University of Minnesota Athletics
George "Sonny" Franck
Football, 1938-41
Men’s Track & Field, 1938-41
HOF Class of 1995
George “Sonny” Franck, 1940 All-Big Ten and All-American, partnered with Hall of Famer Bruce Smith that year to form one of the greatest halfback duos in college history.
Franck was such a key contributor to the Gophers’ undefeated season, which culminated in a Big Ten title and national championship, that he finished third in Heisman Trophy voting. Playing in the era of single-wing, one-platoon football, he ran, passed, caught passes, kicked, returned kicks and played defense. He even called the signals.
Named MVP in the 1941 College All-Star Game, Franck was also a three-time letterwinner in track and field, as a sprinter.
The NFL’s New York Giants selected Franck third overall in the draft, and he played pro football in the 1941 and 1945-47 seasons, his career interrupted by military service as a World War II fighter pilot who earned nine battle stars in the South Pacific.
Later a high school teacher and coach, Franck was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002.