RELATED LINKS:
--Despite Size, Eddie LeBaron One Of 80 Greatest Redskins
--Eddie LeBaron's Stories Of Service
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The Washington Redskins announced this evening that former quarterback Eddie LeBaron, "The Little General," has passed away.
LeBaron – who received his nickname due to the fact he was well under six-feet tall – was drafted by the Redskins in the 10th-round of the 1950 NFL Draft.
The former University of the Pacific product decided to serve the Korean War for two years before making his NFL debut with the Redskins in 1952.
In his rookie season, LeBaron was second on the quarterback depth chart behind Sammy Baugh, who was playing in his last season.
LeBaron, however, still saw regular game action both as a quarterback and the team's primary punter. He ended up throwing 14 touchdown passes while punting for more than 2,000 yards en route to NFL's All-Rookie Team honors.
Part of LeBaron's magic behind throwing a team-high 14 touchdown passes that year was his unmatchable ability to "hide" the football from defenses.
Offensive lineman Jim Ricca said it best of his fake-out skills per The Redskins Encyclopedia.
"Eddie was a magician with the ball," he said. "You never knew who had the ball, he was so slick. I remember one time three different players on the defensive line got confused and all of a sudden Eddie's standing in the end zone with the ball. He rolled out and had the ball on his hip, and he was gone. He was elusive and tricky, and he was so short that people couldn't really see him."
In seven seasons with the Redskins, LeBaron appeared 83 games, throwing for more than 8,000 yards to go along with 59 touchdowns. He is member of the Redskins Ring of Fame.
A few years back, NFL Films' Steve Sabol looked back on LeBaron's NFL career. You can watch the video here.
CHIME IN:Have a favorite Eddie Lebaron memory you'd like to share? If so, let us know below.
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