"Bullet" Bill Dudley Signed Football -
Dudley returned to Pittsburgh and rejoined the Steelers's team for the last four games of the 1945 season. In a game against the Chicago Cardinals, he ran for two touchdowns and kicked for two additional points and became the Steelers' leading scorer for that season. He also rushed for 204 yards and returned three kickoffs for 65 yards.
In 1946, the Steelers hired a new coach Jock Sutherland and Dudley scored 48 points, which contributed to the Steelers' 5-5-1 record. During that season, he became the league leader in rushing (604 yards), interceptions (10 total which he returned for 242 yards) and punt returns (27 total for 385 yards). In doing this, Dudley became the first and only NFL player to lead in four unique statistical categories. He was named All-Pro and was awarded the NFL's Most Valuable Player Award. Dudley became the first (and as of 2007, only) person to win MVP awards in college, service, and professional levels.
"Despite his lack of breakaway speed, Bill was the most feared kickoff returner in the game. He passed sidearm, like a kid, yet he had a fine completion average. He was too small,' but he was hardly ever hurt too badly to play. He was the league's top ground gainer, yet he was also one of the fiercest defensive tacklers and the best in the game at interceptions. As one of the men who faced him ruefully admitted, Bill could not throw a pass correctly and 'ran as if he was staggering,' yet he could always find a way to beat you."Journalist Robert Smith, on Dudley's ability.
Bill Dudley has hand signed this memorabilia piece, a Certificate of Authenticity from Hollywood Collectibles is included.
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