Sherman, Solly

Saul S. Sherman

Sherman was a quarterback at the University of Chicago in the 1930s, and played in 14 NFL games for the Chicago Bears, backing up Hall of Famer Sid Luckman.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. September 25, 1917

Career Highlights:
Sherman played for the University of Chicago at the end of Chicago's days of bigtime college football, and Solly was a bright spot for the otherwise woeful team. In 1936, he was named Grantland Rice All-America honorable mention and AP All-Western honorable mention as the Maroons had a record of 2-5-1.

In 1937, Solly was again named Grantland Rice All-America honorable mention, and AP All-Western Conference honorable mention as the Maroons finished 1-6-0. That year against Michigan, however, the Maroons almost pulled off an incredible upset. Sherman threw two touchdown passes and Chicago had a 12-0 lead late in the fourth quarter. The Wolverines scored twice in the final five minutes, including in the last minute, to pull out the victory 13-12.

In 1938, the Maroons posted a miserable record of 1-6-1, but Sherman was named AP All-Western Conference honorable mention. He played in the 1939 College All-Star Game.

In 1939, Solly was drafted in the 16th round (166th overall) by the Chicago Bears in the NFL Draft. His rookie season, he appeared in seven games, mostly as a defensive back. He backed up fellow rookie quarterback Sid Luckman and completed 2-4 passes for 43 yards. The Bears finished the season with a record of 8-3-0, second in the NFL West.

The following year, the Bears finished first in the NFL West with a record of 8-3-0 and then demolished the Washington Redskins 73-0 in the NFL Championship Game! The Bears dominated the game so much that Luckman did not play in the second half. Sherman entered the game in the fourth quarter and threw a complete pass for a point after touchdown.

After the championship, the Bears played a group of NFL All-Stars in the "Pro Bowl." Sherman did not play in the game, but was on the Pro Bowl roster. The Bears won the contest, 28-14. Solly retired following the 1940 season, having played in 14 career games.

Origin:
Chicago, Illinois

Career Dates:
Sherman played quarterback at the University of Chicago from 1936-1938. He then played quarterback and defensive back in the NFL with the Chicago Bears from 1939-1940.

Physical description:
6'1", 190 pounds

Career Statistics:
In the NFL:
Games: 14

Passes completed: 3
Passes attempted: 8
Passing percentage: 37.5
Passing yards: 58
Passing touchdowns: 1

Rushes: 5
Rushing yards: 11
Rushing average: 2.1

Receptions: 1
Receiving yards: 42

Interceptions: 2
Interception returns for touchdowns: 1

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