Press Release: Remembering Larry Steinbach, North Dakota’s Pioneer Professional Football Player
January 24, 2025 – North Dakota proudly celebrates the legacy of Lawrence J. Steinbach, a remarkable athlete whose journey from the farm fields of Eddy County to the professional football arena exemplified determination and passion.
Born and raised on a farm near New Rockford, Steinbach, one of eleven siblings, showed early promise as a football player. At 22, he returned to high school, finishing his education at St. Thomas High School in Minnesota, where he garnered attention for his talent on the field. His collegiate career at St. Thomas College under noted coaches led to his recognition on the All-State team in 1929, coinciding with the Tommies’ conference championship win.
Steinbach’s skills attracted the attention of George Halas, the legendary head coach of the Chicago Bears. Consequently, he joined the team, where he played alongside football icons like Bronko Nagurski and Red Grange from 1930 to 1934. A highlight of his career includes triumphing in the NFL’s inaugural championship game against the Portsmouth Spartans and leading a pick-up team to victory against the esteemed Notre Dame All-Stars in 1932.
After his professional sports career, Larry returned to his roots, farming a 3,400-acre estate and managing a successful grain and cattle operation. His heart remained steadfastly in farming, despite numerous offers to continue in football. Larry Steinbach passed away in 1967, leaving behind a rich legacy as North Dakota’s first professional football player.
His story is honored in the “Dakota Datebook,” a radio series from Prairie Public in partnership with the State Historical Society of North Dakota. For more information, visit prairiepublic.org.
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