Waukegan in Lake County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Otto Graham
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 9, 2026
1. Otto Graham Marker
Born December 6, 1921
Waukegan High School graduate 1939
All American football & basketball
Cleveland Browns quarterback
Played in 10 championships, won 7
Rochester Royals championship basketball team 1946
College & Pro Football Hall of Fame
Erected 1992 by City of Waukegan.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. In addition, it is included in the Pro Football Hall of Famers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 6, 1921.
Location. 42° 21.783′ N, 87° 49.778′ W. Marker is in Waukegan, Illinois, in Lake County. It is on Sheridan Road south of Grand Avenue, on the right when traveling north. The marker is in Haig Paravonian Walk of Stars Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Waukegan IL 60085, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Phil Austin (here, next to this marker); Ray Bradbury (here, next to this marker); Dr. Eugene P. King (a few steps from this marker); Jack Benny (a few steps from this marker); Waukegan Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Orion Perseus Howe (approx. 0.4 miles away); Waukegan Doughboy Statue (approx. 0.4 miles away); Cpl. Richard E. Bush Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waukegan.
More about this marker. Waukegan's Walk of Stars was dedicated in 1992; it was re-dedicated in 1995 in honor
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Pro Football Hall of Fame: Otto Graham.
Excerpt: "When Paul Brown began organizing the Cleveland Browns team to play in the new All-America Football Conference (AAFC), the first player he signed was Otto Graham, a tailback from Northwestern University. Brown eyed Graham as the perfect quarterback for his new pro team. Graham planned to concentrate on basketball at Northwestern. He was 'discovered' playing intra-mural football as a freshman and although he became a fine passer in three varsity seasons, he had no experience in the T-formation. Brown never wavered in his decision. 'Otto has the basic requirements of a T-quarterback poise, ball-handling and distinct qualities of leadership.'"(Submitted on August 10, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Otto at 100: Celebrating Northwestern's Greatest Quarterback. Otto Graham attended college at Northwestern University, about 25 miles south of here, on a basketball scholarship. He was recruited to the football team after rumors spread about his performance in an intramural
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 9, 2026
2. Otto Graham Marker
Excerpt: Born in Waukegan, Illinois, in 1921, Graham set the record for largest male born in Illinois, weighing in at 14 lbs, 12 oz. and 23 inches long. His scrapbooks show he was active in many sports from an early age, as his proud mother chronicled his exploits in box scores and features in the local Waukegan Post. Bigger than most kids his age, Ottos versatility became apparent early when he became Illinois conference basketball scoring champion at age 16. A local reporter in an undated article wrote that Graham 'has already established himself among local high school basketball immortals Shooting from almost impossible angles and cutting the cords with unerring accuracy, Otto lived up to everything ever said of him by experts.'(Submitted on August 10, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 9, 2026
3. Haig Paravonian Walk of Stars Park
The walk along Sheridan Road features five stars related to famous Waukegan natives.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 10, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
