Ninety Years Ago the NFL Had Its First 20-TD Passer in a Single Season

LOOKING BACK
By John Turney

Friedman with the Giants

Though complete records are not available but great research by P.F.R.A. member David Neft, in Pro Football: The Early Years, lists Friedman with 20 touchdown passes in 1929.

Friedman played in all 15 games and surpassed the previous mark of 11 he set in 1927 and it was a mark that lasted until 1942 when Cecil Isbell of the Packers threw for 24 scores.

Friedman threw, again according to Neft, threw 53 touchdown passes from 1927 through 1930 and his team had the following records.

1927—Cleveland Bulldogs 8 - 4 - 1
1928—Detroit Wolverines 7 - 2 - 1
1929—New York Giants 13 - 1 - 1
1930—New York Giants 13 - 4 - 0

He was also First-team All-Pro by the Green Bay Press-Gazette all four years. He would be on the shortlist as the top player in the NFL for that four-year span.

Friedman was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

So, as we celebrate the NFL's 100th Season we'd like to remember other anniversaries whether they be the 50th, 40th or 90th as Freidman's mark is.

Friedman with Brooklyn