College Football Hall of Fame

Alex Wojciechowicz: Legendary Two-Way Football Iron Man

By Pigskin Dispatch August 10, 2026 2 min read

Alex Wojciechowicz dominates the gridiron as a relentless force on both sides of the ball, defining what it means to be a true football iron man.

ALEX WOJCIECHOWICZ

ALEX WOJCIECHOWICZ

Center | Detroit Lions | 1938 – 1946

Football Bio

August 12, 1915 – Alex Wojciechowicz, a two-way player (center and linebacker) from Fordham University, was born.

Alex is celebrated in both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. [National Football Foundation]

Mr. Wojciechowicz is the founder and first president of the NFL Alumni Association, and he was only the third player in history to receive the Order of the Leather Helmet, a prestigious salute for individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of professional football.

semi color trading card of Alex Wojciechowicz on Football Greats Swell card from Darin Hayes' personal collection.
Alex Wojciechowicz on Football Greats Swell card from Darin Hayes’ personal collection.

He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1938 and played there till 1946, when the Lions sold his rights to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Wojohos went on to earn two NFL championships with his Eagle teammates in both 1948 and 1949.

Alex Wojciechowicz leaves an enduring legacy as an anchor of the famed “Seven Blocks of Granite” and a champion at the professional level. He secures his place in football history by leading the Eagles to consecutive titles and paving the way for future generations through the NFL Alumni Association.

Accolades and Football Accomplishments

black and white photo of Alex Wojciechowicz (50), Emil Uremovich, Frank Szymanski 1946 at Lions practice.
Alex Wojciechowicz (50), Emil Uremovich, Frank Szymanski 1946. By Associated Press – File:Alex Wojciechowicz, Emil Uremovich, Frank Szymanski, Stan Batinski 1946.jpg, Public Domain,
  • Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1968.
  • College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1955.
  • 2× NFL Champion: 1948 and 1949 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • NFL 1940s All-Decade Team: Selected as a premier center and linebacker of the era.
  • 2× First-Team All-Pro: 1939 and 1944.
  • 2× Consensus First-Team All-American: 1936 and 1937 at Fordham University.
  • Seven Blocks of Granite: Starred as the center on Fordham’s legendary defensive line alongside Vince Lombardi.
  • Order of the Leather Helmet: Received the award in 1982, becoming only the third player to earn the honor.
  • NFL Alumni Association: Founder and first president (elected in 1968).

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