 Sharkey on a 1954 Bowman football card | |
| Born: | (1927-07-06)July 6, 1927 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Died: | December 13, 2015(2015-12-13) (aged 88) Centralia, Washington, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Linebacker Guard |
| College | Duke Nevada-Reno |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1947–1949 | New York Yankees |
| 1950 | New York Yanks |
| 1952 | Cleveland Browns |
| 1953 | Baltimore Colts |
| 1954–1955 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1955–1956 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 1957–1958 | BC Lions |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| Career stats | |
| |
Edward Joseph Sharkey (July 6, 1927 - December 13, 2015) was aNational Football League (NFL)linebacker for theNew York Yanks,Cleveland Browns,Baltimore Colts,Philadelphia Eagles, and theSan Francisco 49ers. He also played in theAll-America Football Conference (AAFC) for theNew York Yankees. Sharkey attendedDuke University and theUniversity of Nevada.
Sharkey played for theBritish Columbia Lions of theCanadian Football League (CFL) in 1957, playing guard, center and linebacker positions.
After graduating fromDeSoto County High School, Sharkey attendedDuke University on scholarship, starting at center as a true freshman. Only 17 years old, Sharkey remained in the starting lineup in the1945 Sugar Bowl.[1] Duke defeatedAlabama 29–26.
Sharkey transferred to the University of Reno, Nevada in 1945 where he would finish his collegiate career.
Upon the conclusion of his collegiate career, theNew York Yankees of theAll-America Football Conference signed Sharkey to a contract. Sharkey departed the Yankees in 1951 to join the United States Marine Corps during theKorean War.[2]
After serving in the Korean War, Sharkey resumed his football career with the Cleveland Browns beginning in 1952 where he spent one season. In 1953, Sharkey was included in a trade which saw him join the Baltimore Colts. The following year, Sharkey was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. For a time, Sharkey swapped positions, moving from center to linebacker during the 1954 season. All-pro linebackerChuck Bednarik filled in at center in Sharkey's absence.[3]
The British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League signed Sharkey in 1957. Sharkey was awarded with all league honors for his play at guard and linebacker. Sharkey sustained a career-ending neck injury the following season.
Sharkey worked in sales for beer and automotive companies after the conclusion of his football career. Sharkey married his high school girlfriend in 1953, with whom he had 8 children and 9 grandchildren.[1]
On December 13, 2015, Sharkey died inCentralia, Washington.