Charley Trippi was a coveted player from the University of Georgia, and the New York Yankees of the upstart All-American Football Conference thought they had him locked up. The Chicago Cardinals, who drafted him first overall, earned his services when Cardinals owner Charles Bidwell signed him to what was a massive contract at the time, $100,000 over four years.
Trippi was the heart of what would become Chicago's "Million Dollar Backfield," as a rookie in 1947, he would lead the Cardinals to an NFL Championship. Incredibly versatile, Trippi could play any offensive skill position and excelled at rushing, passing, and punting. He played until 1955, finishing his career with the Cardinals and amassing 4,827 Yards From Scrimmage.
Trippi was selected for the 1940s All-Decade Team and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. The Cardinals selected Trippi for their inaugural Ring of Honor class in 2006.