Phil Handler, born July 21, 1908, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Lithuanian immigrants, starred as a guard at Texas Christian University, earning All-Southwest Conference honors in 1929. At 5-11, 205 pounds, his speed stood out. After joining the Chicago Cardinals in 1930, he earned an All-Pro nod on the 1935 UPI second team. His grit caught Pittsburgh’s Art Rooney’s eye in a 1935 game. Handler, a regular starter, was benched with six others before subbing in, unable to halt the Steelers’ momentum in a 17-13 win. His work as a Cardinals player and assistant coach (1937-42), along with ties to teammate Walt Kiesling, a future Steelers coach, cemented his Pittsburgh connection.
Perspective Of An Average Steelers Fan: The Story Of Phil Handler
