The Philadelphia Eagles selected Steve Van Buren out of LSU as their top pick in the draft.
Van Buren, despite missing games due to an appendectomy, earned All-NFL honors as a rookie.
Philadelphia had never finished above fourth place until Steve came on the scene in 1944. That year they finished second.
Steve was a first-team All-NFL selection each of his first six seasons.
Steve helped the Eagles win three straight divisional titles, and the NFL title in 1948 and 1949.
In the 1948 title game Van Buren rushed for 98 yards and scored the game's only touchdown in the Eagles 7-0 title win over the Chicago Cardinals.
Van Buren lined up as a halfback but played more like a fullback as the battering ram of a powerful Eagles squad that dominated the NFL in the late 1940s.
Steve won four NFL rushing titles and a rare “triple crown” in 1945 when he led in rushing, scoring, and kickoff returns.
In the 1949 title game against the Los Angeles Rams, Steve carried 31 times for a record 196 yards as the Eagles won 14-0.
Van Buren was the first player to rush for 1,000 yards more than once.
Van Buren with his presenter, Hall of Famer Clarke Hinkle, during his Enshrinement in 1965.
Van Buren's Hall of Fame Mural.
Van Buren's Hall of Fame Bust.