Bill Cadenhead, 1948 Most Outstanding Player, Passes Away at 96
7/25/2021 12:15:00 PM | Football
FLORENCE, Ala. – Bill Cadenhead, former halfback and Most Outstanding Player of the 1948 football team, passed away on Sunday, July 18, at the age of 96.
"We are saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Cadenhead," said Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne. "He will forever hold a place in Crimson Tide history. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time."
Cadenhead was the oldest living letterman, having played for the Crimson Tide from 1946-49. He originally enrolled in 1942 but then left Tuscaloosa to join the Navy and serve in World War II.
A native of Greenville, Miss., Cadenhead rushed for a combined 783 yards during his career while scoring five touchdowns. As the team's Most Outstanding Player in 1948, he became one of the first players to have his hand and cleat prints cemented at the base of Denny Chimes. He was also voted third-team All-SEC that season and alternate captain as a senior in 1949.
Cadenhead was drafted by the NFL's Detroit Lions and later went on to coach at Coffee High School in Florence. He then started a career in insurance, where he spent several decades before retiring.
