Hall of Fame
Mr. All-Purpose and the Northern Illinois Jack-of-all-trades. Two-time Hall of Famer and Mineral Water Bowl participant (1962-63). Named on All-Century Team (1999). Signed free agent contracts with NFL Washington Redskins (1965) and Pittsburgh Steelers (1966), plus CFL Edmonton Eskimos (1967). Selected IIAC Player of the Year as senior (1964). Named First-Team All-IIAC at HB (1963) and QB (1964). Set (then) Huskie single-season (1,331 yards in 1963) and career (3,668) all-purpose yardage records, plus career rushing (1,874 yards) mark. Started on 10-0-0 IIAC and College Division National championship team for legendary Hall of Fame coach Howard Fletcher and ranked No. 9 in nation in receiving (43 catches in 1963). Led team in rushing (1962-64), all-purpose yards (1962-64), kickoff returns (1962-64), scoring (1962, 1964), punt returns (1963-64), and passing (1964). Voted Northern Illinois co-captain and team MVP as senior (1964). Started final 35 times in 38 career appearances (1961-64). Rushed for career-high 215 yards (and two TDs) on 26 carries vs. Bradley (1964). Recorded one of longest punt returns (67-yard TD vs. Illinois State in 1963) and runs (76 yards vs. Southwest Missouri State in 1963 bowl) in NIU history. Lettered in football (4) and track (1). Threw javelin, long jumped 21-feet, and played center on NIU ice hockey club team. Served as Northern Illinois football assistant coach (1975-76) after six years at Eastern Illinois three as head coach (1972-74). Three-sport star at DeKalb High.
