Al Wistert: 1920-2016
Al Wistert is one of the greatest players not to have made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Starting his career at Michigan, Wistert was an All-American tackle that eventually made the College Football Hall of Fame after helping the Wolverines win a National Championship in the 1940s. At one point, Michigan had retired his number 11, but had to bring it back into circulation in 2012.
Following his Hall of Fame career at Michigan, Wistert was drafted in the 32nd pick (then the fifth round) by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1943. His first contract paid him $3,800 a year, and gave the Eagles the most for their money. His rookie season was spent on the “Steagles,” a temporary merger between the Eagles and Steelers during World War II. Wistert was an All-Pro for eight of his nine seasons with the Eagles, six of those as a First-Teamer. Despite being a professional football player, Wistert coached high school football during his active playing days.
A member of both the Eagles 1948 and 1949 Championship teams, where the Eagles won by a combined score of 21-0. Philadelphia retired Wistert’s number 70 in 1952, and placed him on the team Honor Roll in 2009. The NFL named him the their 1940s All-Decade team, lauding his ability to play on both sides of the field.
Al Wistert passed away at the age of 95 on March 5, 2016.