In 1930 - in Elyria, Ohio, the slick halfback of the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1949 through 1951, Vic Janowicz, arrived.
The Football Foundation website says Vic is one of the best players to put on pads.
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Vic Janowicz, born March 26, 1930, in Elyria, Ohio, was a multi-talented athlete whose football career, though tragically shortened, left a lasting impression. His journey, marked by both brilliance and adversity, exemplifies the fleeting nature of athletic glory.
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College Career
Janowicz's collegiate career at Ohio State University was nothing short of spectacular. He was a key figure in the Buckeyes' dominant teams of the early 1950s.
A versatile player, he excelled as a running back, passer, and kicker, showcasing his exceptional athleticism. As a sophomore defender in 1949, Vic became the hero of the 1950 Rose Bowl, as he picked off two passes, ran one back 41 yards, and helped Ohio State beat California 17-14. The following year, the coaching staff had Janowicz play on both sides of the ball. Vic's athleticism was on full display from the tailback position of the single-wing formation, where he ran, passed, punted, blocked, and place-kicked. His highlight game of 1950 was against Pitt, where Janowicz threw four touchdown passes in a 41-7 victory. That's not where his exploits stopped, as he booted a 90-yard punt against Minnesota, scored 46 points against Iowa, went on to become a unanimous All-American. The National Football Foundation voters selected Vic Janowicz for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1976.
In 1950, he won the Heisman Trophy, solidifying his place as one of the nation's top college football players. His performance against Michigan that year, where he accounted for virtually all of Ohio State’s points, became legendary. He was a key component of the 1950 Ohio State team.
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Road to the Pro Game
After his Heisman-winning season, Janowicz's athletic pursuits took an unexpected turn. He signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball, pursuing a career in professional baseball. After a few seasons, he returned to football, joining the Washington Redskins of the NFL. However, his professional football career was cut short by a severe automobile accident in 1956, which ended his playing days.
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Football Legacy
Vic played Major League Baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates a few years and a couple of seasons in the NFL with Washington. A car accident ended his promising pro career in both sports.
His remarkable achievements at Ohio State primarily define Janowicz's football legacy. His Heisman Trophy wins, and his contributions to the Buckeyes' success cemented his place in college football history. Despite his brief professional career, his impact was undeniable. His story serves as a reminder of the potential for greatness and the fragility of athletic careers.
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Accolades, Awards and Career Stats
-Heisman Trophy winner (1950)
-Member of the Ohio State Football All-Century Team.
-Played professional baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
-Played professional football for the Washington Redskins.
-His 1950 game against Michigan is considered one of the most incredible individual performances in college football history.
Vic Janowicz's career, though brief, was a testament to his exceptional talent and versatility. He remains a beloved figure in Ohio State football history, remembered for his brilliance and his enduring spirit.
