Howard “Red” Hickey

Biography

Howard Wayne "Red" Hickey revolutionized professional football as both player and coach, inventing the shotgun formation that transformed offensive strategy and remains fundamental to modern NFL gameplay. Born February 14, 1917 in Clarksville, Arkansas, Hickey attended Clarksville High School before enrolling at University of Arkansas, where he became a rare two-sport star earning All-Conference honors in both football and basketball. In 1941, he played forward on the Razorbacks basketball team that reached the Final Four, while also excelling as an end on the football team. He joined Kappa Sigma fraternity during his collegiate years. Drafted in the sixth round (41st overall) by Philadelphia Eagles in 1941, Hickey's rights transferred to Pittsburgh Steelers in the Pennsylvania Polka transaction. After one season, the 6-foot-2, 204-pound Hickey joined the Cleveland Rams before serving three years as U.S. Navy gunnery officer during World War II. Upon returning in 1945, Hickey married ...