Hall of Fame

Glenn Dobbs

  • Class
  • Induction
    1980
  • Sport(s)
Position: Halfback
Years: 1940-1942
Place of Birth: McKinney, TX
Date of Birth: Jul 12, 1920
Place of Death: Tulsa, OK
Date of Death: Nov 12, 2002
Jersey Number: 45
Height: 6-4
Weight: 195
High School: Frederick, OK (Frederick HS)

A star single-wing halfback on Tulsa's 1940-1942 teams that compiled a combined record of 25-6, Glenn Dobbs led the Golden Hurricane to national prominence with Sun Bowl and Sugar Bowl appearances against Texas Tech in 1942 and Tennessee in 1943, respectively. A native of McKinney, Texas, he was a first team All-America selection as a senior. During his final season he led the nation with a .626 completion rate. Opposing coach Jimmy Phelan called Dobbs football's first "Quad" back - able to pass, punt, run with the ball and defend against the opposition. Years later, Dobbs still held several Tulsa punting records, including best single game average (65.2 yards per kick), best single season average (48.3 yards per kick) and is tied for the longest punt in Tulsa history at 87 yards against Oklahoma in 1942. Dobbs played pro football with the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Los Angeles Dons of the All-America Conference 1946-49. He was head coach at Tulsa, 1961-68, posting a 45-37 record. His 1964 and 1965 teams played in the Bluebonnet Bowl. Dobbs was in the military service from 1943-45. As Tulsa's coach, his teams led the nation in passing three times. His players included Jerry Rhome, who led the nation in passing, and Howard Twilley, who led in pass receiving. He also served as Tulsa's athletic director. Dobbs died November 12, 2002 at the age of 82.

Check out a feature from Tulsa, including an interview with Dobbs, on the 1942 Sun Bowl:
 
Explore HOF Explore Hall of Fame Members