Prior to his NFL career, Lansdell played college football at the University of Southern California (USC), filling multiple roles. His official position in college was quarterback, but he served as a running back, while also throwing passes and punting. The Daily Pilot described Lansdell as "one of the last of the truly great all-around triple-threat stars in college football history".[5] In addition, Lansdell was a punt returner and played safety on defense.[5] Offensively, he led USC in passing yards from 1937 to 1939, and in rushing yards in 1938 and 1939; USC reached the Rose Bowl in both seasons.[6] The 1939 Trojans were recognized as national champions by the Dickinson System.[7]
Lansdell appeared in USC's season opener in 1937 against Pacific as a replacement for an injured player, throwing for two touchdowns; later in the year, he had 117 yards rushing in a 12–12 tie with Oregon State. His 1938 performances included a punt return for a touchdown against Ohio State, a touchdown in a USC win over third-ranked California, and another punt return touchdown in a loss to Washington. In 1939, he ran for 101 yards and scored two touchdowns in a 20–12 USC win over Notre Dame, and one week later threw a game-winning touchdown pass against Washington. In the 1940 Rose Bowl, which concluded the Trojans' 1939 season, Lansdell contributed 51 rushing yards in a 14–0 victory over Tennessee.[8]
In the 1940 NFL draft, the Giants chose Lansdell with the tenth overall pick.[9] He played one season for the team, appearing in two games and rushing for nine yards in seven attempts; he also completed two passes in three attempts.[2] Lansdell's football career was interrupted in 1941, when he joined the U.S. Army.[10] During World War II, Lansdell was a pilot with the Army Air Corps. Lansdell did not return to football following the war; instead, he piloted flights for Trans World Airlines for more than 30 years.[6]
References
^"Grenny Lansdell". National Football League. Retrieved September 19, 2015.