Frank Liebel
Frank Edward Liebel was an American professional football end/defensive back who played in the National Football League. He is also a member of the Pennsylvania [Sports Hall of Fame].
Early life and education
Frank was born on November 19, 1919, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to Frank J. Liebel and Clara Rafferty. His grandfather, Edward Constantine Liebel was born in Leimersheim, Germany, and was the nephew of Reinhard Liebel, himself the uncle of Michael Liebel, Jr. , all of Erie, Pennsylvania. Together Frank and Clara had four children:- William Liebel
- Frank Edward Liebel
- Robert Martin Liebel
- Betty Liebel
Career
Liebel began his NFL career with the New York Giants, signing with them as a free agent in 1942, a year before he graduated from Norwich.He played seven seasons for the New York Giants and the Chicago Bears. He led the league in 1945 in yard per reception and receiving touchdowns for his 22 receptions. He also was Named to the All-NFL 2nd Team in both 1945 and 1946.
During the 1944 NFL Championship Game, Liebel was on the Giants’ sideline when they lost to Green Bay, and again in 1948, this time with the Chicago Cardinals season|Chicago Cardinals], for the 1948 NFL Championship Game with the Cardinals when they fell to Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia] in the final.
Liebel also was a reserve for the 1948 Chicago Cardinals, but didn’t record any statistics for them. His final career NFL numbers were 84 receptions for 1,753 yards and 23 TDs on offense, plus seven interceptions and three fumble recoveries on defense.
1946 NFL Championship Game
The day before the 1946 NFL Championship Game between the New York Giants and the Chicago Bears, two players for the Giants, Frank Filchock and Merle Hapes, had been accused of taking bribes to fix the game from Alvin Paris. New York City Mayor William O'Dwyer had Jack Mara, Wellington Mara and Bert Bell informed of the police evidence against the two.Within hours, the four then met at Gracie Mansion and the mayor interviewed the players one at a time. Under questioning, Hapes admitted that he was offered a bribe and Filchock denied being offered it. Several hours later, Paris was arrested and confessed to bribing the players. Hapes was suspended by Bell, but Filchock was allowed to play.
During the game, Liebel caught a 38-yard scoring pass from quarterback Frank Filchock, which New York eventually lost 24–14 to the Chicago Bears. During Paris' trial weeks later, Filchock admitting taking the bribe under oath.
Honors
Liebel was inducted into the Norwich University Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2008, and the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.Post-football career
After retiring from the NFL, he worked for 29 years with Erie County’s probation and parole department.Personal life
In 1946, Frank married Arline M. Gorenflo, who was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and was the daughter of the Bert and Esther Johnson Gorenflo. Together Frank and Arline had three children:- Gary Liebel
- Gayle Liebel
- Tina Liebel