This week in West Texas history.
Clyde “Bulldog” Turner born March 10, 1919, in Plains, Texas
Clyde Douglas “Bulldog” Turner was born on March 10, 1919, in Plains, Texas. He played college football at Hardin–Simmons University and was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1940. Turner played 13 seasons in the NFL, primarily as a center and linebacker, and helped the Bears win four championships. He was an eight-time All-Pro and led the league in interceptions in 1942. He served in the Army Air Forces during World War II. After retiring as a player, he coached at Baylor, with the Bears, and as head coach of the New York Titans. Turner was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1960 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966. His jersey number 66 was retired by the Bears. Though he left Plains as a youth, his birth in the small Texas town connects him to its history. He died in 1998 at his ranch near Gatesville, Texas.