Dick Wildung anchors the line of scrimmage as an unstoppable two-way force who leads the Minnesota Golden Gophers to back-to-back national titles.
Football Bio
August 16, 1921 – Dick Wildung, a tackle from Minnesota, was born.
The College Football Hall of Fame inducted Dick in 1957. [NFF]
The Golden Gopher lineman, Wildung, earned consensus All-American honors for his play in the 1941 and 1942 seasons.
After college, he played for the Green Bay Packers and served his country in the United States Navy during World War II.
He played six seasons altogether for the Packers, earning Pro Bowl honors after the 1951 season.
Dick Wildung cements his legacy as one of the most tenacious ironmen in football history. He drives the Golden Gophers to consecutive national championships before answering the call to serve as a Navy lieutenant in World War II. Returning to the gridiron, he powers the Green Bay Packers as a relentless two-way tackle. Today, his induction into both the College Football and Green Bay Packers Halls of Fame immortalizes his toughness and dedication to the sport.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1957.
- Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1973.
- 2× National Champion: 1940, 1941 (Minnesota Golden Gophers).
- 2× Consensus First-Team All-American: 1941, 1942.
- NFL Pro Bowl Selection: 1951.
- 2× Second-Team All-Pro: 1947, 1949.
- First-Round NFL Draft Pick: Selected 8th overall by the Green Bay Packers in 1943.
- Heisman Trophy Voting: Finished 7th in the 1942 Heisman voting.
- Military Service: Served as a Navy lieutenant in the Pacific Theater during World War II (1943–1945).
