- From a unanimous collegiate All-American to a backbone of the Philadelphia Eagles’ front line, Jerry Sisemore epitomized trench-warfare excellence across both college and professional football.
On July 16, 1951, future University of Texas offensive lineman and College Football Hall of Fame inductee Jerry Sisemore was born in Olton, Texas. Growing up in West Texas, his raw physical blocking talent made him one of the state’s most coveted high school prospects. (Source)
College Career
Sisemore took his talents to Austin, playing for the Texas Longhorns under legendary coach Darrell Royal from 1970 to 1972. Stepping into the lineup as a sophomore tackle, he anchor-blocked for Texas’s famous Wishbone offense. He became an immediate regular on the 1970 team, helping Texas extend its monumental winning streak to 30 games and capture the 1970 Coaches’ Poll National Championship. Known for his incredible balance and explosive off-ball movement, Sisemore developed into a dominant force. During his tenure, he pushed the Longhorns to three consecutive Southwest Conference (SWC) championships and three straight Cotton Bowl appearances. By his senior year in 1972, his peers voted him team co-captain. (Texas Longhorns)
Road to the Pro Game
Sisemoreβs relentless collegiate tape made him an elite prospect for the professional ranks. In the 1973 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles capitalized on his high floor, selecting him as the third overall pick in the first round. Transitioning seamlessly to the pro game, he immediately earned the starting right tackle spot. Sisemore became a reliable fixture for the franchise, successfully switching between tackle and guard whenever the coaching staff needed it. Under head coach Dick Vermeil, Sisemore blocked for franchise staples like quarterback Ron Jaworski and running back Wilbert Montgomery, driving the team to consecutive playoff berths in the late 1970s. His professional peak arrived during the 1980 season, when he started at right tackle in Super Bowl XV against the Oakland Raiders.
Football Legacy
Sisemore spent his entire 12-season professional career exclusively with the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring after the 1984 season. He hangs in the rafters as one of the most consistent linemen of his era, recognized for playing 156 games and logging 155 starts. His legacy is firmly established in both collegiate and professional circles; he was inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame in 1991 and cemented his ultimate football status with an induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002.
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
- NFL Career Longevity: 12 Seasons (1973β1984), 156 games played, 155 games started.
- Pro Bowl Selections: 2-Time Pro Bowler (1979, 1981).
- NCAA National Champion: 1970 Coaches’ Poll Champion.
- All-American Honors: 2-Time Unanimous First-Team All-American (1971, 1972).
- All-Conference Honors: 2-Time All-Southwest Conference (1971, 1972).
- Hall of Fame Enshrined: Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame (1991), College Football Hall of Fame (2002), Cotton Bowl All-Decade Team (1970s).