Howard “Red” Hickey

Biography

Howard Wayne "Red" Hickey revolutionized professional football as both player and coach, inventing the shotgun formation that transformed offensive strategy and remains fundamental to modern NFL gameplay. Born February 14, 1917 in Clarksville, Arkansas, Hickey attended Clarksville High School before enrolling at University of Arkansas, where he became a rare two-sport star earning All-Conference honors in both football and basketball. In 1941, he played forward on the Razorbacks basketball team that reached the Final Four, while also excelling as an end on the football team. He joined Kappa Sigma fraternity during his collegiate years. Drafted in the sixth round (41st overall) by Philadelphia Eagles in 1941, Hickey's rights transferred to Pittsburgh Steelers in the Pennsylvania Polka transaction. After one season, the 6-foot-2, 204-pound Hickey joined the Cleveland Rams before serving three years as U.S. Navy gunnery officer during World War II. Upon returning in 1945, Hickey married high school sweetheart Cecelia Surina and contributed to Cleveland's NFL Championship victory over Washington Redskins, 15-14. When the franchise relocated to Los Angeles in 1946, Hickey moved west and continued playing through 1948, finishing his career with 75 receptions for 1,288 yards and 16 touchdowns. His most productive season came in 1948 when he posted 30 catches for 509 yards and seven touchdowns as the team's second-leading receiver. Hickey joined Los Angeles Rams coaching staff in 1949 as ends coach, serving six seasons including the 1951 championship team before conflicts with head coach Hamp Pool prompted his departure. He moved to San Francisco 49ers as assistant in 1955, where he helped quarterback Y.A. Tittle and receiver R.C. Owens develop the innovative "Alley-Oop" pass in 1957, capitalizing on Owens's exceptional leaping ability. Promoted to head coach in December 1958, Hickey compiled a 27-27-1 record through 1963. His defining achievement came November 27, 1960, when he unveiled the shotgun formation against Baltimore Colts, positioning the quarterback seven yards behind center to combat the Colts' fierce pass rush. The revolutionary strategy produced a stunning 30-22 upset and sparked a late-season winning surge. In 1961, his 49ers started 4-1 with shutout victories over both Rams and Lions before Chicago Bears defensive coordinator solved the formation by moving linebacker Bill George to the line, effectively ending its dominance. Hickey joined Dallas Cowboys in 1964 as offensive end coach before transitioning to scout (1966-1982), earning two Super Bowl rings (VI, XII). The Cowboys revived his shotgun formation in 1975, popularizing it league-wide. Inducted into Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1968, Hickey died March 30, 2006 in Aptos, California, survived by three sons including Michael, who became scout for Patriots and Jets.