This week in South Central New York history.
Robert Waterfield born July 26, 1920, Elmira native
Robert Stanton Waterfield was born on July 26, 1920, in Elmira, New York. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was an infant. Waterfield played college football at UCLA, leading the Bruins to the 1942 Pacific Coast Conference championship and their first Rose Bowl. He was drafted by the Cleveland Rams in 1944 and played eight NFL seasons as quarterback, kicker, punter, and defensive back. Waterfield led the Rams to NFL championships in 1945 and 1951 and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1945. Known for his passing and kicking skills, he set several NFL records before retiring in 1952. After football, he worked in motion pictures and served as a Rams coach. Waterfield was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. Though he spent much of his life in California, his birth in Elmira connects him to the city’s sports history.
