McEwan played from 1913 to 1916 as a center at the United States Military Academy, where he was a three-time All-American and captain of the 1916 Army Cadets football team.

[6] He later back tracked and on December 19, announced that his "plans for the ensuing year are to continue by duties at the University of Oregon".

[11] McEwan filed a lawsuit to overturn his suspension, but withdrew it and resigned after reaching a settlement with the university on January 21, 1933.

[12] Later that year, he was hired to coach the Brooklyn Dodgers of the National Football League by the team's new owners, Red Cagle and Shipwreck Kelly.

[14] Following a financially unsuccessful 1934 season, Dodgers owner Dan Topping released McEwan and a number of the team's high-profile players.

[16] Receiving the rank of Lieutenant colonel, McEwan served as the labor relations officer for the North Atlantic Division of the United States Army Corps of Engineers.