Elroy Hirsch walked like a duck but ran pass patterns like an awkward young gazelle trying to evade a hungry pursuer. He was quick, elusive and deceptively fast, a deep-threat receiver who terrorized defensive backs for 12 pro seasons. When Crazy Legs turned on the burners, somebody usually got scorched.

"Spectacular" and "colorful" are words usually associated with Hirsch, who caught 17 touchdown passes in an outstanding 1951 season for the Los Angeles Rams -- nine of 44 yards or longer. Hirsch's speed was complemented by near-perfect timing and long, thin fingers that could pull in over-the-head throws while he was in full stride. Once the ball was secured, nobody caught Hirsch from behind.

The nickname was pinned on a 6-2, 190-pound halfback who displayed elusive running skills as well as susceptibility to injury during his college career and three years with the Chicago Rockets of the All-America Football Conference. Hirsch changed positions in 1950, his second season with the Rams, and became one of the first ends to move outside as a flanker. For seven years he teamed with Tom Fears as one of first great receiver tandems.

A blithe spirit who was infectiously happy, intelligent and always ready with a quick quip or putdown, Hirsch helped put the word "bomb" in the NFL dictionary. During his big 1951 season, he averaged 22.7 yards per catch and helped the Rams win a championship. His 18.4-yard career average ranks among the best in NFL history and he once caught touchdown passes in 11 straight games (over the 1950 and 1951 seasons), a record since surpassed by Jerry Rice. Hirsch retired in 1957 with 343 catches in nine NFL seasons.