Sinkwich, "Frank" (Francis)
Football
b. Oct. 20, 1920, McKees Rocks, PA
d. Oct. 22, 1990
One of the greatest offensive performers of his era, Sinkwich wanted to play fullback when he arrived at the University of Georgia in 1939 because he didn't think he was a good enough passer to play tailback in the single-wing. Coach Wally Butts insisted that he could be an outstanding tailback if he worked on his passing.
Sinkwich not only became a two-time All-American, he won the Heisman Trophy and the Associated Press athlete of the year award as a senior in 1942, when set a total offense record of 2,187 yards, 1,392 passing and 795 passing. He had led the nation in rushing with 1,103 yards in 1941.
After graduating in 1943, Sinkwich joined the NFL's Detroit Lions for two seasons, winning the Joe Carr Award as the league's most valuable player in 1944. After spending a year in military service, he returned to professional football in 1946 with the New York Yankees of the All-America Football Conference. He started the 1947 season with the Yankees, was traded to the Baltimore Colts, and retired after the season ended.
During his 4 seasons as a professional, Sinkwich completed 121 of 301 passes for 1,913 yards and 19 touchdowns. He carried the ball 321 times for 1,090 yards, a 3.4 average, and 7 touchdowns; kicked 24 of 30 extra point attempts and 2 of 9 field goal attempts; and punted 64 times for a 41.5-yard average.