A consensus All-American & College Football Hall of Famer, Ki Aldrich led both the offensive & defensive lines for the Horned Frogs 1938 National Championship
48 | Center Ki Aldrich (1936-1938)
Photo by Underwood Archives/Getty Images
Described as “probably the greatest defensive center in history” by Life Magazine and “the toughest player I ever knew” by teammate Sammy Baugh, Ki Aldrich is an all-time gridiron warrior. He also served on the other side of the ball, leading the offensive lines protecting legendary quarterbacks Baugh and Davey O’Brien. A two-time First Team All-Southwest Conference selection, Aldrich was a Consensus All-American as co-captain of TCU’s famed 1938 National Championship season, leading the Horned Frogs to an 11-0 record and Sugar Bowl victory. In 1936 he was selected as the MVP of TCU’s Cotton Bowl victory over Marquette and in 1937 he was a Second Team All-American.
Following his collegiate career, Aldrich was the first overall pick of the 1939 NFL Draft and would play seven professional seasons, interrupted by three years of service in the Navy during World War II. Aldrich would make two Pro Bowls and win the NFL Championship with the Washington Redskins in 1942.