Andy Wyant College Football Hall of...

Witness the remarkable endurance of Andy Wyant, a dominant force in the nascent stages of college football who played an astounding 73 consecutive games.

Born on May 20, 1867, in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, Andy Wyant was a formidable presence on the early American football landscape. Playing the demanding positions of center and guard during the era of single-platoon football, Wyant showcased exceptional durability and skill for both Bucknell University (1887-1891) and the University of Chicago (1892-1894) under the legendary coach Amos Alonzo Stagg. His remarkable career was later recognized with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1962.

✦ College Career

The FootballFoundation.org tells us that Wyant began playing for Bucknell in 1887 while still a student at Bucknell Prep. It marked the first of eight varsity seasons, five at Bucknell and three at Chicago, the latter under legendary coach Amos Alonzo Stagg.

Andy states, “My playing record can never be equalled under the modern college rules.” He was an ironman of the gridiron as he logged 73 straight games without substituting. While with Chicago, he played the full quota of 47 consecutive games. In 1894, for example, Chicago played 23 games, winning 15. His teammates nicknamed him "Polyphemus," after the Cyclops of Greek Mythology. Indeed, he was a giant of a man for his time, standing 6-3 and offering an imposing picture of curly-haired, mustached manhood.

The Ironman of the Early Game: Andy Wyant

Witness the remarkable endurance of Andy Wyant, a dominant force in the nascent stages of college football who played an astounding 73 consecutive games.
Born on May 20, 1867, in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, Andy Wyant was a formidable presence on the early American football landscape. Playing the demanding positions of center and guard during the era of single-platoon football, Wyant showcased exceptional durability and skill for both Bucknell University (1887-1891) and the University of Chicago (1892-1894) under the legendary coach Amos Alonzo Stagg. His remarkable career was later recognized with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1962.

College Career

Wyant began his college football journey at Bucknell University while still attending Bucknell Prep, marking the start of an unprecedented eight varsity seasons. He played five seasons for Bucknell before transferring to the University of Chicago for three more. In an era with minimal equipment and grueling schedules, Wyant's stamina was legendary. He played an astounding 73 consecutive games without substitution, and while at Chicago, he played the entire contest in 47 straight games. His versatility at both center and guard made him a standout player in the formative years of college football. Teammates at Chicago, impressed by his size and strength (standing at 6'3"), nicknamed him "Polyphemus" after the cyclops from Greek mythology.

✦ Football Legacy

Andy Wyant's football legacy is defined by his exceptional durability and consistent high level of play during the pioneering days of the sport. His record of consecutive games played without substitution is a testament to his toughness and commitment. As a key player for both Bucknell and the University of Chicago under Amos Alonzo Stagg, he contributed significantly to the success of both programs. Wyant was recognized as a dominant force on the line, earning the respect of his peers and coaches. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1962 solidified his place among the legends of the early game. Beyond football, Wyant was also an accomplished scholar, earning five academic degrees, including a Doctor of Medicine, and went on to become a teacher, minister, author, lecturer, and physician, serving in the Red Cross during both World Wars.

He wasn’t just a beast on the football field but also in his studies, as Andy accomplished earning five scholastic degrees, including a Doctor of Medicine. He was a teacher, minister, author, lecturer, and financier as well as a gifted physician who served in the Red Cross during World Wars I and II. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Andy Wyant in their legendary museum in 1962.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1962)

✦ Played 73 consecutive games without substitution (Bucknell & University of Chicago)

✦ Played 47 consecutive entire games (University of Chicago)

✦ Played 8 varsity seasons (5 at Bucknell, 3 at University of Chicago)

✦ Team Captain at the University of Chicago (1893)