By Darin Imagine a player who could throw for four touchdowns, boot a 90-yard punt, and snag two interceptions in a Rose Bowl—all in the same career. Vic Janowicz didn’t just play football; he mastered every single phase of it. As one of the last great true triple-threat stars of the single-wing era, Janowicz carried Ohio State to glory and captured the Heisman Trophy with a versatile skill set that remains almost unmatched in the modern game. From the “Snow Bowl” to the hallowed turf of Pasadena, this is the story of the man who did it all.
Football Bio
February 26, 1930 – Elyria, Ohio – The slick halfback of the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1949 through 1951, Vic Janowicz, was born. The Football Foundation website delivers the story that Vic is one of the best All-around football players ever to put on pads. As a sophomore defender in 1949, Vic became the hero of the 1950 Rose Bowl, picking off two passes, running one back 41 yards, and helping Ohio State beat California 17-14. The next 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 ended: he booted a 90-yard punt against Minnesota, scored 46 points against Iowa, and went on to become a unanimous All-American, even winning the Heisman Trophy! The National Football Foundation voters selected Vic Janowicz for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1976. Vic played a few years of Major League Baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates and played a couple of seasons in the NFL with Washington. A car accident ended his promising pro career in both sports.
Conclusion
Vic Janowicz stands as a testament to an era of football where iron-man versatility was the ultimate currency. His ability to dominate as a runner, passer, punter, and defender made him the quintessential “total package” for the Buckeyes. While a tragic accident cut his professional journey short, his 1950 season remains one of the most statistically diverse and impressive campaigns in college football history. Janowicz didn’t just play for Ohio State; he became a permanent part of the program’s legendary DNA.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Heisman Trophy Winner: Won in 1950 (becoming only the third junior to win the award).
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1976.
- Unanimous All-American: Selected in 1950.
- 1950 Rose Bowl MVP: Recorded two interceptions and a 41-yard return to secure a 17-14 win over California.
- Single-Game Record: Accounted for 46 points (scoring and kicking) against Iowa in 1950.
- Special Teams Legend: Recorded a 90-yard punt against Minnesota.
- Chicago Tribune Silver Football Winner: Recognized as the Big Ten’s most valuable player in 1950.
- Dual-Sport Pro: Played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB) and the Washington Redskins (NFL).
