There are two individuals who have both played in the National Football League (NFL) and were awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.
Of the approximately 20,000 men who have played in the NFL throughout its history, only a select few have also achieved the distinction of becoming Rhodes Scholars, an international postgraduate award for students to study at the University of Oxford. This rare combination highlights exceptional intellectual and athletic prowess.
Notable NFL Players Who Were Rhodes Scholars
The two former NFL players who also received Rhodes Scholarships are:
- Byron "Whizzer" White
- Pat Haden
These individuals represent a unique intersection of high-level professional sports and elite academic achievement. Their careers demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to excellence in diverse fields.
Here's a brief overview of these distinguished individuals:
| Player Name | NFL Career Highlights | Rhodes Scholar Year | Additional Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Byron "Whizzer" White | Running back for the Pittsburgh Pirates (now Steelers) and Detroit Lions. Led the NFL in rushing twice. Learn more about Byron White's NFL career. | 1939 | Appointed Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. |
| Pat Haden | Quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams. Played in the NFL for 6 seasons. Explore Pat Haden's NFL statistics. | 1975 | Served on the Rhodes Trust board; former athletic director at the University of Southern California (USC). |
Clarifying Other Cases
While only two players have "played in the NFL" and been Rhodes Scholars, it's worth noting other individuals associated with the league who are Rhodes Scholars. For instance, Myron Rolle was a Rhodes Scholar who was drafted by an NFL team and made the rosters of two different NFL teams. However, he never played in a regular-season NFL game, distinguishing his case from those who actually saw game action on the field.
The rarity of this accomplishment underscores the significant demands of both professional football and the rigorous academic requirements of the Rhodes Scholarship.
