Fears attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and was a three-year starter for the Bruins. He was a two-time All-American and was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1945 Rose Bowl. After college, Fears was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the 1948 NFL Draft.
Fears had an immediate impact in the NFL and was selected to the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. He was also named a first-team All-Pro in 1950 and 1951. Fears was the first player in NFL history to record 1,000 receiving yards in a season and he did it twice. He led the NFL in receptions three times and was the first player to lead the league in receptions and receiving yards in the same season.
Fears retired after the 1962 season and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970. He was also named to the NFL's 1950s All-Decade Team. Fears was known for his precise route running and sure hands. He was also an excellent blocker and was a key contributor to the Rams' 1951 NFL Championship.
Fears was a revolutionary player who helped to shape the passing game in the NFL. He was a pioneer in the use of the passing game and his accomplishments on the field have earned him a place among the greatest receivers in NFL history.
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