inductees

The Class of 1972

	Bill "Bullet" Dudley Only one football player in the history of the sport has won Most Valuable Player honors in collegiate, armed forces and professional competition—“Bullet” Bill Dudley. At 5 ft. 10 in., 152 lbs., Dudley was considered by many recruiters too small for college football. University of Virginia coach Frank Murray disagreed and gave him a chance. By 1941, Dudley had gained 23 pounds, and led Virginia to an 8-1 record. He received the Touchdown Club Award of Washington D.C. and the Maxwell Trophy, awarded to the nation’s outstanding player. Dudley garnered his MVP award at the collegiate level and became Virginia’s first All-American. In 1942, he was selected as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ #1 draft choice. By September 1942, however, Dudley decided to enlist in the Air Force. Due to the quantity of available pilots, he never actually left until December, allowing him to finish his first year with the Steelers and lead the NFL in rushing. Dudley served in the South Pacific in Saipan and in Texas. As an instructor at Randolph Field in Texas, he played with the Randolph Ramblers between bombing runs as a B-29 pilot. The team was undefeated and Dudley picked up the MVP honors for the armed forces. In October 1945, he returned to NFL play with the Steelers and led the league in rushing, punt returns and pass interceptions. Dudley then received his third MVP honor in 1946, this time as a professional. After leading the NFL in yards in 1946, Dudley went on to play with the Detroit Lions for three years before finishing out his career with the Washington Redskins in 1953. Dudley returned to his alma mater in 1954-1955 to serve as assistant coach. The following year, he joined the Steelers coaching staff. His desire to serve his country extended into his everyday life as Dudley coached little league baseball and joined Rotary Club. He then served four terms in the Virginia House of Representatives. Today, Dudley is enshrined at the College Football Hall of Fame, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Washington Redskins Hall of Fame.