Louis Salmon

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Louis "Red" Salmon

Born	June 10, 1880 Syracuse, New York
Died	September 27, 1965 Liberty, New York

Louis "Red" Salmon (June 10, 1880 - September 27, 1965) is considered to be the first outstanding fullback for the University of Notre Dame football team. He was the first "Fighting Irish" player to win an All-American mention, ^[1] and some sports historians argue that he served as the team's de facto coach during the 1902-1903 season.^[2] This honor, however, is usually accorded to teammate James Farragher.^[3]

[edit] Playing career

Born in Syracuse, New York, Salmon made his mark in collegiate football in 1903, when (as a senior) he scored 105 points. Meanwhile, Salmon's career record of 36 touchdowns remained a school standard until 1985.^[4]

At six feet and three inches, and 230 pounds, Salmon was a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron.^[5] As one writer observed: "The alabaster-skinned Salmon has been described as both a slasher and a smasher, a colorful way of saying he would run right over you if he could not run around you".^[6] Moreover, in an era when a wet pigskin might weigh as much as 14 pounds, Salmon averaged 30 yards with his punts.^[7] In 1903, Salmon was named to Walter Camp's third All-America team.^[8]

[edit] Coaching career and legacy

In 1904, Salmon served officially as head coach of the "Fighting Irish". Ironically, he presided over a lackluster season of 5-4. As one observer writes, "The team needed Salmon on the field, not on the sidelines".^[9] After graduating with a degree in engineering, the former sports hero rarely returned to campus and made little of his outstanding athletic career.^[10] Nevertheless, he would be remembered as one of collegiate football's "greats". Louis "Red Salmon was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971.^[11]