Alex Webster

Alexander "Red" Webster (April 19, 1931 – March 3, 2012) was an American football fullback and halfback in the National Football League for the New York Giants. He was also the head coach of the Giants from 1969 to 1973.

Early life

Webster grew up in Kearny, New Jersey,^[1] where he attended and played high school football at Kearny High School.^[2] After graduation, he played college football at North Carolina State University.

Professional career

Webster was drafted in the eleventh round of the 1953 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, but chose to play in the Canadian Football League for the Montreal Alouettes from 1953 to 1954. While in Canada, he was named an All-Star in 1954 and played in that year's Grey Cup.

In 1955, Webster returned to the United States and played for the New York Giants from 1955 to 1964. While with the Giants, he rushed for 4,638 yards, caught 240 passes for 2,679 yards, and scored 56 touchdowns (39 rushing and 17 receiving). He was named to the Pro Bowl twice, in 1958 and 1961.

Coaching career

Webster eventually became an assistant Giant coach under Allie Sherman, and he was later promoted to head coach (1969–1973). He was named UPI NFL Coach of the Year in 1970, as the Giants finished 2nd in the NFC East with a 9-5-0 record. But a 2-11-1 record in 1973 forced him to resign as the Giants head coach. His overall Giant coaching record was 29 wins, 40 losses, and one tie.

Death

Webster died March 3, 2012, in Port St. Lucie, Florida, aged 80.^[3]

References