By Darin Bob Westfall anchored the most feared backfield in college football history with a relentless power that defined Michigan’s dominance in the early 1940s. While teammates like Tom Harmon captured the headlines, Westfall provided the grit and yardage that kept the chains moving for the Wolverines. As a three-year starter who never missed a game, he set rushing benchmarks that stood for decades in Ann Arbor. From the streets of Hamtramck to the hallowed turf of Michigan Stadium, “Bullet Bob” cemented his legacy as the premier fullback of his generation and a true Hall of Fame icon.
Photographer not named – 1940 Michiganensian, p. 209
Football Bio
May 5, 1919 – Hamtramck, Michigan – Michigan’s great tackle from 1939 to 1941, Bob Westfall, was born.
According to the Footballfoundation.org, Bob was the starting fullback in every Michigan game from 1939 through 1941. In his first two seasons, he was part of a famous Michigan backfield with Tom Harmon, Forest Evashevski, Paul Kromer, and Westfall. Westfall’s career yards in 3 seasons were 1,864 yards, a record for a Michigan fullback that lasted 30 years.
Bob Westfall received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
Conclusion
Bob Westfall transformed the fullback position into a high-production weapon for Fritz Crisler’s “Mad Magicians” offense. He balanced the star power of Heisman winner Tom Harmon with a bruising interior running style that defenses simply could not solve. By starting every single game of his collegiate career, Westfall proved that durability and elite performance go hand-in-hand. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987 ensures that football historians will always recognize him as the heartbeat of one of Michigan’s greatest eras.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1987.
- Consensus First-Team All-American: 1941.
- Michigan Team Captain: 1941.
- Fullback Rushing Record: Held the Michigan program record for career fullback rushing yards (1,864) for 30 years.
- NFL First Round Pick: 5th overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1942 NFL Draft.
- NFL Pro Bowl Selection: 1942.
- Ironman Streak: Started every Michigan game during his three-year varsity career (1939–1941).
- Big Ten Excellence: Finished his career as one of the most respected players in conference history.