Gehrke began his professional football career in 1940 when he signed with the Cleveland Rams. He played as a halfback and defensive back for the Rams until 1942, when his career was interrupted by World War II. After serving in the military, Gehrke returned to the Rams in 1945, who had since relocated to Los Angeles. He played for the Rams until 1949, earning Pro Bowl honors in 1945 and helping the team win the NFL Championship in 1945.
Gehrke was also a talented punt returner. In 1948, he led the NFL in punt return yards and was second in punt returns. He finished his playing career with the Chicago Cardinals in 1950 and the San Francisco 49ers in 1952.
However, Gehrke's impact on football extended beyond his playing career. He is credited with designing the first modern helmet logo in professional football. In 1948, he painted a pair of ram horns on the Rams' helmets, a design that is still used by the team today. This innovation led to the widespread adoption of helmet logos in the NFL.
After retiring as a player, Gehrke transitioned into football administration. He served as the General Manager of the Denver Broncos from 1977 to 1981. During his tenure, the Broncos reached their first Super Bowl in 1977. Gehrke also worked in various roles for the NFL, including as a scout and as the Director of Player Personnel.
Gehrke's contributions to football were recognized with several awards. In 1972, he was inducted into the National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame for his time as a player at the University of Utah. In 1979, he received the Horrigan Award from the Pro Football Writers Association for his contributions to professional football through the news media.
Fred Gehrke's football career was marked by innovation and success, both on and off the field. His influence on the sport, from his playing days to his time as an executive, has left a lasting legacy in the NFL.
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