Hugh McElhenny, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame who used his speed and elusiveness to rise to prominence as a halfback in the 1950s, died June 17 at age 93, the Hall of Fame announced Thursday.
McElhenny died of natural causes at his home in Nevada, the Hall of Fame said.
Known for his long strides and high-knee propulsion, McElhenny rushed for 5,281 yards and 38 touchdowns in a 13-year career that included stops with the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Detroit Lions. But it was his nine-year run with the San Francisco 49ers that vaulted “Hurryin’ Hugh” to football stardom.
Using a traditional T-formation, the 49ers employed the famed “Million Dollar Backfield,” which featured fullback Joe Perry, quarterback Y.A. Tittle and halfback John Henry Johnson, along with McElhenny, a six-time Pro Bowl selection who had a career-high 916 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground in 1956.
“Hugh McElhenny was a threat in all phases of the game offensively — rushing, pass receiving and as a kick and punt returner,” Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said. “His all-around talent — obvious to pro football scouts when Hugh was still a teenager — will be celebrated and preserved forever in Canton.”
McElhenny played in the National Football League for 13 years – 1952-1960 San Francisco 49ers, 1961-62 Minnesota Vikings and 1964 Detroit Lions.
Nicknamed “The King,” McElhenny was enshrined as a member of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 1970. #HOFForever pic.twitter.com/zKW5Tqyiu2
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) June 23, 2022
McElhenny’s unique running style stood out in an era where most running backs used more deliberate, smashmouth approaches.
The No. 9 overall selection in the 1952 NFL draft by the 49ers out of Washington, McElhenny burst onto the professional scene, turning his first play from scrimmage into a 40-yard touchdown run. McElhenny, also known as “The King,” quickly became a top target for Tittle out of the backfield, using his 6-foot-1, 195-pound frame to weave his way through defenses off screen passes.
McElhenny had 37 catches for 458 yards and two touchdowns in 1957, and he finished his career with 264 receptions for 3,247 yards and 20 scores.
“The 49ers family is heartbroken to learn of the passing of one of the NFL’s all-time greats, Hugh McElhenny,” 49ers co-chair Dr. John York said in a statement. “Growing up, my favorite team was the 49ers. I remember so many great players from the late ’50s and ’60s. When I started to invite an alum to every game, my goal was to meet the ‘Million Dollar Backfield.’ Hugh was the last of the four to join us and we remained friends. Hugh is a great part of 49ers history.”
McElhenny, a Los Angeles native, was a five-time first-team All-Pro selection and was named to the NFL’s 1950s All-Decade Team. He was a first-team All-American in 1951 with the Huskies, and his No. 39 is retired by the 49ers.
Upon retirement following the 1964 season, McElhenny was one of only three players to have amassed more than 11,000 all-purpose yards (11,375). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970, and he is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
On his enshrinement day in Canton, a humbled and emotional McElhenny opened by acknowledging his teammates through the years, as well as his opponents.
“I want to pay tribute to the athletes that I played with for their second efforts which made my runs successful,” McElhenny said, “and to my opponents for all the mistakes they made to make me look good.”
McElhenny played in just two postseason NFL games — one for the 49ers in 1957 and one for the Giants in 1963 — rushing for 101 yards on 21 carries. He also caught eight passes for 116 yards and a touchdown.