By Darin 
Did you know that one College Football Hall of Famer was the driving force behind a dominant early 1930s team that recorded an astounding 19 shutouts in just three seasons? That phenomenal two-way player was John Orsi, the swift, high-leaping end for the Colgate Raiders whose exceptional skills on both offense and defense powered one of the most successful eras in the program’s history.
The Gridiron Legend
November 11, 1908 – Newark, New Jersey – John Orsi, the end of Colgate, was born. The footballfoundation.org website described Orsi as a swift, nimble, high-leaping pass-catcher who was a main contributor to Colgate’s scoring machine. On defense, he was a play-disrupting, jolting tackler, all in all a two-way playmaker in today’s terms.
Orsi played for Colgate from 1929 through 1931, a time when the Raiders consistently ranked among the nation’s elite programs. During his three seasons, the team achieved a remarkable 25-3 record, showcasing unparalleled dominance on the gridiron. While the team’s offense was potent—scoring often enough to earn the “scoring machine” moniker—it was the defense, anchored by Orsi, that truly set this era apart. In those 28 games, Orsi and the Raiders defense held opponents scoreless a staggering 19 times, a testament to their strength and his ability to be a play-disrupting, jolting tackler from his end position.
On offense, Orsi was a nimble and high-leaping pass-catcher, a rare and valued asset in the run-heavy football of the pre-World War II era. His versatility as a two-way player made him one of the most complete athletes of his time. This culminated in his senior season, following the stellar 1931 campaign, when he was named an All-American. His consistent excellence and pivotal role in Colgate’s success cemented his legacy as a football history great. He remains a prime example of the complete, two-way player that defined college football’s golden age.
After the 1931 season, John earned All-America honors. The National Football Foundation selected John Orsi to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982.
Football Accolades and Accomplishments:
- Described as a swift, nimble, high-leaping pass-catcher and a play-disrupting, jolting tackler (two-way playmaker).
- First-Team All-America Honors (1931).
- Key Player for a Colgate team that posted a 25-3 overall record (1929–1931).
- Contributed to a defense that recorded 19 shutouts during his career.
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1982).