05-07-2013, 04:01 PM
Meilinger elected to College Football Hall of Fame
Posted on May 7, 2013 by Jennifer Smith
Steve Meilinger, a two-time first-team All-American who played on both sides of the ball and was known as âMr. Anywhereâ will have a permanent location: the College Football Hall of Fame.
Meilinger played at Kentucky from 1951-53 under Coach Paul âBearâ Bryant and helped the Cats go 20-10-3, including an 8-4 mark in 1951 that was capped by a Cotton Bowl win over Texas Christian.
The All-American split time between end, halfback and quarterback on offense; on defense, he played end, linebacker and defensive back â basically, every position on the field except the interior offensive and defensive lines, a remarkable combination. On special teams, he was a two-year starting punter and also returned punts and returned kickoffs.
Meilinger set Kentuckyâs career records for pass receptions, receiving yardage and touchdowns with 75 catches for 1,210 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also rushed 134 times for 714 yards and five TDs and passed for 127 yards and a TD.
Meilinger was selected in the first round (eighth overall pick) of the 1954 NFL Draft. However, he went into the United States Army and spent two years as a Tank Commander in the 100th Tank Battalion of the 1st Armored Division.
After his service, Meilinger spent six years in the NFL â 1956 and â57 with Washington, 1958-60 for the Green Bay Packers and 1961 with the Pittsburgh Steelers â before injuries ended his career. In 1960, he played in the NFL Championship Game under Coach Vince Lombardi. His career stats include 60 catches for 863 yards and eight touchdowns.
Posted on May 7, 2013 by Jennifer Smith
Steve Meilinger, a two-time first-team All-American who played on both sides of the ball and was known as âMr. Anywhereâ will have a permanent location: the College Football Hall of Fame.
Meilinger played at Kentucky from 1951-53 under Coach Paul âBearâ Bryant and helped the Cats go 20-10-3, including an 8-4 mark in 1951 that was capped by a Cotton Bowl win over Texas Christian.
The All-American split time between end, halfback and quarterback on offense; on defense, he played end, linebacker and defensive back â basically, every position on the field except the interior offensive and defensive lines, a remarkable combination. On special teams, he was a two-year starting punter and also returned punts and returned kickoffs.
Meilinger set Kentuckyâs career records for pass receptions, receiving yardage and touchdowns with 75 catches for 1,210 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also rushed 134 times for 714 yards and five TDs and passed for 127 yards and a TD.
Meilinger was selected in the first round (eighth overall pick) of the 1954 NFL Draft. However, he went into the United States Army and spent two years as a Tank Commander in the 100th Tank Battalion of the 1st Armored Division.
After his service, Meilinger spent six years in the NFL â 1956 and â57 with Washington, 1958-60 for the Green Bay Packers and 1961 with the Pittsburgh Steelers â before injuries ended his career. In 1960, he played in the NFL Championship Game under Coach Vince Lombardi. His career stats include 60 catches for 863 yards and eight touchdowns.