Bob Powell Published

Nov. 5, 1891 Birthday of Greasy Neale

Neale also was a football innovator, developing the “naked reverse,” the five-man defensive line, and man-to-man pass defense. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969.
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Alfred Earle Neale was born in Parkersburg on November 5, 1891. As a youth, he excelled at virtually every sport. On the football field, he was particularly hard to tackle, earning him the nickname “Greasy.” He went on to enjoy a spectacular football, baseball, and basketball career at West Virginia Wesleyan College.  “Greasy” Neale became one of the early stars of pro football, playing for the Canton Bulldogs alongside the great Jim Thorpe. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969. “Greasy” Neale died in 1973, just days before his 82nd birthday.