Hall of Fame
Starred at wide receiver opposite fellow Northern Illinois HOF WR and classmate Hugh Rohrschneider and still posted All-America type numbers on 10-0-0 College Division National Champions as senior. Caught 68 passes for 931 yards and nine TDs (to Rohrschneider's 75 receptions for 1,036 yards and 14 TDs in 1963). Led NAIA in pass receiving (officially based on 116.4 ypg. average), plus made Honorable Mention NAIA Little All-America and First-Team All-IIAC on league and Mineral Water Bowl kingpins under HOF coach Howard Fletcher (1963). Signed NFL free agent contract with Washington Redskins (1964). Set Northern Illinois single-game reception record (17) in 27-22 triumph at Central Michigan (Nov. 9, 1963) that clinched IIAC title and bowl berth. Selected to All-Century Team during NIU football Centennial (1999). Ranks among all-time Huskie leaders in career reception yards (1,958), catches (142), and touchdown catches (18). Graduated with top two single-game catch totals in NIU history (17 vs. CMU and 13 grabs vs. Illinois State in 1963). Finished second in team receptions (56 for 699 yards and six TDs) on 8-2 eleven as junior (1962). Led Northern Illinois in scoring (1961-62), kickoff returns (1961), and all-purpose yardage (1961). Roomed with HOF QB George Bork. Inducted into IHSFCA HOF (1991). Three-sport man at Freeport High School. All-Stater and All-Big Eight Conference on No. 1-ranked grid unit in state as senior (1959). Recipient of Glenn Holmes Award highest honor for any ex-FHS athlete or coach. Taught and coached at West Leyden and Elmwood Park highs.
