Sidney Luckman

Sidney "Sid" Luckman CC'39 is the only Columbia alumnus who is a member both of the College Hall of Fame and the NFL Hall of Fame.

Early Life & College Career

Luckman was born in Brooklyn. His parents were Jewish-German immigrants.

His high school football performances were so impressive that he was scouted and sought by over 40 colleges. He chose Columbia University after meeting with head coach Lou Little at Baker Field after a Columbia/Navy game. Luckman's choice to attend Columbia is somewhat surprising, since Columbia never offered him a scholarship. Instead, the University provided him with means of employment, so that he could pay his own way through. Consequently, Luckman spent many of his college years dish-washing, baby-sitting, and message-delivering.

Luckman's football skills shone, despite mediocre Columbia performances while he was there. He did not play his freshmen year in order to focus on his studies, but was the starter for his sophomore year in 1936. As quarterback, he completed an impressive 46% of his passes as the Lions went 5-3 that year. In his junior year the team went 2-7-2, but he completed 47% of his passes (83 of 173 for 1065 yards and 8 touchdowns). In his senior year, when the team went 3-6, he completed 50% of passes (66 of 132 for 856 yards and 6 touchdowns).

All the while, he punted, placekicked, and played brilliant defense.