Ace Parker, NFL’s oldest alumnus and Hall of Famer dies at 101

By Peter Smith | Nov 6, 2013

Feb 4, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; General view of the NFL logo during a press conference announcing the NFL hall of fame class of 2012 finalists at the JW Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

The NFL’s oldest alumnus and member of the Hall of Fame, Clarence ‘Ace’ Parker has passed away today at the age of 101. He had been hospitalized for the past month with pulmonary issues. Parker is the only member of the hall of fame to live to see 100.

After being an All-American tailback at Duke in 1936, he went on to be a three-time All Pro from 1938-1940. He was the 1940 MVP as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972. During the ’40 season, Parker threw for 10 touchdowns, ran for 306 yards and a pair of touchdowns, caught two other touchdowns while also recording six interceptions on defense. After serving in World War II, he came back and finished his career with the Boston Yanks in 1945 and AAFC’s New York Yankees in 1946.

"“Our thoughts go out to Ace’s family and friends,” said Pro Football Hall of Fame president Steve Perry. “On behalf of all of the Hall of Famers, the Board, and staff, we reflect on a full life lived and will forever remember the football legacy created by Ace Parker.”"