Duane Putnam

Duane had a lengthy career as both player and coach in the National Football League, but got his first taste of success as a member of the undefeated AHS Panther football squad of 1945 under Coach Jack Danilovich. That year’s prep performance earned the tackler a spot on the Contra Costa County First Team. Following two years in the Army on the tail of WWII, Duane went on to a stellar four-year varsity career at College of the Pacific (now University). While earning his teaching certificate in the early 1950s. His athletic honors earned enshrinement in the UOP Hall of Fame; he was also on the All-Coast Team, All-America Team, and captain in the Sun Bowl. Duane’s pro career began with the L.A. Rams in 1952, where he spent his first eight years in the NFL. He then spent a season as a Dallas Cowboy and a year with the Cleveland Browns before returning to Los Angeles to finish his 11th pro season while playing in 121 games. Duane was selected All-Pro five time before he retired from active playing and began a new career as an NFL coach, spending 11 years divided between the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Cardinals.