Jules “Zuck” Carlson – Football

Jules Zuck Carlson(Nov. 4, 1904 – Jan. 21, 1986) Jules “Zuck” Carlson played his way through The Dalles and Oregon State into a professional career in the early days of the Chicago Bears.

Born in 1904, Carlson grew up in The Dalles and played center and guard at Oregon State from 1926-28. The Beavers were 16-6-1 in those seasons, including 7-1 in 1926. He signed with the Bears in 1929 after receiving a contract for $100 per game plus food, and a one-way ticket to Chicago in order to sign the contract.

He played under Coach George Halas into 1936. The Bears won two NFL titles, including the first championship game, a 23-21 victory over the New York Giants in 1933. Carlson opened running lanes for backs Red Grange and Bronco Nagurski. He also played in the first “College All-Star Game,” in which college players played the NFL champion.

Following his career, he remained in Chicago and worked as a pipefitter.

Carlson was inducted to the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class in 1980, and the Oregon State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994.