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“He’s the greatest pass-rusher I’ve ever seen.” (George Halas on Ed Sprinkle)
(Navy)...6'1'', 206...Signed as free agent with Chicago Bears, 1944 … Strong, hard-hitting and one of most feared players of his era notably as a defensive end … Regarded as one of first to gain fame by rushing the passer … Helped lead Bears to 8-2-1 record in 1946 followed by 24-14 victory over New York Giants in NFL Championship Game ball … Caught 32 career passes for 451 yards and 7 TD … … Defensive career totals: 4 interceptions for 55 yards, one safety and recovered two fumbles for TDs … First-Team All-Pro, 1949 … First Team All-NFL, 1950 … Second-Team All-NFL four times (1949, 1951, 1952, 1954) … Voted to four Pro Bowls (1951-53, 1955) … Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team of 1940s … Born Sept. 3, 1923 in Bradshaw, Texas … Died July 28, 2014 in Palos Heights, Illinois at age of 90.
Ed Sprinkle signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent out of Navy in 1944. A fierce competitor, Sprinkle was once described by legendary Hall of Famer George Halas as "the greatest pass rusher I've ever seen." Strong, hard-hitting and one of most feared players of his era, most notably at defensive end, Sprinkle was labeled “The Meanest Man in Football” by Collier’s Weekly.
The 6-1, 206-pound Sprinkle, originally played both offense and defensive end for the Bears. He caught 32 passes for 451 yards and seven touchdowns during his career. He helped lead Chicago to an NFL Western Division title in 1946 with an 8-2-1 record. The Bears would go on to defeat the New York Giants 24-14 in NFL Championship Game. However, his ability to rush and tackle the opponents' passers soon made him a defensive specialist.
During his 12 seasons with the Bears, NFL teams were switching to the T-formation, and a strong pass rush was essential to defend against the improved air attacks. Sprinkle was determined, extremely quick off the snap and, as a left- handed right end, he could handle most blockers with his stronger arm. Sprinkle is widely regarded as one of first players to gain fame by rushing the passer.
In total, Sprinkle intercepted four passes for 55 yards, one safety and recovered two fumbles for TDs during his career. He was named First-Team All-Pro in 1949, First Team All-NFL in 1950 and Second-Team All-NFL four times (1949, 1951, 1952 and 1954). Sprinkle was also voted to four Pro Bowls (1951-53, 1955) and is a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of 1940s.
Receiving
Year
Team
G.
No.
Yds.
Avg.
TD
1944
Chicago
9
0
0.0
1945
6
1946
11
7
124
17.7
2
1947
12
4
43
10.8
1948
10
132
13.2
3
1949
69
17.3
1950
70
17.5
1951
5.5
1
1952
2.0
1953
1954
1955
Career Total
32
451
14.1
Championship Games
1946 NFL – Chicago Bears 24, New York Giants 14
Sprinkle played in this game. He had one reception for nine yards.
All-League Teams
All-Pro: 1949 (IN)
All-NFL: 1950 (NY)
All-NFL Second Team: 1949 (UPI, NY) · 1951 (UPI, NY) · 1952 (AP) · 1954 (AP)
Pro Bowls
(4) – 1951, 1952, 1953, 1955
Awards and Honors
· NFL All-Decade Team of 1940s
Year-by-Year Team Records
1944 Chicago Bears.................... 6-3-1 (2nd)
1945 Chicago Bears.................... 3-7-0 (4th)
1946 Chicago Bears................... 8-2-1 (1st)
1947 Chicago Bears.................... 8-4-0 (2nd)
1948 Chicago Bears................... 10-2-0 (2nd)
1949 Chicago Bears.................... 9-3-0 (2nd)
1950 Chicago Bears.................... 9-3-0 (2nd)
1951 Chicago Bears.................... 7-5-0 (4th)
1952 Chicago Bears.................... 5-7-0 (5th)
1953 Chicago Bears.................... 3-8-1 (4th)
1954 Chicago Bears.................... 8-4-0 (2nd)
1955 Chicago Bears.................... 8-4-0 (2nd)
(Division Finish in Parentheses)
Qualified for Postseason in Bold
Full Name: Edward Alexander Sprinkle
Birthdate: September 3, 1923
Birthplace: Bradshaw, Texas
Died: July 28, 2014
High School: Tuscola (TX)
Pro Career: 12 seasons, 132 games
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