Johnny Maulbetsch Iconic Halfback

June 20, 1890 - Ann Arbor, Michigan - Johnny Maulbetsch, who played for Adrian and the University of Michigan as a halfback, was born. According to the National Football Foundation, Johnny played on the 1911 team at Adrian College; the team posted an 8-0 record. He enrolled at Michigan and played three years, 1914-16.  
The "Featherweight Fullback" as he was known, earned Walter Camp's All-America honors as a sophomore in 1914. Maulbetsch was a handsome, gentle personality who brought a new finesse style of play to those days of hard nosed football. As a Wolverine captain and a senior in 1916, Maulbetsch led Michigan to one of its finest records. The Wolverines won 7 straight games, dominating their foes with wide-open offense and a stingy defense. Then, in the final two games of the campaign, Michigan grudgingly fell to Cornell (23-20) and Pennsylvania (10-7). Even today, Michigan football enthusiasts recall the special spirit Maulbetsch brought to the game.

Following each spring practice, the John Maulbetsch Award is presented to the freshman candidate who best displays the desire Maulbetsch fostered during his playing days. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Johnny Maulbetsch into their legendary museum in 1973.