Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1943, Al Wistert would play his entire nine-year career in Eastern Pennsylvania. Playing at Tackle (on both sides of the ball), the former Michigan Wolverine would be named a First Team All-Pro by the Associated Press four years in a row (1944-47). Wistert would be named to the Pro Bowl in 1950 and was an integral part of Philadelphia's back-to-back NFL Titles in 1948 and 1949. It is hard to fathom the Eagles winning those championships without Wistert, their team captain, an excellent blocker for Steve Van Buren, and the leader of their defense.
The Eagles had a dynamic force in Wistert, but that has yet to translate into a Hall of Fame berth for the Tackle. The 1940s All-Decade Selection faces a tough road, as recent years have made it seem the Hall is done with pre-1960 players.
Comments powered by CComment