Noted for being a pioneering college football coach and player, credited with developing the "T-formation" offense that revolutionized the sport.
Ralph Horween, born Ralph Horwitz, was an American football player and coach who made history as a two-time All-American and a member of the unbeaten Harvard Crimson football teams of 1919 and 1920. He is renowned for being one of the first Jewish players in the National Football League (NFL) and the first to live to the age of 100.
Horween was born on August 3, 1896, in Chicago, Illinois, to Jewish parents Isidore and Rose Rabinoff, who immigrated to the United States from Ukraine in 1892. He was the older brother of Arnold Horween, who also became an All-American football player and NFL player.
Horween attended Francis W. Parker School, where he developed a passion for football. He eloped with Genevieve Brown in October 1924, and they were married for 64 years until her passing in 1987. The couple had two sons, Ralph and Sto, and lived in Cismont, Virginia, and later in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Horween's football career spanned from 1919 to 1922, playing fullback, halfback, and punter for the Harvard Crimson. During his time at Harvard, the team won the 1920 Rose Bowl, and Horween was voted an All-American. He played three seasons in the NFL for the Racine Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals) and was an assistant coach during his playing years.
In 1919, Horween helped Harvard win the national championship, and in 1920, he led the team to an undefeated season. His brother, Arnold, also played for Harvard and the Cardinals, making them the last Jewish brothers to play in the NFL until the 2000s.
After retiring from football, Horween attended Harvard Law School and became a patent attorney. He later worked as a federal government official and was a successful businessman, raising cattle and helping run the family leather tannery business, Horween Leather Company.
Horween's legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements. He was a pioneer for Jewish athletes in the NFL, paving the way for future generations. His remarkable longevity and dedication to his family and career have inspired countless individuals.
Ralph Horween's life and achievements serve as a testament to his perseverance, dedication, and pioneering spirit. He broke barriers as a Jewish athlete in the NFL, and his legacy continues to inspire athletes and individuals from all backgrounds. Today, Horween Leather Company remains a family-owned business, and his story continues to captivate audiences, inspiring future generations to strive for excellence.
Born in 1862
Pioneering baseball coach and player who introduced numerous innovations to the sport, including the concept of the linebacker position in football. He coached for 71 years, setting a record for longest coaching tenure.
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Legendary coach who led Notre Dame to numerous championships and revolutionized the game with his innovative strategies, earning him a lasting legacy in American football history.
77 Years Old
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