BYU Football History Book: Eldon ‘The Phantom’ Fortie

Until last season, Eldon Fortie had his name etched in the BYU football record books. Let’s remember “The Phantom” and all he did for the Cougars.

Nearly 60 years ago, Eldon Fortie was the man for BYU football.

The Cougars won just eight games during Fortie’s BYU career (1960-62), but there’s no denying just how good the 5-foot-9 quarterback/running back was.

Let’s take a look at his numbers.

Sophomore (1960)

8 games, 5-18 passing, 105 yards, 2 interceptions; 21 carries, 56 yards, 1 touchdown.

Junior (1961)

7 games, 26-69 passing, 293 yards, 11 interceptions, 5 touchdowns; 108 carries, 368 yards.

Senior (1962)

10 games, 43-100 passing, 811 yards, 11 interceptions, 7 touchdowns; 199 carries, 1,039 yards, 14 touchdowns.

As one can see, Fortie’s senior season was incredible. He was second in the nation in carries, second in rushing yards, 19th in yards per carry, and second in rushing touchdowns.

Next: Best Performances Of The Independent Era

New Mexico State’s Preacher Pilot bested Fortie by nine carries, one touchdown and 98 yards.

Following the 1962 season, Fortie became BYU football’s first ever First Team All-American. The student body retired his jersey at the conclusion of the 1962 season.

Obviously those were different times, but that’s still incredibly impressive? Could you imagine if BYU football had retired Jamaal Williams‘ No. 21 jersey back in November?

At the end of Fortie’s senior season, he played in four different postseason games. The North-South Game, the All-American Game, the Hula Bowl and the Coaches All-American Bowl.

After BYU football, Fortie spent the 1963 season with the Edmonton Eskimos.

He was elected to the BYU Hall of Fame in 1977, joining other BYU footballers Richard G. Felt, Virgil Carter and Marion E. Probert.

Fortie’s best game for BYU football came on September 29, 1962. The Cougars hosted George Washington, and Fortie took 20 carries for 272 yards and two touchdowns. BYU football lost 13-12.

Until last season, that performance held the record for most rushing yards in a single game.

When his BYU football career was done, Fortie had six 100+ yard rushing performances.