Louis J. "Red" Salmon (January 26, 1880 – September 27, 1965) is considered to be the first outstanding fullback for the University of Notre Dame football team. He was the first "Fighting Irish" player to win an All-American mention,[1] and some sports historians argue that he served as the team's de facto coach during the 1902–1903 season.[2] This honor, however, is often accorded to teammate James Farragher.[1] Both men are widely credited as acting head coaches in official histories of the "Fighting Irish" football team, and Salmon is recognized as head coach during the 1903–1904 season.[1]
Born in Syracuse, New York, Salmon made his mark in collegiate football in 1903, when (as a senior) he scored 105 points. His career record of 36 touchdowns remained a school standard until 1985. At six feet and three inches, and 230 pounds, Salmon was a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron.[3] As one writer observed: "The alabaster-skinned Salmon has been described as both a slasher and a smasher, a colorful way of saying he would run right over you if he could not run around you".[1] Moreover, in an era when a wet pigskin might weigh as much as 14 pounds, Salmon averaged 30 yards with his punts.[1] In 1903, Salmon was named to Walter Camp's third All-America team.[3]
During the 1903–1904 season, Salmon served officially as head coach of the "Fighting Irish". He presided over a lackluster season of 5–4, and as one writer has commented, "The team needed Salmon on the field, not on the sidelines".[1] After graduating with a degree in engineering, the former sports hero rarely returned to campus and underplayed his outstanding athletic career.[1] Nevertheless, he would be remembered as one of collegiate football's "greats". Louis "Red Salmon was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971.[3]