College Career

Herb Joesting's tenure as the fullback for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 1925 to 1927 was nothing short of remarkable. Under the guidance of Coach Clarence “Doc” Spears, the Golden Gophers' offense revolved around Joesting's exceptional talent and physicality. His powerful rushes and relentless drive consistently frustrated opposing defenses. A testament to his dominance came in the 1927 season when the Gophers faced Notre Dame. After two seasons of witnessing Joesting's impact, Legendary Irish coach Knute Rockne famously declared he would buy a new suit for any of his players who could tackle Joesting for a loss. No such tackle occurred, and the game ended in a 7-7 tie, contributing to Minnesota's undefeated 6-0-2 season. Joesting's consistent excellence earned him the extraordinary distinction of being named an All-American for three consecutive years.  

Road to the Pro Game

While Joesting's college career was stellar, his journey to the professional ranks was less extensive. Information readily available suggests a limited professional playing career. However, his impact on the college game was so profound that it overshadowed a lengthy professional stint. His powerful running style and leadership qualities were evident, but the professional landscape of football in the late 1920s and early 1930s was still evolving. Joesting's influence was more deeply felt in the collegiate realm, inspiring future generations of players.

Football Legacy

Herb Joesting's football legacy is primarily defined by his dominant college career and his profound influence on his teammates. His "play each game for all it's worth" philosophy resonated deeply, notably with a young sophomore named Bronko Nagurski, who observed and learned from Joesting's unwavering commitment. Joesting's three consecutive All-American selections underscore his sustained excellence and impact on the game during his time at Minnesota. His powerful running style became his hallmark, earning him the "Owatonna Thunderbolt." The ultimate recognition of his collegiate achievements came in 1954 when Herb Joesting was rightfully inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, ensuring his contributions to the sport would be remembered for generations.  

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

✦ All-American: 1925, 1926, 1927  

✦ Career Rushing Yards (Minnesota): 1,850 yards in 24 games  

✦ Career Average (Minnesota): 4.2 yards per carry  

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 1954