Vic Janowicz

Victor Felix "Vic" Janowicz (February 26, 1930 – February 27, 1996) was an American football halfback in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins. He played college football at Ohio State University and was drafted in the seventh round of the 1952 NFL Draft. Janowicz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1976.

Early life

Janowicz was born and raised in Elyria, Ohio. He went to Holy Cross Elementary School and graduated from Elyria High School. The stretch of Sixth Street which runs along the south side of Elyria High is named Vic Janowicz Drive in his honor, and the school's official address is 311 Vic Janowicz Drive. In addition, a life-size painting of Janowicz hangs in the lobby of the school.

College career

Janowicz played college football at Ohio State University. A tailback in the single wing, he won the Heisman Trophy in 1950 as a junior. Woody Hayes, who coached Janowicz's senior year, said of him, "He was not only a great runner, but also passed, was a placekicker and punter, played safety on defense and was an outstanding blocker. Janowicz epitomized the 'triple-threat' football player."^{[citation needed]}

Professional career

After college, Janowicz passed up offers to play professional football in order to pursue a baseball career. He reached the major leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but hit only .214 over two seasons as a bench player. He returned to football late in the 1954 season with the Washington Redskins, and was their starting halfback in 1955. During training camp in 1956, he suffered a serious brain injury in an automobile accident that left him partially paralyzed and ended his athletic career. He died in Columbus, Ohio, of cancer in 1996.

External links

• Janowicz Heisman Trophy Bio
• College Football Hall of Fame Biography
• College football career summary from the Ohio State University website
• Ohio State Retires Number 31 to Honor Janowicz
• Gallery of Vic Janowicz football cards