Andy Uram
Inducted: 1973
Guard: 1938-43
Height: 5'10"; Weight: 188
College: Minnesota, 1935-37
Uram, known for his speed and what a sportswriter once referred to as "snake-like hip action," once held two of the Packers' most prestigious records for long-distance dashes. They remain two of the longest touchdowns in Packers history.
On Oct. 8, 1939, in a 27-20 victory over the Chicago Cardinals, Uram set an NFL record with a 97-yard touchdown run from scrimmage. The record was tied 10 years later, but wasn't broken until Dallas Cowboys great Tony Dorsett ran for 99 yards on Jan. 3, 1983. Uram's run stood as the Packers' record for 64 years until Ahman Green broke it in 2003 with a 98-yard run.
On Oct. 12, 1941, in a victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers, Uram returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown, a Packers record that stood until Veryl Switzer broke it in 1954 with a 93-yard return.
On Nov. 1, 1942, also against the Cardinals, Uram set a Packers record for receiving yards by a back with 174 on four receptions, three of which he turned into touchdowns. That same year, he also also returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown against Detroit.
In six seasons, Uram rushed for 1,073 yards, averaging 4.5 per carry, and also caught 58 passes and averaged 18.7 per catch.
"He was one of the best open-field runners in those years," said former teammate Charley Brock.
The Packers drafted Uram in the sixth round in 1938. During World War II, he entered the Navy and played Armed Forces football for Camp Peary Naval Training Station in 1944 and Fleet City Navy in 1945. After sitting out the 1946 season, Uram attempted a comeback with the Packers in 1947, but was cut following the final exhibition game.
In all, Uram played in 63 games and started 17, all at halfback. At the time, players were still doubling on offense and defense.
Born March 21, 1915, in Minneapolis, Minn. Given name Andrew Uram Jr. Died Dec. 9, 1984, at age 69.
- By Cliff Christl