Meet Alvin “Moose” Wistert, the Marine Corps veteran who defied the odds to become college football’s oldest All-American. Alvin Wistert made history with the Michigan Wolverines during his remarkable career.
Football Bio
June 26, 1916 – Chicago, Illinois – Alvin Wistert, who was a tackle at Boston University as well as the University of Michigan from 1946 to 1949, was born.
Alvin, who was also referred to as “Moose,” was the last of a trio of HOF brothers who played College ball at a high level, as he joined siblings Francis “Whitey” and Albert “Ox.” Each one of these men wore the number 11 for their school, and it has since been retired in their honor.
The NFF’s bio on Moose states that he was a high school dropout who served six years in the Marine Corps during World War II before entering college. Because of his lack of high school credits, Wistert was required to pass a battery of skill tests, which he did with ease.
Not wishing to live in the shadow of his two famous brothers, Alvin enrolled at Boston University and lettered as a 30-year-old freshman on the football team.
He transferred to Michigan, played three years at tackle, was an All-America in 1948 and 1949, and was a team captain in 1949. Michigan won the Big 10 championship all three years. At age 33 in 1949, he became the oldest player ever named All-America.
Alvin Wistert was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981 after the National Football Foundation tabulated its votes.
Alvin Wistert proves that determination and heart have no age limit. By returning from war and dominating the collegiate gridiron in his thirties, he crafted a legacy of perseverance. He cements his place in history alongside his legendary brothers as an eternal icon of the Michigan Wolverines.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1981.
- 2× Consensus All-American: 1948, 1949.
- 2× National Champion: 1947, 1948 (Michigan Wolverines).
- 2× First-Team All-Big Nine: 1948, 1949.
- Michigan Wolverines Team Captain: 1949.
- Oldest College Football All-American: Achieved this honor at age 33.
- Retired Number: The Michigan Wolverines retired his No. 11 jersey, a number he shared with his brothers.
- University of Michigan Hall of Honor: Inducted in 1981.