Klein, Irwin "King Kong"

Klein played college ball for NYU (New York University) and was an All-East football player. He also played on the 1935 National Championship basketball team.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. March 12, 1914- d. May 1973

Career Highlights:
In 1935, Klein was named AP All-East honorable mention as NYU's Violets won their first seven games by a combined score of 206-26. They lost in the final game of the year to Fordham, 21-0. Klein also played basketball at NYU.

After graduating, Klein played two years of professional football in the American Football League. The AFL was started in 1936 by Dr. Harry March, a former New York Giants' official, as a "player's league." Due to lack of attendance and low finances, however, the league could not compete with the NFL and folded after only two seasons. Klein played for the New York Yankees, who finished in third during both seasons of the league. They had a record of 5-3-2 in 1936 and a record of 2-3-1 in 1937. Klein is a member of the NYU Athletic Hall of Fame.

Origin:
New York

Career Dates:
Klein played tackle at New York University from 1933-1935. He then played as a tackle in the AFL for the New York Yankees from 1936-1937.

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