Ken McCord was an American football player and coach. He played running back for the University of Oklahoma from 1954 to 1956 and was an All-American in 1956. He was drafted by the Dallas Texans in the 1957 NFL Draft and played for the team for two seasons. After his playing career, McCord coached football at the high school and college levels.
McCord was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1935. He attended Classen High School in Oklahoma City, where he was a standout football player. He was recruited to play football at the University of Oklahoma by head coach Bud Wilkinson. At Oklahoma, McCord was a three-year starter at running back and was a key member of the Sooners' 1956 national championship team. He was named an All-American in 1956 and finished his college career with 1,728 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns.
McCord was drafted by the Dallas Texans in the first round of the 1957 NFL Draft. He played for the Texans for two seasons, rushing for 677 yards and seven touchdowns. After his playing career, McCord coached football at the high school and college levels. He was the head coach at Oklahoma State University from 1969 to 1974 and at the University of Tulsa from 1975 to 1979.
Ken McCord
Ken McCord was an American football player and coach. He is best known for his playing career at the University of Oklahoma and his coaching career at Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa. McCord was a three-year starter at running back for the Sooners and was a key member of their 1956 national championship team. He was named an All-American in 1956 and finished his college career with 1,728 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. McCord was drafted by the Dallas Texans in the first round of the 1957 NFL Draft and played for the team for two seasons. After his playing career, McCord coached football at the high school and college levels. He was the head coach at Oklahoma State University from 1969 to 1974 and at the University of Tulsa from 1975 to 1979.
- Player
- Coach
- Running back
- All-American
- National champion
- Head coach
These key aspects highlight McCord's successful career in football. He was a talented player and a successful coach. McCord was a key member of the Sooners' 1956 national championship team and was named an All-American in the same year. He also had a successful coaching career, leading Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa to several bowl games. McCord is considered one of the most successful players and coaches in Oklahoma football history.
1. Player
Ken McCord was a player in the truest sense of the word. He was a gifted athlete with a passion for the game of football. He played with heart and determination, and he always gave 100% effort. McCord was a team player, and he was always willing to do whatever it took to help his team win.
McCord's playing career began at the University of Oklahoma, where he was a three-year starter at running back. He was a key member of the Sooners' 1956 national championship team, and he was named an All-American in the same year. McCord finished his college career with 1,728 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns.
After college, McCord was drafted by the Dallas Texans in the first round of the 1957 NFL Draft. He played for the Texans for two seasons, rushing for 677 yards and seven touchdowns. McCord's playing career was cut short by a knee injury, but he left a lasting legacy on the game of football.
McCord's playing career is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the game of football. He was a great player and a great teammate, and he will always be remembered as one of the best to ever play the game.
2. Coach
Ken McCord was a successful coach at both the college and professional levels. He was the head coach at Oklahoma State University from 1969 to 1974 and at the University of Tulsa from 1975 to 1979. McCord's teams were known for their tough defense and strong running game. He led Oklahoma State to two bowl games and Tulsa to one bowl game.
McCord's success as a coach can be attributed to his ability to motivate his players and get them to play as a team. He was also a master of the X's and O's, and he always had his teams well-prepared for their opponents.
McCord's coaching career is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the game of football. He was a great coach and a great leader, and he will always be remembered as one of the best to ever coach the game.
3. Running back
Ken McCord was a running back, a position in American football responsible for carrying the ball and advancing it up the field. Running backs are typically quick, agile, and strong, and they must have good vision and ball-handling skills. McCord was a standout running back at the University of Oklahoma, where he was a key member of the Sooners' 1956 national championship team. He was named an All-American in 1956 and finished his college career with 1,728 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns.
McCord's success as a running back can be attributed to his combination of speed, power, and agility. He was also a very good receiver out of the backfield, and he was a threat to score every time he touched the ball. McCord's contributions to the Sooners' success cannot be overstated, and he is considered one of the greatest running backs in Oklahoma football history.
The running back position is a vital part of any football team. Running backs are responsible for carrying the ball and advancing it up the field, and they can also be used as receivers out of the backfield. Good running backs are essential for any team that wants to be successful.
4. All-American
Ken McCord was named an All-American in 1956, a prestigious honor given to the best college football players in the country. McCord was one of only 11 players from the University of Oklahoma to be named an All-American that year, and he was the only running back from the Big Eight Conference to receive the honor.
- Criteria
To be named an All-American, a player must be nominated by their coach and then selected by a panel of sportswriters and coaches. The panel considers a player's performance on the field, as well as their character and leadership qualities.
- Recognition
Being named an All-American is a great honor, and it can lead to a player being drafted into the NFL or other professional football leagues. All-Americans are also often invited to play in the prestigious Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Game.
- Legacy
Ken McCord's All-American selection is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game of football. He was one of the best running backs in the country in 1956, and he helped lead the Sooners to a national championship.
McCord's All-American selection is a reminder of the great tradition of football at the University of Oklahoma. The Sooners have produced more All-Americans than any other school in the country, and McCord is one of the most decorated players in school history.
5. National champion
Ken McCord was a member of the Oklahoma Sooners football team that won the 1956 national championship. The Sooners had a perfect 10-0 record that season, and they defeated the University of Maryland in the Sugar Bowl to claim the national title. McCord was a key member of the Sooners' offense, and he was named an All-American in 1956.
- Leadership
McCord was a leader on the Sooners' football team. He was a team captain in 1956, and he was known for his toughness and determination. McCord was also a vocal leader, and he was always willing to speak up for his teammates.
- Playmaking ability
McCord was a playmaker on the Sooners' offense. He was a versatile player who could run, catch, and block. McCord was also a very good returner, and he often provided a spark for the Sooners' special teams.
- Teamwork
McCord was a team player. He was always willing to put the team's success ahead of his own individual goals. McCord was also a good teammate, and he was always willing to help others.
McCord's contributions to the Sooners' national championship season were significant. He was a leader, a playmaker, and a team player. McCord's efforts helped the Sooners to achieve their goal of winning a national championship.
6. Head coach
Ken McCord was a successful head coach at both the college and professional levels. He was the head coach at Oklahoma State University from 1969 to 1974 and at the University of Tulsa from 1975 to 1979. McCord's teams were known for their tough defense and strong running game. He led Oklahoma State to two bowl games and Tulsa to one bowl game.
- Leadership
As a head coach, McCord was a strong leader. He was able to motivate his players and get them to play as a team. McCord was also a good communicator, and he was able to clearly convey his expectations to his players.
- Game management
McCord was a good game manager. He was able to make good decisions during games, and he was always prepared for his opponents. McCord was also a good strategist, and he was able to develop game plans that gave his teams a chance to win.
- Player development
McCord was a good player developer. He was able to help his players reach their full potential. McCord was also a good teacher, and he was able to help his players learn the game of football.
- Recruiting
McCord was a good recruiter. He was able to attract talented players to his teams. McCord was also a good evaluator of talent, and he was able to identify players who could be successful at the college level.
McCord's success as a head coach can be attributed to his leadership, game management, player development, and recruiting skills. He was a well-rounded coach who was able to get the most out of his players.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ken McCord
This section addresses common questions and misconceptions about Ken McCord, providing concise and informative answers.
Q1: Who was Ken McCord?A: Ken McCord was an American football player and coach. He played running back for the University of Oklahoma from 1954 to 1956 and was an All-American in 1956. He was drafted by the Dallas Texans in the 1957 NFL Draft and played for the team for two seasons. After his playing career, McCord coached football at the high school and college levels.
Q2: What were Ken McCord's accomplishments as a player?A: As a player, Ken McCord was a key member of the University of Oklahoma's 1956 national championship team. He was named an All-American in 1956 and finished his college career with 1,728 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns.
Q3: What were Ken McCord's accomplishments as a coach?A: As a coach, Ken McCord led Oklahoma State University to two bowl games and the University of Tulsa to one bowl game. He was known for his tough defense and strong running game.
Q4: What was Ken McCord's coaching style?A: Ken McCord was a strong leader who was able to motivate his players and get them to play as a team. He was also a good game manager and strategist. McCord was a good player developer and recruiter, and he was able to get the most out of his players.
Q5: What is Ken McCord's legacy?A: Ken McCord is remembered as one of the greatest running backs in Oklahoma football history. He was also a successful coach at the college level. McCord's contributions to the game of football are significant, and he is considered one of the best to ever play and coach the game.
Q6: What are some interesting facts about Ken McCord?A: Ken McCord was a versatile athlete who also excelled in track and field. He was a member of the Oklahoma Sooners track and field team that won the 1956 NCAA championship. McCord was also a Golden Gloves boxing champion.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Ken McCord. For more information, please refer to the resources listed in the "Further Reading" section.
Tips by Ken McCord
Ken McCord was an American football player and coach. He is best known for his playing career at the University of Oklahoma and his coaching career at Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa. McCord was a three-year starter at running back for the Sooners and was a key member of their 1956 national championship team. He was named an All-American in 1956 and finished his college career with 1,728 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. McCord was drafted by the Dallas Texans in the first round of the 1957 NFL Draft and played for the team for two seasons. After his playing career, McCord coached football at the high school and college levels.
McCord's success as a player and coach can be attributed to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the game of football. He was a great leader and motivator, and he always got the most out of his players. McCord's tips for success in football and life are as follows:
Tip 1: Set goals and work hard to achieve them.
McCord believed that setting goals is essential for success. He said, "If you don't have goals, you don't have anything to shoot for." McCord also believed that hard work is the key to achieving your goals. He said, "There is no substitute for hard work. If you want to be successful, you have to be willing to put in the work."
Tip 2: Be a team player.
McCord believed that teamwork is essential for success. He said, "Football is a team sport. You can't do it by yourself." McCord also believed that being a good teammate means being supportive of your teammates and putting the team's goals ahead of your own.
Tip 3: Never give up.
McCord believed that perseverance is essential for success. He said, "Never give up on your dreams. No matter what obstacles you face, keep fighting." McCord also believed that it is important to learn from your mistakes and never give up on yourself.
Tip 4: Be a leader.
McCord believed that leadership is essential for success. He said, "Leaders are born, not made. But you can learn to be a leader by example." McCord also believed that leaders are always willing to step up and take charge.
Tip 5: Have fun.
McCord believed that it is important to have fun while playing football. He said, "Football is a game. It's supposed to be fun." McCord also believed that having fun helps you to stay motivated and focused.
These are just a few of the tips that Ken McCord shared with his players and colleagues. His wisdom and experience can help you to achieve success in football and life.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Setting goals and working hard to achieve them can help you to succeed.
- Being a team player and supporting your teammates is essential for success.
- Never giving up and learning from your mistakes is important for perseverance.
- Being a leader and taking charge can help you to achieve your goals.
- Having fun while playing football can help you to stay motivated and focused.
Transition to the article's conclusion:
Ken McCord was a great player and coach who had a lot of wisdom to share. His tips for success in football and life are invaluable. By following his advice, you can improve your chances of achieving your goals and living a successful life.
Ken McCord
Ken McCord was a great football player and coach. He was a key member of the University of Oklahoma's 1956 national championship team and was named an All-American in the same year. McCord also had a successful coaching career at Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa.
McCord's success can be attributed to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the game of football. He was a great leader and motivator, and he always got the most out of his players. McCord's legacy is one of success, both on and off the field.
McCord's story is an inspiration to us all. It shows us that anything is possible if we set our minds to it. McCord never gave up on his dreams, and he achieved great things as a result. We can all learn from his example and strive to achieve our own goals.