Football History

Born October 31, 1897, in Mansfield, Ohio - Wilbur better known as Pete Henry, was a 3 year All-American tackle from Washington and Jefferson College. He was perhaps the largest lineman of his era as he stood 5-foot-11-inches tall and weighed in at a solid 245 pounds. Pete signed to play with the Canton Bulldogs coincidently on the same day that the NFL’s precursor the American Professional Football Association formed in Ralph Hay’s Hupmobile Showroom in Canton. The good natured Henry off the field was replaced by a focused beast on the gridiron. Pete’s most notable season had to be in 1923 with the Bulldogs according to the National Football Foundation's website. Henry booted a 94 yard punt, blocked a punt, scored a touchdown and kicked nine field goals via drop kick , oh and by the way the Canton Bulldogs won their second consecutive NFL Championship that year due in part to his great play. In the NFL for a total of 8 seasons not only with Canton but was a member of the Pottsville Maroons and the New York Giants too. Pete Henry was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Pete in 1963’s class of inductees.

The trenches. The battleground where games are won and lost. At the heart of this struggle stands the offensive tackle, a colossus tasked with protecting the quarterback's blindside and paving the way for the ground game. This series delves into the demanding world of the offensive tackle, exploring the nuances of this crucial position and celebrating its most dominant practitioners.

More than just brute strength, the modern tackle requires a unique blend of athleticism, intelligence, and unwavering technique. They are the guardians, the architects, the unsung heroes who operate in the shadows, yet their impact resonates throughout every play. We'll dissect the intricate footwork, the precise hand placement, and the split-second decision-making that separates the good tackles from the truly great.

From the pioneers who laid the foundation to the contemporary giants redefining the position, we'll trace the evolution of the offensive tackle. We'll examine the signature moves, the legendary matchups, and the defining moments that have shaped the legacy of these powerful protectors.

This series isn't just about highlighting the physical prowess of these athletes; it's about understanding the mental fortitude required to excel in the trenches. We'll explore the strategic battles fought before the snap, the anticipation, and the relentless drive that pushes these players to their limits.

Join us as we embark on a journey through the heart of the offensive line, celebrating the artistry and the grit of the offensive tackle. From the golden age of the run to the modern era of the passing game, we'll uncover the stories behind the men who anchor the offense and shape the destiny of their teams.

Born August 19, 1958 - Ontario, California - Anthony Munoz was a 6-6, 278-pound offensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals for 13 seasons. Anthony starred at both college football and baseball at Southern Cal. 

The big man, who also pitched on USC’s 1978 national championship baseball team, was considered one of the best offensive linemen of his generation, per a Yahoo.com report. Anthony was selected third overall in the 1980 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. During his pro career, Muñoz started in 184 of the 185 total NFL games he dressed for. He played in 11 consecutive Pro Bowls and was the NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year 3 times.

The Dominant Tackle:

-Drafted third overall in 1980, Muñoz anchored the Bengals' offensive line for 13 seasons, protecting quarterbacks and opening holes for running backs.

-He earned 11 Pro Bowl selections, a record at the time for offensive linemen, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

-His agility, strength, and technique made him a nightmare for opposing defenders, shutting down dominant pass rushers like Reggie White and Lawrence Taylor.

Beyond Blocking:

Muñoz wasn't just a protector; he also contributed offensively. He caught seven career touchdown passes, showcasing his athleticism and versatility.

In 1988, he became the only offensive lineman ever to be named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year.

Memorable Big Plays:

-His blocks paved the way for numerous Bengals' offensive explosions, including Boomer Esiason's "Miracle in Miami" touchdown pass to Cris Collinsworth in the 1985 playoffs.

-He protected Ken Anderson during his record-breaking season in 1982, where Anderson threw for 4,074 yards and 30 touchdowns.

-Muñoz's presence helped the Bengals reach two Super Bowls (1981, 1988), even though they couldn't clinch the ultimate prize.

Mr. Muñoz played in both of the Bengals’ Super Bowl appearances (XVI, XXIII), which were each narrow losses to Bill Walsh’s San Francisco 49ers. He was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade and NFL 75th Anniversary Teams. His great play in the position earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in 1998.

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Tony Boselli helped the upstart Jacksonville Jaguars gain an instant identity as a hard-hitting, gritty football team. This legend was one of the top left tackles of his era and a cornerstone of the Jags success on offense.

Drafted second overall in 1995, the Modesto, California native quickly established himself as an elite protector, earning All-Pro honors three times and Pro Bowl selections five times in his seven-year career.

Boselli's impact was immediate. He anchored an offensive line that paved the way for Mark Brunell and helped the Jaguars reach the AFC Championship game in just their second season. His dominance earned him the nickname "The Blindside King," a testament to his ability to shut down even the most feared pass rushers.

Beyond accolades, Boselli embodied leadership and determination. He battled through injuries, including a torn rotator cuff, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the team. His dedication inspired teammates and ignited a passionate fanbase, earning him the moniker "Jacksonville's Dad."

However, tragedy struck in 2001 when a severe shoulder injury cut short his promising career. Despite attempts to return, the damage was too significant. While he signed with the Houston Texans in the expansion draft, he never stepped onto the field again.

Despite an abbreviated career, Boselli's legacy remains etched in Jaguars' history. He is considered one of the franchise's greatest players, inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Jaguars' Hall of Fame in 2022.

Joe Stydahar, the tremendous two-way tackle from West Virginia University from 1933 to 1935 was born March 17, 1912 in Kaylor, Pennsylvania

Joe Stydahar, a dominant two-way tackle who starred for West Virginia University from 1933 to 1935, was born in Kaylor, Pennsylvania. Even in his collegiate years, Stydahar established a reputation for his disruptive force on the defensive line, consistently wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. As a senior in 1935, his exceptional performances earned him invitations to the prestigious East-West Shrine Game and the College All-Star Game in Chicago.

His talent was evident to his contemporaries. Jay Berwanger, the inaugural Heisman Trophy winner, who played alongside Stydahar in the College All-Star Games, remarked, "I played in two all-star games with him and thought he was the best tackle by far of that collegiate group. He proved to me in those two games that he was a tremendous player." This high praise foreshadowed the professional success that awaited him.

The Chicago Bears recognized Stydahar's immense potential and selected him with their first pick in the inaugural NFL Draft of 1936. This began a remarkable nine-season career in Chicago under the legendary coach George Halas. Stydahar was a cornerstone of the Bears' offensive and defensive lines, rarely leaving the field as a true two-way player. His consistent excellence earned him five consecutive All-NFL selections, underscoring his dominance during this era. Notably, Stydahar often played without a helmet, a testament to the rugged nature of the early game. The Bears experienced significant success during his tenure, winning several NFL championships.

Joe Stydahar's football legacy is cemented by his enshrinement in both the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. This dual recognition highlights his exceptional contributions at both the collegiate and professional levels. Following his illustrious playing career, Stydahar transitioned to coaching, serving as the head coach for the Los Angeles Rams and later the Chicago Cardinals. While his coaching record may not have matched his playing achievements, it demonstrates his continued involvement and passion for the game. Joe Stydahar's impact as a dominant two-way player in the early days of the NFL, coupled with his collegiate achievements, firmly establishes him as one of the game's all-time greats.

The FootballFoundation.org tells of how Stydahar regularly dismantled and caused all kinds of havoc for opposing offenses. As a senior in 1935, Stydahar performed so well that he was asked to play in the East-West Shrine Game and the College All-Star Game in Chicago. Jay Berwanger, the first Heisman Trophy winner, playing in the backfield on those All-Star teams, had this to say about Stydahar: "I played in two all-star games with him and thought he was the best tackle by far of that collegiate group. He proved to me in those two games that he was a tremendous player." The College Football Hall of Fame inducted Joe Stydahar in 1972. After school, the Chicago Bears used their top pick in the first NFL Draft of 1936 to choose Joe to join the team. Stydahar played in Chicago for 9 seasons as a two-way player who seldom left the field for coach George Halas. He made the All-NFL team in five straight seasons and often didn't wear a helmet in the games. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Joe Stydahar in 1967. Joe later went on to be the head coach of the LA Rams and later the Chicago Cardinals.

The life and career in football, both playing and coaching of Frank Wickhorst. He was a Navy two-way tackle from the mid-1920s, that went on to coach the Cal Golden Bears.

The Navy two-way tackle from the mid 1920’s, Frank Wickhorst was one heck of a an athlete.

Frank Wickhorst, born March 18, 1906, in Aurora, Illinois, established a notable legacy in the realm of college football, marked by his leadership and athletic prowess.  

-College Career:

Wickhorst's college football career centered at the United States Naval Academy, where he played tackle from 1924 to 1926. He was a dominant force on the line and served as the captain of the Navy team in his senior year. A testament to his leadership, a notable anecdote recounts Wickhorst's inspirational words in a crucial game against Army, rallying his team to a tie and preserving their undefeated season. He was a workhorse lineman who earned All-American honors in 1926, showcasing his exceptional talent and impact on the Navy squad. Interestingly, Wickhorst initially played as a freshman teammate of the legendary "Red" Grange at the University of Illinois before receiving his appointment to the Naval Academy.  

-Road to the Pro Game:

While Wickhorst's college career concluded in 1926, the era of professional football was still in its nascent stages, and it appears Wickhorst did not pursue a professional playing career.

Instead, he embarked on a distinguished career in the military and later transitioned into coaching.  

-Football Legacy:

Wickhorst's football legacy extends beyond his playing days. Following his military service, he served as the head football coach at the University of California. His coaching tenure further demonstrates his continued dedication to the sport. However, his most enduring legacy within football is his recognition as an outstanding player and leader during his time at Navy, earning him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame. His inspirational leadership, as highlighted by the anecdote against Army, and his All-American status underscore his significant impact on collegiate football. Furthermore, his later involvement in coaching cemented his continued contribution to the sport.  

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:

-All-American selection in 1926.  

-Captain of the United States Naval Academy football team.

-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1970.  

-Served as Head Football Coach at the University of California post-military career.  

While specific game-by-game statistics from his era are not readily available, Frank Wickhorst's leadership, All-American recognition, and Hall of Fame induction firmly establish his significant and lasting contribution to the history of college football.

Born February 20, 1912, in Chicago, Illinois, was the awesome Michigan Wolverines Tackle Francis Whitey Wistert. According to the National Football Foundation Whitey had absolutely no prior gridiron experience when he arrived on campus at Michigan in the early 1930s. The Wolverines were 7-0-1 in the 1933 season, aided in part by Whitey’s quick diagnosing of the opposition’s plays. Francis Wistert received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1967. Amazingly great football ran in his family’s bloodline as his brothers Albert, who played 1940-1941, and Alvin, who played 1947-1949, are also Hall of Fame enshrinees who played at Michigan.

Whitey Wistert, a name synonymous with Michigan football, carved a legendary path on the gridiron. His prowess as a two-way player for the Wolverines and his subsequent professional career solidified his place in football history.  

-College Career

Wistert's college career at the University of Michigan was spectacular. Playing under the legendary coach Fritz Crisler, he became a standout offensive and defensive end. His versatility was a tremendous asset, contributing significantly to the Wolverines' success. He was a key part of the undefeated 1947 team that was named national champion. Wistert earned All-American honors three times, a testament to his exceptional talent and impact on the game.

Famed football journalist Grantland Rice once stated: "Wistert was unanimously selected as the best tackle in the Middle-West this year. He was the key to Michigan's defensive line play. He was a sure tackler and it was next to impossible to fool him on trick maneuvers. He was keen, quick, and accurate in diagnosing plays."

-Road to the Pro Game

The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Wistert in the 1944 NFL Draft. However, his professional career was delayed due to his service in the United States Navy during World War II. He eventually joined the Eagles after his military service.

His professional career leaned towards the game of baseball, and he played for the Cincinnati Reds of the MLB. Wistert played five years of professional baseball before entering a career as a New York attorney.

-Football Legacy

While shorter than his collegiate tenure, Wistert's professional career with the Eagles was still notable. He was a part of the Eagles team that won back-to-back NFL championships in 1948 and 1949. His two-way skills, honed at Michigan, continued to be an asset in the pros. After playing, he remained connected to the sport, serving as a color commentator for Michigan football games for many years.

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-3x All-American (University of Michigan)  

-2x NFL Champion (Philadelphia Eagles)  

-Member of the College Football Hall of Fame  

Whitey Wistert's legacy is defined by his dominance at the University of Michigan and his contributions to the Philadelphia Eagles' championship teams. He was a true embodiment of the two-way player, excelling on both offense and defense. His accomplishments at both the collegiate and professional levels cemented his place as one of football's most respected figures.

Art "Doc" Hillebrand, born Arthur Ralph Thomas Hillebrand on March 9, 1876, in Freeport, Illinois, left an enduring mark on the early landscape of American football, both as a player and a coach.  

Doc Hillebrand was Princeton's standout tackle from 1896 through 1899. The nickname Doc came to Art because of his connection to his father, Dr. Christian Hillebrand, in Freeport. Doc received the physical gift of having 190 pounds of muscle built on a 6'-0" frame, a pretty good-sized man in the 19th century.

-College Career

Hillebrand's collegiate football career unfolded at Princeton University, where he established himself as a dominant force. Playing as a tackle, he showcased exceptional skill and strength. He was a key component of Princeton's formidable teams during the late 1890s. Notably, he earned consensus All-America honors in 1898 and 1899, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier players of his era.  

Hillebrand was All-America the last two seasons, football captain in 1898, and baseball captain in 1900.

-Football Legacy

Hillebrand's impact extended beyond his playing days. He transitioned into coaching, further contributing to the sport's development. He served as the head football coach at the United States Naval Academy from 1901 to 1902, and then returned to his alma mater, Princeton, from 1903 to 1905. His coaching record demonstrates his ability to lead and shape successful teams. The 1903 Tigers team went 11-0, outscored their opponents by 295-6, and were rewarded with the national championship title.

His influence on the early strategies and techniques of football is a significant part of his legacy. Under Coach Hillebrand, Princeton achieved a record of 27-4 in the three seasons he spent there, and the Tigers outscored their opponents 669-85.

His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1970 stands as a testament to his lasting contributions.  

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

Doc was a highly recognized man in football history, here are a few of his high lights:

Player:

-Consensus All-America: 1898, 1899  

-Played for national championship teams at Princeton.

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee 1970.  

Coach:

-Head Football Coach, United States Naval Academy (1901-1902)  

-Head Football Coach, Princeton University (1903-1905)  

-Career coaching record: 35–15–2  

-He also had a coaching record in baseball at Navy.  

Hillebrand's career reflects the dedication and pioneering spirit of early football figures. His achievements as a player and coach have earned him a place among the sport's most respected figures.

Princeton Tigers College Hall of Fame tackle of the late nineteenth-century.

Ron Mix, born March 10, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, established himself as one of the most dominant offensive linemen in professional football history. His career, marked by exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, left an indelible mark on the sport.

The 6’-4” 250 pound tackle from Southern Cal Ron Mix was the number one pick in the 1950 NFL and AFL Drafts. The NFL’s Baltimore Colts and the San Diego Chargers of the AFL got in a bidding war of sorts and Mix wisely took the better offer, keeping him in Southern California where he spent all of his life.

-College Career

Mix's football journey began at the University of Southern California (USC), where he played as an offensive tackle. His time with the Trojans showcased his exceptional athleticism and technical prowess. He was a key contributor to USC's success, earning recognition as one of the top linemen in the nation. His performance at USC laid the groundwork for his remarkable professional career.  

-Road to the Pro Game

In 1960, Ron Mix was drafted by both the Baltimore Colts of the NFL and the Boston Patriots of the fledgling American Football League (AFL). Ultimately, he chose to sign with the AFL's San Diego Chargers, a decision that proved pivotal. He became a cornerstone of the Chargers' offensive line, providing crucial protection for the team's potent passing attack. Mix spent the majority of his career with the San Diego Chargers, and finished his career with the Oakland Raiders.  

-Football Legacy

Ron Mix's football legacy is defined by his exceptional skill and dedication. He was a dominant force on the offensive line, known for his intelligence, technique, and durability. His contributions to the Chargers during the AFL's formative years were instrumental in the league's success. Beyond his playing career, Mix has been recognized as a prominent figure in football history, with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-AFL All-Star: 8 times.

-AFL All-Time Team.

-Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.

-Earned All-American honors in 1959 at USC.  

-Played for the San Diego Chargers, and the Oakland Raiders.  

Ron Mix's career exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in professional football. His contributions to the game, both on and off the field, have earned him a place among the sport's greatest players.

Jimbo Covert, born on March 22, 1960, in Conway, Pennsylvania, forged a legendary career as an offensive tackle, leaving an indelible mark on both college and professional football.  

The University of Pittsburgh's big offensive tackle, Jimbo Covert, later with the Chicago Bears, solidified his status as one of the NFL's premier offensive tackles.

College Career

Covert's journey at the University of Pittsburgh began with aspirations of playing defensive line. However, the Panthers' depth at that position, coupled with an injury, prompted a pivotal decision. He switched to offensive tackle, a move that proved transformative. He became a cornerstone of a formidable offensive line alongside Mark May and Bill Fralic, contributing to Pitt's offensive dominance. During his three seasons at tackle, he allowed a mere three sacks, with none surrendered during his senior year, a feat made even more remarkable by Pitt's pass-heavy offense. His exceptional performance earned him unanimous All-America honors in 1982, following a first-team All-America selection in 1981. His collegiate achievements culminated in his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.  

Road to the Pro Game

Covert's stellar college career made him a highly coveted prospect in the 1983 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears selected him sixth overall, a testament to his exceptional talent and potential.  

Football Legacy

Covert's nine-season tenure with the Chicago Bears solidified his status as one of the NFL's premier offensive tackles. He was a crucial component of the Bears' dominant 1985 team, which triumphed in Super Bowl XX. His exceptional blocking skills and unwavering consistency earned him widespread recognition. He was a linchpin of the bears offense, protecting the quarterback, and opening up running lanes. He was known as a smart, and tough player.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

Covert's career is punctuated by numerous accolades:

-Unanimous All-America (1982).

-First-team All-America (1981).  

-College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2003).  

-Two-time Pro Bowl selection.

-Two-time All-Pro selection.

-Offensive Lineman of the Year (1986).  

-Super Bowl XX champion.

-Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (2020).

Jimbo Covert's career stands as a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication, and impact on the game of football.