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Alvin Wistert

Tackle

Inducted 1981

Date of Birth

6/26/1916

Birthplace

Chicago, IL

Schools

University of Michigan (1947-1949)

Boston University (1946-1946)

Bio

The election of Alvin Wistert to the College Football Hall of Fame completed a unique story in the history of the sport. Wistert became the last of three brothers to gain enshrinement, joining Francis "Whitey" and Albert. All three wore the number "11" (since retired in their honor). Alvin's story goes beyond these unusual circumstances. He was a high school dropout and spent six years with the Marine Corps during World War II before entering college. Because of his lack of high school credits, Wistert was required to pass a battery of skill tests, which he did with ease. Not wishing to live in the shadow of his two famous brothers, Alvin enrolled at Boston University and lettered as a 30-year-old freshman football player. He transferred to Michigan, played three years at tackle, was consensus All-America in 1948 and 1949, and team captain in 1949. Michigan won the Big Ten championship all three years. He stood 6-3, weighed 223 pounds. At age 33 in 1949, he became the oldest player ever named All-America.