He attended Erie Academy for high school and Norwich University for college, graduating in 1943.[5]
Career
Liebel his NFL career began with the New York Giants, signing with them as a free agent in 1942, a year before he graduated from Norwich.[2]
He played seven seasons for the New York Giants (1942–1947) and the Chicago Bears (1948). He led the league in 1945 in yard per reception (27.0) and receiving touchdowns (10) for his 22 receptions. He also was Named to the All-NFL 2nd Team in both 1945 and 1946.
Liebel also was a reserve for the 1948 Chicago Cardinals, but didn’t record any statistics for them. His final career NFL numbers were 84 receptions for 1,753 yards and 23 TDs on offense, plus seven interceptions and three fumble recoveries on defense.[2]
Within hours, the four then met at Gracie Mansion and the mayor interviewed the players one at a time.[6][7] Under questioning, Hapes admitted that he was offered a bribe and Filchock denied being offered it. Several hours later, Paris was arrested and confessed to bribing the players. Hapes was suspended by Bell, but Filchock was allowed to play.[8]
During the game, Liebel caught a 38-yard scoring pass from quarterback Frank Filchock, which New York eventually lost 24–14 to the Chicago Bears. During Paris' trial weeks later, Filchock admitting taking the bribe under oath.[6][9]
In 1946, Frank married Arline M. Gorenflo (1923-2011), who was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and was the daughter of the Bert and Esther Johnson Gorenflo.[10] Together Frank and Arline had three children:
