Biography
Tom Fears was born on December 3, 1922, in Los Angeles, California. He played college football at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he established himself as a talented wide receiver. Fears was selected in the second round of the 1948 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, marking the beginning of a distinguished professional career.
Over his ten seasons with the Rams, Fears became one of the premier receivers in the National Football League (NFL). He was a key member of the team’s offense, known for his exceptional route running and ability to make acrobatic catches. Notably, Fears led the league in receiving yards in 1950, and he was selected to the Pro Bowl three times during his career.
Fears' contributions to the game extended beyond his playing days, as he later served as a head coach for several college teams, including the University of California, Berkeley. In recognition of his impact on the sport, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970. His legacy as a pioneer of the wide receiver position continues to influence players and coaches in the NFL today.