Paul Wiggin

Bio

Paul Wiggin is one of the most recognizable names in Stanford football history for his exploits as a player and a coach. Playing in the one-platoon era, Paul played both on offense and defense. He had great speed, which he used on defense to pursue plays and rush the passer. His agility and precise footwork made him an excellent blocker. He also had great recovery ability to stay in the play in the few instances where he was beaten by an opposing player. Wiggin came to Stanford after a year at Modesto Junior College, but had to sit out the 1953 season due to a shoulder injury. With no major college experience he became an immediate starter as a sophomore. As a junior, he won the first of back-to-back first-team All-America notices as well as winning consecutive all-conference honors. One coach said of his defensive play, “Within the first twenty minutes he jammed up our offense and we never did recover. We didn’t miss our assignments on him. We just couldn’t handle him.” In the 1955 Ohio State game, Wiggin played a big role in holding Heisman Trophy winner Hopalong Cassady to 26 yards rushing. Wiggin played 11 seasons with the Cleveland Browns as a defensive end and never missed a game. He played in three championship games and went to two Pro Bowls. After his playing career ended, he began a long coaching career, which also included a four-year stint at Stanford.

Career Highlights

• 1956 All-Conference
• 1956 First Team All-America
• 1955 All-Conference
• 1955 First Team All-America