Washington legend, NFL Hall of Famer Hugh McElhenny dead at 93

Hugh McElhenny, a Washington legend who put together a Hall of Fame NFL career, has died, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Thursday.

McElhenny, 93, played at Washington in 1950 and 1951 before becoming the No. 9 overall pick in the 1952 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. He was a two-time All-Pacific Coast Conference selection and was an All-American in 1951. He did it all as a halfback, wide receiver, kick returner and punt returner during his illustrious career.

Once he got to the NFL, McElhenny made it to six Pro Bowls and became a five-time All-Pro during his 12-year career. He also appeared on the NFL’s 1950s All-Decade Team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981.

“Hugh McElhenny was a threat in all phases of the game offensively – rushing, pass receiving and as a kick and punt returner,” Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said in a statement. “His all-around talent – obvious to pro football scouts when Hugh was still a teenager – will be celebrated and preserved forever in Canton.”

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McElhenny put up impressive numbers in the NFL, totaling 5,281 rushing yards, 3,247 receiving yards and 58 total touchdowns. In addition to the 49ers, he played for the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions and New York Giants during his career.

The 49ers retired his No. 39 and inducted him into the team Hall of Fame in 2009 as a charter member. McElhenny was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981 after setting multiple records for Washington, including the Huskies’ record for most rushing yards in a single game. He ran for 296 yards and five touchdowns against Washington State — a record that still stands. In addition, he ran a punt back 100 yards against USC during his senior year with the Huskies in 1951.