Pat Richter: Wisconsin Badgers Legend & Hall of Famer

Pat Richter set the gold standard for athletic versatility at the University of Wisconsin, dominating opponents on the gridiron, hardwood, and baseball diamond before taking his rightful place in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Football Bio

September 9, 1941 – Pat Richter, an end from the University of Wisconsin, was born.

Richter was a nine-time letterman at Wisconsin, as he lettered three times each in football, basketball, and baseball for the Badgers, and he was the last person to do so at Wisconsin.

He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996.

Pat Richter leaves behind a remarkable legacy of multi-sport excellence, standing tall as one of the most uniquely gifted athletes in Wisconsin Badgers and college sports history. [National Football Foundation]

Accolades and Football Accomplishments

• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (class of 1996/1997).
• Earned Consensus All-American honors in 1962 and First-team All-American honors in 1961.
• Secured his place as the last Wisconsin athlete to earn nine letters (three each in football, basketball, and baseball).
• Led the nation in receiving as a junior in 1961, recording 47 catches for 817 yards and 8 touchdowns.
• Set a historic Rose Bowl record by catching 11 passes for 163 yards against the No. 1-ranked USC Trojans in 1963.
• Awarded the prestigious Big Ten Medal of Honor in 1963 for combined athletic and academic proficiency.
• Selected in the first round (7th overall) of the 1963 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins.
• Played eight seasons in the NFL for Washington as a tight end, wide receiver, and punter (1963–1970).
• Returned to his alma mater to serve as the University of Wisconsin’s Athletic Director from 1989 to 2004, orchestrating a massive turnaround that included three Rose Bowl victories.

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