Gopher legend Bill Daley passes away at age 96

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Gopher legend Bill Daley passed away Monday at age 96. Daley has the distinction of being the only player to win the Little Brown Jug for both Minnesota and Michigan.

Here is an expansive interview Daley did with GopherHole almost 10 years ago to the day:

http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/93841?referrer_id=388419


Gophers Mourn the Loss of Bill Daley

Daley was an All-American fullback for the Gophers from 1940-42

Former Minnesota football standout Bill Daley passed away on Oct. 19 at the age of 96. Daley was an All-American fullback for two different programs as he was a member of the Maroon and Gold from 1940-42 and also played for the University of Michigan in 1943.

Daley was inducted into the “M” Club Hall of Fame in 2004 after being an All-Big Ten performer in back-to-back seasons in 1941 and 1942. He was also a member on Minnesota’s national championship team in 1940.

After the 1942 season, Daley went into the U.S. Marine Corps and reported to Ann Arbor, MI to attend officer’s training school. He decided to play for the Wolverines while he was there, and became the nation’s fourth-best rusher in 1943, averaging nearly seven yards per carry.

Daley is also the only player to ever win the Little Brown Jug twice, having lifted the trophy once playing for each team in the Minnesota-Michigan tradition.

He then went on to play professional football for four teams in three seasons in the All-American Football Conference. Daley suited up for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Miami Seahawks, Chicago Rockets and New York Yankees from 1946-48.

Daley’s rekindled his connection to the University of Minnesota and the football program by serving as an announcer on the radio for a decade. He also assisted with the Minnesota Vikings when they first came to the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Daley is survived his loving wife, Melba, their four children, two grandchildren and sister.

http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102215aaa.html
 


I think Elroy Hirsch did something similar between WI and MI.
 

Wow have times changed. I think I can forgive for playing for Michigan under the circumstances
 

amazing story. true legend, and ironic that he died leading into jug game. rip bill daley!
 


Tom Elliott column: Daley was unique

A case could be made that Bill Daley is perhaps the greatest athlete to graduate from Melrose High School.

Not Mark Olberding. Not Matt Herkenhoff. Not Amanda (Thieschafer) Smock. Great athletes all, but no.

Daley might be one of the top 10 all-time athletes in all of Central Minnesota.

Daley died earlier this week at age 96.

Part of the reason he isn't as well known as Olberding (pro basketball), Herkenhoff (pro football) and Smock (Olympic track and field) is because he's from so long ago.

http://www.sctimes.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/10/23/elliott-column-daly-unique/74463724/

Go Gophers!!
 




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