His name when he was born on this day in 1913: Leslie Lynch King Jr. But the world would know him as Gerald Ford, the 38th president, who served between 1974-77. Known as the “Accidental President” who replaced both VP Spiro Agnew and then President Nixon after they resigned 
Ford was the only person in American history to become both VP and POTUS without ever being elected to either office. A month after being sworn in, he pardoned Nixon; critics smelled a deal. Ford denied it - but it unquestionably contributed to his ‘76 election loss
Because of a few bad golf swings and slipping on some wet airplane steps, Ford was seen as a klutz. Actually, he was the most athletic president - a skier, swimmer, tennis player - and star linebacker/center on back-to-back undefeated Michigan NCAA champion football teams
Ford was offered NFL contracts by numerous teams; chose to attend Yale Law School instead. World War II naval officer, fought in the Pacific. Married a fashion model, Elizabeth (Betty) Warren; elected to 13 terms in Congress. Also: only Eagle Scout to become POTUS
