Francis Maher lettered in football in 1937-39 as a fullback and also starred in track in long jump and the 100 yard dash man. Francis helped the Rocket football team to records of 6-3, 6-3-1, and 7-3. Francis was also an outstanding member of the Rocket Track teams. He was named the most valuable player ever to compete in the National Football League in 1939, playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the old Cleveland Rams before World War II and military service ended his career.