Vic Janowicz
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| Vic Janowicz | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | February 26, 1930 |
| Place of birth | Elyria, OH |
| Date of death | February 27, 1996 |
| Position(s) | Halfback |
| College | Ohio State |
| NFL Draft | 1952 / Round 7/ Pick 79 |
| Awards | 1950 Heisman Trophy |
| Retired #s | Ohio State Buckeyes #31 |
| Statistics | |
| Team(s) | |
| 1954-1955 | Washington Redskins |
| College Hall-of-Fame | |
Victor Felix "Vic" Janowicz (born February 26, 1930, died February 27, 1996) played halfback for 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 place kicker and punter, played safety on defense and was an outstanding blocker. Janowicz epitomized the 'triple-threat' football player."
After college he passed up offers to play pro football in order to pursue a baseball career. Janowicz 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.
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.
| Preceded by: Leon Hart |
Heisman Trophy Winner Winner 1950 |
Succeeded by: Dick Kazmaier |
| Preceded by: Red Wilson |
Big Ten Football MVP 1950 |
Succeeded by: Bill Reichardt |
| Preceded by: Jack Lininger |
Ohio State Buckeyes Football Season MVP 1950 & 1951 |
Succeeded by: Fred Bruney |
[edit] External links
- Entry at College Football Hall of Fame
- Janowicz Heisman Trophy Bio
- Ohio State Retires Number 31 to Honor Janowicz
| Ohio State Buckeyes Football Retired Numbers |
|---|
| #22 Les Horvath • #27 Eddie George • #31 Vic Janowicz • #40 Hopalong Cassady • #45 Archie Griffin • #47 Chic Harley |
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This biographical article relating to a running back is a stub. You can help by expanding it. |
Categories: 1930 births | 1996 deaths | American football running backs | College Football Hall of Fame | Heisman Trophy winners | Ohio State Buckeyes football players | Ohio State University alumni | Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame | People from Elyria, Ohio | Pittsburgh Pirates players | Polish-Americans | Road accident victims | Washington Redskins players | Running back stubs
