Washington Huskies: 30 greatest football players of all-time

During the late 1940s and early 1950s, Roland Kirkby was a member of a group of players referred to as the “Fearsome Four.” A legendary player during his time at Washington, “Rolicking Rol” was a punishing runner, who worked his way up to being one of the best players in school history by the time he was done.

During his first varsity season in 1948, Kirkby would be named an Honorable Mention All-American. That was a very impressive feat at that time. Two years later, he would establish himself as one of the best players in the Pacific Coast Conference by being named to the Pacific Coast All-Star Team.

That season, Kirkby collected eight touchdowns for the Huskies, including three in one game against Kansas State. In total, he accounted for over 800 yards of total offense, proving to be quite the weapon for quarterback Don Heinrich.

Many believe he was the best player on those legendary teams. To his honor, the school retired his No. 44. He is one of only three players in the history of the school to have their number retired, joining Chuck Carroll and George Wilson.

Kirkby would go on to be selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 10th round of the 1951 NFL Draft. However, it was his work during his time with the Huskies football program that makes him a legend at the school.