1901, and they had three children. “Pudge” was inducted into the college football hall of fame in 1951. He passed away in 1954 at his home near Blessing.

Erected 2014 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17836.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.

Location. 28° 53.891′ N, 96° 10.72′ W. Marker is near Blessing, Texas, in Matagorda County. Marker can be reached from Harley Cemetery Road (County Highway 437) one mile north of State Highway 35. The marker is located in the south central section of the Hawley Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bay City TX 77414, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Hawley Cemetery (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Deming’s Bridge Community (about 600 feet away); Old Hawley Cemetery (approx. 0.7 miles away); Grimes Cemetery (approx. 2.8 miles away); Masonic Lodge #411 (approx. 3.1 miles away); Blessing Library Association (approx. 3.1 miles away); Blessing State Bank (approx. 3.2 miles away); St. Peter’s Catholic Church (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blessing.

Also see . . . Pudge Heffelfinger.

He is considered the first athlete to play American football professionally, having been paid to play in 1892. Source: Wikipedia

(Submitted on March 14, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Photographed By James Hulse, March 11, 2021

2. William Walter “Pudge” Heffelfinger Marker

The view of the William Walter “Pudge” Heffelfinger Marker in the Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, March 11, 2021

3. The view of the William Walter “Pudge” Heffelfinger Marker in the Cemetery

“Pudge” Heffelfinger gravestone image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, March 11, 2021

4. “Pudge” Heffelfinger gravestone

“Pudge” Heffelfinger image. Click for full size.

Public Domain, circa 1890

5. “Pudge” Heffelfinger

Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 14, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 419 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 14, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.