Bob Waterfield

Robert Stanton Waterfield (July 26, 1920 – March 25, 1983) was an American professional football player and coach in the National Football League. Over eight NFL seasons he played primarily as a quarterback, but also served as a safety, kicker, punter, and at times return specialist for the Cleveland and Los Angeles Rams.

Born in Elmira, New York, Waterfield moved to Los Angeles as an infant. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins in 1941, 1942, and 1944. In 1942, he led UCLA to a Pacific Coast Conference championship and the school's first Rose Bowl appearance, and was selected as the quarterback on the All-Pacific Coast team.

From 1945 to 1952, Waterfield played quarterback for the Rams, leading the franchise to NFL championships in 1945 and 1951. He was named the NFL's most valuable player in 1945 and was a first-team All-Pro quarterback in 1945, 1946, and 1949. Known as one of the best passers, punters, and kickers in the league, he ranked among the NFL's career leaders in place-kicking.

The Rams retired his No. 7 jersey in 1952, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. Beyond football, Waterfield also worked as a motion picture actor and producer.