Cal Rossi (1997) - Hall of Fame

Cal Rossi

Induction:
1997

Rossi was a brilliant two-sport star in football and baseball for UCLA from 1944-1947. He also holds the distinction of being a first-round NFL draft choice twice — though he never played a down of professional football. Rossi was the first-round choice of the Washington Redskins in 1946, but the Redskins were not aware that he was just a junior and not eligible. The next year, after Rossi concluded his UCLA career third on the school's all-time rushing list, Washington drafted him again in the first round. But Rossi decided to forego the NFL and pursue a career coaching in high school. He served as head coach of Visalia, Redondo, and Long Beach Poly high schools. He then became a governmental relations executive for the California Teachers' Association.