Member Biography

Doak Walker was one of the most decorated athletes of all time. He was a 3-time All-America halfback for Southern Methodist. He won the Maxwell Award in 1947, won the Heisman in 1948, and was named Player of the Year by Collier's Magazine in 1949. Walker played for SMU as a Freshman in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army in 1946, returned to play for SMU 1947-1949. In 35 games he put up these figures: 288 points scored, 2,076 yards rushing, 1,786 yards passing (on 128 of 222 attempts), 454 yards receptions, 750 yards on 50 punt returns, 764 yards on kickoff returns. He averaged 39.6 yards on punts. Walker was 5-11 in height and weighed 170. Sports writers gave him nicknames, "Dynamite Doak" and "Dauntless Doak". In a game against Texas Christian in 1947, he made runs of 80, 61 and 56 yards. Southern Methodist had a 23-5-4 record in his last 3 years and won two Southwest Conference championships. He played 6 years with the Detriot Lions 1950-1955, was All-Pro 4 times, and led the National Football League in scoring twice. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1959, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986. His memory is honored by the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation's best running back. It started in 1990 and is given by GTE-Southern Methodist Athletic Foundation. He was born Jan. 1, 1927, in Dallas, Texas. He suffered a paralyzing injury in a ski accident Jan. 30, 1998, at Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and he died Sept. 27, 1998.