Duke Osborn - Career History

Position: Defensive Lineman (DL)
Date of Birth: February 1, 1897

Professional Career

• CAN (1921) - Duke began his professional football career with the Canton Bulldogs, a team that was part of the early years of the NFL. The Bulldogs were one of the most successful teams during this era.
• CLE (1922-1927) - Osborn then went on to play for the Cleveland Indians, where he showcased his skills as a defensive lineman. His time in Cleveland helped him build a reputation as a tough and reliable player on the field.
• POT (1928) - Duke concluded his professional playing career with the Portsmouth Spartans. This team was known for its competitive spirit and contributed to the early growth of professional football.

Highlights & Accomplishments

• Duke Osborn was part of some of the earliest iterations of professional football, playing in a time when the league was still establishing its identity.
• He contributed to the defensive lines of each of his teams, helping to shape the strategies that would define the sport in its formative years.
• Played during an era when the NFL was transitioning from a league dominated by local teams to a more organized national competition.

Duke Osborn's contributions to the early years of the NFL may not be widely recognized today, but he was an integral part of the teams he played for and helped lay the groundwork for future generations of football players.