Professional Football Player. For nine seasons (1954 and 1956 to 1963), he played at the guard position in the National Football League with the San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns. Born Theodore William Connolly, he attended Piedmont High School in California and played collegiate football at Santa Clara University, later the University of Tulsa. Selected by San Francisco during the 9th round of the 1954 NFL Draft, he totaled 92 career regular season games. He missed the 1955 season due to his service with the United States Air Force. During his years with the 49ers, Connolly provided key blocking for quarterback Y.A. Tittle, as well as what was nicknamed "the million-dollar backfield" which included John Henry Johnson, Joe Perry and Hugh McElhenny. In 1961, he distinguished himself as he received Pro-Bowl recognition. After retiring from football, he had a successful career in the real estate industry. He died following a battle with leukemia.
Professional Football Player. For nine seasons (1954 and 1956 to 1963), he played at the guard position in the National Football League with the San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns. Born Theodore William Connolly, he attended Piedmont High School in California and played collegiate football at Santa Clara University, later the University of Tulsa. Selected by San Francisco during the 9th round of the 1954 NFL Draft, he totaled 92 career regular season games. He missed the 1955 season due to his service with the United States Air Force. During his years with the 49ers, Connolly provided key blocking for quarterback Y.A. Tittle, as well as what was nicknamed "the million-dollar backfield" which included John Henry Johnson, Joe Perry and Hugh McElhenny. In 1961, he distinguished himself as he received Pro-Bowl recognition. After retiring from football, he had a successful career in the real estate industry. He died following a battle with leukemia.
Bio by: C.S.
Advertisement
