15 Days Until Kickoff
24 August 2019 Uncategorized
With just over two weeks away from the Eagles home opener, the 4th and Jawn kickoff countdown continues with Steve Van Buren. Steve wore number 15 for the Eagles, and is known as being the pioneer of Eagles football. Steve aka “Supersonic Steve” played for the Eagles from 1944-1951.
Steve was drafted by the Eagles in 1944 with the 5th overall pick. Steve signed a Contract worth a whomping $4000 dollars in 1944 to play with the Eagles, after staying back a year to finish up at LSU.
Steve stepped in and became a return game specialist, scoring his 1st touchdown on a 55 yard punt return. Steve ultimately made the AP press all pro 1st team as a rookie in 1944, becoming the first rookie to accomplish that feat.
Steve’s career took off in 1945, after he lead the league in rushing and cemented himself as one of the best players in the league. The jack off all trades type player continued his success with the Eagles for the next 5 years, leading the league in rushing from 1947-1949, which was the building block to the Eagles back to back NFL Championships in 1948 and 1949.
Steve Van Buren retired from the NFL in 1953 after two straight injury plagued seasons. Steve remains one of the greatest players to ever wear and Eagle jersey. He had a rare combination of size and speed, which translated to great success as a running back in the 1940’s. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. Steve Van Buren passed away in 2012 at the age of 91.
Photo Credit: AP