Jim Podoley, Redskins Halfback and Receiver
February 6th, 2010 | Published in error cards, Player Deaths | 2 Comments
Jim Podoley, who played halfback and end for the Washington Redskins from 1957 to 1960, died on January 24. His obituary includes a nice recent photo. Podoley was a Pro Bowler in his rookie season, when he led the NFL with 20.5 yards per reception. Prior to his professional career, he starred in football and track at Central Michigan University. He was one of the inaugural inductees into the CMU Athletics Hall of Fame.
Pictured here is Podoley’s 1959 Topps card. He also has a card in the 1958 Topps set, but that card actually pictures Volney Peters.
September 6th, 2012 at 6:48 AM (#)
I ran track with Jim in 1955-1956 at Central Michigan. Jim would usually win both hurdle races the 60 or 100 yard dash, the 220 yard dash and the long jump in most dual meets. He could also high jump and pole vault. In January 1956 he pulled a hamstring and missed most of the track season. He came back in late May 1956 to lead us to the conference championship.
He was selected as the Most Valuable Athlete at this meet. Jim later tried out for the Olympics in the Decathlon but , I believe he finsihed 4th.The hamstring injury probably contributed to his inability to qualify for the Olympics.
September 13th, 2012 at 4:44 AM (#)
Thanks for the note, Carl. It’s always nice to hear from people who knew the players.