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Robert Frederick Hainlen (born December 18, 1926) is a former American football quarterback. He played college football at Colorado A&M (now Colorado State) and was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 19th round of the 1949 NFL Draft. He was sent to their farm team, the Wilmington Clippers before playing in an NFL game. He spent one season with Wilmington before they folded, ending his professional career. He is believed to be the last living member of the Clippers.

Bob Hainlen

No. 6
Position:	Quarterback
Personal information
Born:	(1926-12-18) December 18, 1926 (age 95) Trinidad, Colorado
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	175 lb (79 kg)
Career information
High school:	Trinidad (CO)
College:	Colorado State
NFL Draft:	1949 / Round: 19 / Pick: 188
Career history
As a player:
Washington Redskins (1949)* Wilmington Clippers (1949)
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
As a coach:
Wilmington Clippers (1949) Asst. head coach[1]
Career highlights and awards
All-Rocky Mountain Conference (1948)
Career AFL statistics
Games played: 9 Games started: 9 Pass attempts: 137 Pass completions: 48 Passing yards: 564 Passing touchdowns: 5
Player stats at NFL.com

Early life and education

Hainlen was born on December 18, 1926, in Trinidad, Colorado. He attended Trinidad High School before playing college football at Colorado A&M. In 1945, as a true freshman, Hainlen was named the Rams' starting quarterback, becoming the youngest starter in school history.[2]

In 1948, following a victory over the Wyoming Cowboys, the Fort Collins Coloradoan reported, "Lanky, Bobby Hainlen picked the cold and bleak setting of Corbett field here Saturday afternoon for his greatest football performance as he ran, passed, and kicked Colorado A & M to a 21-20 victory over the University of Wyoming."[3] Hainlen led the team's "passing, punting, and signal calling."[4] After being named second-team All-Rocky Mountain Conference, the Salt Lake Telegram wrote, "Bob Hainlen of Colorado wound up the season with what almost was a one-man one win over Colorado university, and his running, passing and kicking of field goals gave [Cannon] Parkinson a run for the spot on the first eleven."[5] He lost his final college game in the 1949 Raisin Bowl, 20–21, against Occidental.[6]

Professional career

Following his senior season of college Hainlen was selected in the 19th round (188th overall) of the 1949 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins.[7] He was given a contract in June.[8] He was sent to their farm team, the Wilmington Clippers, after not making the final roster. With Wilmington he started all but one of their games,[9] leading them to a 5–5 record and a playoff berth.[10] The Clippers lost in the first round of the playoffs, 0–66 against the Richmond Rebels.[11] Wilmington folded after the season, ending his professional career.

Statistically, Hainlen recorded 564 passing yards on 137 attempts, 48 being completed. He threw five touchdown passes and ten interceptions. As a rusher, he scored two touchdowns. On special teams, he made 44 punts.[9]

References

Further reading

• Cartwright, Al (September 21, 1948). "A La Carte". Journal-Every Evening. p. 48 – via Newspapers.com.

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