Graham, Otto, 1921-2003

On November 2, 1943 Look Magazine published an article entitled “All-Round Otto: Northwestern’s Graham Excels at Everything He Tries.” This title perfectly encapsulates the remarkable talent of Otto Graham: Hall of Fame quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, state champion French horn player, All American and pro Basketball player and Northwestern University honor roll graduate.

            Born in Waukegan Illinois in 1921, Graham set the record for largest male born in Illinois, weighing in at 14 lbs, 12 oz. and 23 inches long. At Waukegan High School, he made a name for himself as the school’s first All State basketball and caught the attention of many college recruiters. Graham choose to accept Northwestern’s basketball scholarship because of the school’s proximity to his hometown as well as its renowned music program. Graham graduated high school a semester early, and despite what we now know about the dangers involved with his post-graduation job at an asbestos factory, it was the double pneumonia he contracted as a summer camp counselor that postponed his matriculation at Northwestern.

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