In November 1931, he drew national attention when he ran for three touchdowns, two on long runs, in a 32-6 victory over Dartmouth.

[4] In October 1932, a United Press correspondent wrote: "Ernie Caddel, a rangy fleet-footed halfback, is regarded by many as an All-America candidate.

In every appearance this season he has brought spectators from their seats by his spectacular wide, sweeping runs around the end -- invariably evading tacklers for 15 to 30 yards.

To allow Caddel to play through the injury, Stanford's coach Warner created what has been described as the first flak jacket worn by a running back.

[6] The San Jose News in October 1932 noted that Caddel was wearing a shoulder brace "to permit him to play as long as wind and limib hold out.

"[6] Due to this injury, however, Caddel was unable to play baseball in the spring of his senior year, and he lost his Stanford scholarship.

[8] As a rookie, he led the NFL in receiving touchdowns with three and finished second in the league with an average of 5.2 yards per touch.

"[1] He died due to complications Alzheimer's in Roseville in 1992 at age 81, possibly brought on by head trauma from his years with the Lions.

[1] During his early Spartan years, Caddel met his wife Nell Margaret Gableman, the daughter of Portsmouth's mayor.

They had a daughter, Trudy Frances, and a granddaughter, noted vocalist Connie Champagne née Kelly Brock.