By Darin How does a defensive lineman end up scoring more touchdowns than some offensive starters? For Wayne Meylan, the answer was simple: relentless pursuit and a knack for the spectacular. Known as one of the most feared “middle guards” in college football history, Meylan didn’t just stop plays—he erased them. From setting tackle records that stood for decades to terrorizing punters in the Big Eight, Meylan’s journey from Bay City to the College Football Hall of Fame is a masterclass in defensive dominance.
Football Bio
March 2, 1946 – Bay City, Michigan – Wayne Meylan, the Nebraska Corn Huskers standout linebacker, was born. The NFF reports that Wayne was a consensus All-America in 1966 and 1967. During the 1966 season, Meylan blocked three punts and recovered two of those for touchdowns. Meylan set Nebraska records for most tackles in a season and most tackles in a career.
The collegiate gridiron accomplishments of one Wayne Meylan were placed with honor into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991. He did have a brief 3-year career in the NFL.
Conclusion
Wayne Meylan was a foundational piece of the early Bob Devaney era at Nebraska, helping the Huskers achieve a stellar 25-7 record during his tenure. While his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings was brief, his collegiate legacy remains immortal. As the first Cornhusker since the 1920s to earn repeat All-American honors, Meylan proved that defensive players could be game-changers in all three phases of the sport. His induction into the Hall of Fame in 1991 serves as a permanent tribute to a player who combined brute strength with the speed to catch a rabbit.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1991.
- 2× Consensus First-Team All-American: 1966, 1967.
- 2× Big Eight Player of the Year (UPI): 1966, 1967.
- Heisman Trophy Finalist: Finished 9th in the 1967 voting.
- Nebraska School Record (Former): Most career tackles (238) and most tackles in a season (119).
- Special Teams Ace: Blocked 3 punts in a single season (1966), returning two for touchdowns.
- Nebraska Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1971.
- NFL Draft: 4th Round pick (104th overall) by the Cleveland Browns in 1968.
- NFL Career: Played 3 seasons for the Cleveland Browns (1968–1969) and Minnesota Vikings (1970).
