By Darin 
Did you know that the legendary University of Maryland football teams of the mid-1950s, which posted an incredible 27-4-1 record, were anchored by one man playing both ways at center and linebacker? That stalwart was Bob Pellegrini, born on November 13, 1934, who embodied the rugged, two-way spirit of 1950s football and helped lead the Terrapins to a consensus national championship before becoming an NFL first-round pick.
Bob was a two-way player for the Terrapins at both center and linebacker. The National Football Foundation reports that Maryland’s record was 27-4-1 under Pellegrini, ranking 1st in 1953 in the Associated Press poll, 8th in 1954, and 3rd in 1955. The API, UP, and INS all declared Maryland the National Champs in 1953.
Bob was a unanimous All-America at center in 1955 and was declared the MVP of the College All-Star game in 1956. The NFF voted Bob Pellegrini into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996. After college, Pellegrini played in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and with the Washington Redskins. In 1957, he served in the US Army. After hanging up the pads, he served as assistant coach with the Miami Dolphins.
Football Accolades and Accomplishments:
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1996).
- Consensus National Champion (1953, Maryland).
- Unanimous First-Team All-American (Center, 1955).
- ACC Player of the Year (1955).
- College All-Star Game MVP (1956).
- 1960 NFL Champion (Philadelphia Eagles).
- First Round NFL Draft Pick (4th overall, 1956).
- Finished 6th in the 1955 Heisman Trophy Voting.