American Football Database
Advertisement
Bernie Masterson
File:Bernie Masterson (1946).jpg
Masterson from 1947 Cornhusker
Sport(s)Football
Biographical details
Born(1911-08-10)August 10, 1911
Shenandoah, Iowa
DiedMay 16, 1963(1963-05-16) (aged 51)
Chicago, Illinois
Playing career
Position(s)Quarterback
Head coaching record
Overall5–13

Bernard Edward Masterson (August 10, 1911 – May 16, 1963) was an American football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln from 1946 to 1947, compiling a record of 5–13.[1] Masterson played college football at Nebraska from 1931 to 1933.[2] He played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) with the Chicago Bears from 1934 to 1940.[3]

Playing career[]

Masterson was a three-sport athlete at Lincoln High. He was an all-state back in football, a starter on the 1930 state championship basketball team, and a track star.[4]

File:Bernie Masterson.jpg

Masterson c. 1946

Moving on to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, he starred from 1931 to 1933 as a back on three straight unbeaten Big Six championship teams. He was selected All-Big Six in 1933.[5]

Masterson played quarterback for the Chicago Bears from 1934 to 1940 when the Bears were known as the "Monsters of the Midway". During his pro career, the Bears were 59–19–3 and were in three NFL championship playoffs. Bernie has an NFL career total of 3,372 passing yards and 35 touchdowns.[6]

Coaching career[]

In 1940, Clark Shaughnessy hired Masterson to coach Stanford quarterback Frankie Albert.[7] He came back to Nebraska as head football coach for 1946 and 1947. He went 5–13 in the two seasons as head coach.

Death and honors[]

Masterson died of a heart attack in Chicago on May 16, 1963.[8] He was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in 1977.[5]

Head coaching record[]

Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Nebraska Cornhuskers (Big Six Conference) (1946–1947)
1946 Nebraska 3–6 3–2 T–3rd
1947 Nebraska 2–7 2–3 4th
Nebraska: 5–13 5–5
Total: 5–13
Indicates BCS bowl, Bowl Alliance or Bowl Coalition game.

References[]

External links[]

Advertisement