Kyle Rote

William Kyle Rote Sr. (October 27, 1928 – August 15, 2002) was an American professional football player who played eleven years as a running back and wide receiver in the National Football League for the New York Giants. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, he was the son of Jack Tobin and Emma Belle (Owens) Rote and a first cousin of Tobin Rote. His family endured tragedy during World War II: when he was sixteen, his mother was killed in a car accident and his older brother Jack was killed on Iwo Jima.

Rote attended Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, where he earned All-State honors in both football and basketball and was regarded as one of the region's brightest pro-baseball prospects. He played running back in football, guard in basketball, and outfield in baseball, and was a member of the track team. He graduated in 1947.

In college he became an All-American running back for the SMU Mustangs. He was selected first overall in the 1951 NFL draft by the New York Giants, with whom he spent his entire professional career. Following his playing years, Rote served as the Giants' backfield coach and later worked as a sports broadcaster for WNEW and WNBC radio in New York and for NBC television.