By Darin In the final days of the “one-platoon” era, one man stood as a pillar of strength on both sides of the ball. Rex Mirich didn’t just play for Northern Arizona; he anchored its identity. From limiting opponents to meager yardage as a defensive tackle to clearing paths as an offensive tackle, Mirich exemplified the grit of 1960s football. Discover the journey of the first Lumberjack to enter the College Football Hall of Fame, a player so talented he was sought after by both the NFL and the AFL.
Football Bio
March 11, 1941 – Florence, Arizona – Rex Mirich, the great defensive tackle from 1960 through the 1963 season for Northern Arizona, was born. He was a two-way player on a team that still employed the one-platoon system, where he was not only a DT but also an offensive tackle.
As a defender, he earned All-American honors in both 1962 and 1963, according to the footballfoundation.org. Mirich was voted a team captain by his teammates for his senior season, as he lettered in all four seasons he played on the team. The Lumberjack defense prided itself on limiting opponents to a mere 109.1 yards per game over a span of six contests, and Rex played a major part in that feat.
Phoenix, Arizona · Saturday, December 28, 1963, via Newspapers.com
Rex Mirich 1963
The NFF voters chose Rex Mirich in 2012 to have his name and stats among the greats of the game in the College Football Hall of Fame. Rex had multiple paths into pro football, as he was chosen by the Minnesota Vikings in the 16th round of the 1963 NFL Draft and by the Oakland Raiders in the 20th round of the 1963 AFL Draft. He played on the defensive line for the Raiders, Denver Broncos, and the Boston Patriots over seven seasons.
Conclusion
Rex Mirich was a rare breed of athlete who could influence the game on every single snap. By excelling as an All-American on both sides of the ball, he proved that versatility and endurance were just as vital as raw power. His legacy at Northern Arizona remains unmatched, serving as the trailblazer for all Lumberjacks who followed. From the high altitudes of Flagstaff to the professional ranks of the AFL and NFL, Mirich’s career remains a definitive chapter in Arizona football history.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2012 (The first player from Northern Arizona to receive the honor).
- Two-Time NAIA First-Team All-American: Recognized at defensive tackle (1962) and offensive tackle (1963).
- NAU Athletics Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2006.
- Four-Year Letterwinner: Earned letters in every season of his collegiate career (1959–1963).
- Team Captain: Voted captain by his Northern Arizona teammates for the 1963 season.
- Ironman Era Legend: One of the final prominent “one-platoon” players to star at both offensive and defensive tackle.
- Seven-Season Pro Career: Played 83 combined games for the Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, and Boston Patriots.
- Dual Draft Pick: Selected in both the 1963 NFL Draft (Minnesota Vikings) and the 1963 AFL Draft (Oakland Raiders).
