Byron “Whizzer” White ranks as one of Colorado’s greatest athletes and scholars. He achieved the ultimate in football as an inductee into the NFL Hall of Fame, and he also scaled the heights of the United States legal system to serve as a justice of the Supreme Court for thirty-one years.
A talented runner, passer, receiver and kicker, White was the University of Colorado’s first football All-American. In 1937, White set national records for rushing yards and points, while leading the Buffaloes to an 8-0 record and an appearance at the Cotton Bowl, the first bowl game bid in CU’s history. White’s number 24 is one of only three numbers ever retired at the University of Colorado.
Off the field, White was a Phi Beta Kappa and Rhodes Scholar. He graduated first in his class at Yale Law School before serving as a Naval Intelligence Officer during World War II.
White played halfback in the NFL for Detroit and Pittsburgh, earning All-Pro honors twice. White cut his football career short to pursue legal interests. Soon thereafter he became one of Denver’s leading attorneys. He later served as Deputy Attorney General of the United States before receiving his appointment to the Supreme Court.
Byron “Whizzer” White ranks as one of Colorado’s greatest athletes and scholars.