By Darin 
Born on November 23, 1937, Alex Kroll is one of the most unique figures enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame, having played center for both Yale and Rutgers. After starting his collegiate career and then pausing to serve his country, Kroll returned to the gridiron at Rutgers, where he anchored one of the most dominant lines in history. His 1961 season was nothing short of sensational, earning him Unanimous All-America honors and leading the Scarlet Knights to a perfect 9-0 record. Dive into the career of this celebrated center whose teams compiled an incredible combined record of 25-2.
The Legend of Kroll
Alex Kroll, the center who played for both Yale and Rutgers, according to the National Football Foundation, had a sensational 1961 season as he was named an All-America center by the Associated Press, United Press International, Newspaper Enterprise Association, American Football Coaches Association, and the Football Writers Association. The Rutgers team that captained that year went a perfect 9-0 on the season.
Alex had played college football at Yale in 1956, but after serving his country for a few years, his collegiate football career was on hold until he attended Rutgers. Despite attending more than one school, the teams that Alex Kroll played on had a combined record of 25-2. The National Football Foundation inducted Alex Kroll into its College Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
After completing his education, Kroll played one professional season with the New York Titans of the fourth incarnation of the American Football League.
Conclusion
Alex Kroll’s journey—from Yale to military service and then to Rutgers—was a remarkable display of commitment and talent. In a career marked by stops at multiple schools, his teams maintained an astounding combined record of 25-2, a testament to his impact and leadership on the offensive line. Kroll’s dominant 1961 season resulted in a perfect year for Rutgers and widespread recognition as the nation’s premier center. His brief professional stint with the New York Titans capped a powerful career that led to his well-deserved induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s finest centers.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
College Career (Yale / Rutgers)
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1997).
- Consensus All-America Center (1961), earning honors from:
- Associated Press (AP)
- United Press International (UPI)
- Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA)
- American Football Coaches Association (AFCA)
- Football Writers Association (FWAA)
- Rutgers Team Captain (1961).
- Led the 1961 Rutgers team to a perfect 9-0 undefeated season.
- Played college football at Yale (1956) and Rutgers.
- Career Team Record: Combined record of 25-2 on teams he played for.
- Military Service: Served his country between college tenures.
Professional Career (New York Titans)
- Played one professional season with the New York Titans.