Ward Cuff

Ward Lloyd Cuff (August 12, 1913 – December 24, 2002) was an American professional football player who was a halfback and placekicker in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Giants, Chicago Cardinals, and Green Bay Packers. He played college football at Marquette University and was drafted in the fourth round of the 1937 NFL draft.^[1]

PositionsHalfback • Placekicker

Born(1913-08-12)August 12, 1913
Redwood Falls, Minnesota, U.S.

DiedDecember 24, 2002(2002-12-24) (aged 89)
Vallejo, California, U.S.

Listed height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)

Quick facts No. 14, 21, Positions ...

Ward Cuff

No. 14, 21
Positions	Halfback • Placekicker
Personal information
Born	(1913-08-12)August 12, 1913 Redwood Falls, Minnesota, U.S.
Died	December 24, 2002(2002-12-24) (aged 89) Vallejo, California, U.S.
Listed height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Listed weight	192 lb (87 kg)
Career information
High school	Redwood Falls
College	Marquette (1933-1936)
NFL draft	1937: 4th round, 34th overall pick
Career history
New York Giants (1937–1945) Chicago Cardinals (1946) Green Bay Packers (1947)
Awards and highlights
NFL champion (1938) 5× Second-team All-Pro (1938, 1939, 1941, 1943, 1944) 3× NFL All-Star (1938, 1939, 1941) New York Giants No. 14 retired 57th greatest New York Giant of all-time
Career NFL statistics
Rushing yards 1,851 Rushing average 5.4 Receptions 106 Receiving yards 1,559 Total touchdowns 21 Interceptions 13 Field goals 43/98 (43.9%) Stats at Pro Football Reference

Close

As a fullback at Marquette, Cuff played in the first Cotton Bowl game, in 1937, losing to TCU. He was also Marquette's heavyweight boxing champion and held the school record in the javelin throw. Cuff played for the Giants from 1937 to 1945, won the NFL championship in 1938, and became the team's career scoring leader with 319 points before being traded to the Cardinals. He played one season with the Cardinals and one with the Packers. He led the NFL in field goals made four times. After his NFL career, Cuff coached high school football in Green Bay, was an assistant coach for the Oregon State Beavers football team, and later worked for The Boeing Company.^[2]

His number 14 was retired by the Giants, although owner Wellington Mara gave Y. A. Tittle permission to wear it during his time with the Giants from 1961 to 1964. It was retired again in honor of both players.^[3]