This week in South Central New York history.
Bob Waterfield, born in Elmira, died on March 25, 1983
Bob Waterfield, born in Elmira, New York, on July 26, 1920, died of respiratory failure on March 25, 1983, at age 62. He played eight seasons in the NFL with the Cleveland and Los Angeles Rams. Known for his versatility, he served as a quarterback, punter, kicker, and defensive back. He led the Rams to NFL championships in 1945 and 1951, won league MVP in 1945, and was a three-time All-Pro. His No. 7 jersey was retired in 1952, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. Waterfield also worked as an assistant and head coach in the NFL and had a career in film as an actor and producer. He was married to actress Jane Russell for 25 years. Although he moved to Los Angeles as a child, his birth in Elmira ties him to the region. He died in Burbank, California, after an extended illness.
