Tony Canadeo, 1919-2003
Tony Canadeo, the first 1,000-yard rusher in Green Bay Packers history, died Saturday (Nov. 29) at the age of 84.
He became just the third runner ever in National Football League history to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark when he gained 1,052 yards on 205 carries for an average of 5.1 yards per carry during the 1949 season.
Canadeo starred for Green Bay from 1941 to 1944 before he served in World War II. Upon return from his military service, he was the Packers' workhorse runner from 1946 through 1952.
Born in Chicago, Illinois on May 5, 1919, Canadeo was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on January 12, 1974 and officially enshrined on July 27 of that year. He was the last surviving member of the Hall's Class of 1974, preceded in death by Bill George, Lou Groza, and Dick "Night Train" Lane.
