Throughout the 2009 regular season, the Redskins are putting a spotlight on a Hall of Fame player each week. This week: Turk Edwards:
Long before the 'Hogs,' there was Albert Glenn 'Turk' Edwards.
One of the original members of the Boston Redskins, Edwards joined the team in 1932 after earning All-American honors as an offensive lineman at Washington State University, one of the first to gain the accomplishment.
Following his graduation Edwards received multiple offers to play in the National Football League, accepting a deal from the Boston Redskins, who gave him an outrageous $150 per game--a salary worthy of royalty in the Great Depression.
Edwards created the mold for staunch offensive lineman that would come to categorize the franchise.
A giant for his time at 6-2 and 255 pounds, Edwards was one of the greatest offensive linemen of his era. He won All-NFL honors in eight consecutive years.
Following his nine-year playing career, Edwards joined the newly relocated Washington Redskins as an assistant coach, becoming a head coach in 1946. After 17 consecutive years with the Redskins, Edwards retired from professional football in 1946.
Combining strength and power with uncanny agility, Edwards played on both sides of the ball wreaking havoc as an offensive and defensive lineman. His greatness became evident early in his career on December 6, 1936 in the NFL's Eastern Division Championship game against the New York Giants.
Edwards blocked a punt, blocked a place kick, recovered two fumbles, made numerous tackles, and opened holes on the offensive line helping the Redskins win 14-0 en route to their first NFL Championship game.
Despite his dominance, Edwards will forever be remembered for the unusual injury that ended his career. Following a pre-game coin toss against the New York Giants, Edwards pivoted to return to the Redskins bench, but his cleat remained stuck, buckling his knee. Edwards never played another down.
Turk was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969 and is a member of the distinguished Redskins Ring of Fame.
