Back to search

Charlie Conerly

Halfback

Inducted 1966

Date of Birth

9/19/1921

Birthplace

Clarksdale, MS

Schools

University of Mississippi (1946-1947)

University of Mississippi (1942-1942)

Bio

Charlie Conerly first played varsity football at Mississippi in 1942. He was a combat Marine in the South Pacific during World War II, returned to Mississippi to play in 1946-47. As captain in 1947 he led the Rebels to their first Southeastern Conference championship. Conerly, a tailback, stood 6-0 and weighed 184. In 1947, he led the nation in pass completions with 133. He also led in passing percentage and efficiency. He ran for nine touchdowns and passed for 18, was consensus All-America, and was named Player of the Year by the Helms Foundation. The was SEC MVP and placed fourth in the Heisman voting. Mississippi capped a 9-2 season by beating Texas Christian 13-9 in the Delta Bowl. Conerly also starred in baseball, hit .467 in 1948, and was offered a pro contract. He went into pro football with the New York Giants as a T formation quarterback, played 14 years 1948-61, and was the National Football League's Most Valuable Player in 1959.