Big Ed Molinski anchored the legendary Tennessee Volunteers offensive line to a National Championship and powered the last NCAA team to go unscored upon in a regular season.
Football Bio
August 20, 1917 – Ed Molinski, a guard from the University of Tennessee, was born.
Ed entered the College Football Hall of Fame in the 1990s induction ceremony.
Big Ed helped the Vols win the 1938 National Championship, and the next season he was part of the Tennessee squad that went unscored upon in the regular season. That’s quite an accomplishment there, as reported by the National Football Foundation.
Ed Molinski perfectly blended speed, power, and intellect on the gridiron, dominating opponents alongside fellow Hall of Famer Bob Suffridge. His legacy cemented Tennessee as a college football powerhouse and paved his path to greatness both on the field and later in medicine as a respected physician.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1990.
- National Champion: Helped the Volunteers capture the 1938 title.
- Consensus First-Team All-American: 1939.
- First-Team All-American: 1940.
- Historic Defensive Feat: Anchored the 1939 team that went 10-0 and outscored regular-season opponents 212-0.
- Unmatched Win Rate: Key contributor to Tennessee’s astonishing 31-2 record over three seasons under coach Robert Neyland.
- Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1994.
- Dual-Sport Star: Captained the university boxing team and became the Tennessee state Golden Gloves heavyweight champion
