Hey It's Football Season - Here's My Article On Great Football Players Who Also Wrestled!

By John Hanrahan

With NCAA and Olympic Heavyweight Champion Gable Steveson recently signing with the Buffalo Bills, the spotlight on U.S. wrestlers transitioning to the NFL has brightened once again. Stephen Neal, another remarkable example, went from NCAA Champion at Cal State Bakersfield and world champion for USA Wrestling to winning multiple Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots—all without playing a down of collegiate football.

As a former Penn State wrestler, I've witnessed the powerful connection between the university's football and wrestling programs. My initiation into the tradition involved grueling preseason workouts, where we ran, climbed, and crawled through the vast expanses of Beaver Stadium. But the bond between these two sports runs deeper than shared sweat on those hallowed steps. Penn State has a proud history of athletes excelling in both football and wrestling, particularly in the heavyweight division.

In a recent conversation with Hall of Fame Wrestling Coach Rich Lorenzo, he shared a telling anecdote that epitomizes this dual-sport tradition. "Kansas City Chiefs Coach Frank Gansz called the wrestling office, looking to bring Charlie Getty out for a pre-draft visit," Lorenzo recalled. "But Getty, focused on his pursuit of a national wrestling championship, declined due to the upcoming NCAAs. Coach Gansz was thrilled to learn about Getty's wrestling background and spoke highly of how much he valued wrestlers, drawing comparisons to former wrestler Curly Culp's invaluable hand-fighting and leverage skills."

These dual-sport athletes have left an indelible mark on both the football field and the wrestling mat. Here are some of the remarkable individuals who have donned the iconic blue and white for both sports:

Pioneers of the 1960s: Larry Holtackers and Ellery Seitz

The tradition of dual-sport excellence at Penn State dates back to the 1960s with athletes like Ellery Seitz and Larry Holtackers leading the charge. Seitz was a two-time conference champion in wrestling from 1963-66, while Holtackers made a memorable debut in Rec Hall, pinning his Springfield College opponent in 1968. Their contributions set the stage for future generations of Penn State athletes.

Jan Johnson: A Leader on Two Fronts

Jan Johnson, a standout linebacker, demonstrated his leadership when he stepped in as the heavyweight wrestler for Coach Cael Sanderson's team. In a thrilling moment at Rec Hall, Johnson filled in for an injured All-American and secured a crucial 3-2 victory, despite being outweighed by 50 pounds. Sanderson praised Johnson's courage, noting the challenge of facing a larger opponent in front of a sold-out crowd. Johnson’s seamless transition between football and wrestling highlighted his remarkable character and athletic ability. Today, he continues to influence young athletes as part of the football coaching staff at Virginia Tech University.

Steve Sefter: Dual All-American

Steve Sefter epitomized dual-sport excellence at Penn State. As an All-American linebacker for Coach Joe Paterno and a two-time All-American heavyweight wrestler under Coach Rich Lorenzo, Sefter was a force to be reckoned with in both arenas. I had the privilege of calling Sefter my teammate as he anchored our wrestling team in the Unlimited (UNL) weight class—where some competitors outweighed him by 200 pounds. His achievements underscore the caliber of athletes Penn State consistently produces.

Ron Heller: Electrifying Rec Hall

Ron Heller, who later found NFL success with the Philadelphia Eagles, brought unmatched energy to Penn State wrestling. Making his debut during my grad assistant year, Heller's presence electrified Rec Hall, winning his match in thunderous fashion. His versatility and intensity on the mat and the football field exemplified the dual-sport spirit that drives Penn State’s athletic excellence.

Irv Pankey: The Agile Big Man

Irv Pankey, an All-Pro offensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams, brought his size, strength, and competitive spirit from the gridiron to the wrestling mat. Pankey's agility and determination made him a formidable opponent in both sports, further solidifying Penn State’s reputation for producing versatile and tough athletes.

Mike Reid: A Renaissance Athlete

Mike Reid, who went on to play for the Cincinnati Bengals and win a Grammy Award as a songwriter, was a standout in both football and wrestling at Penn State. Reid’s wrestling career included memorable moments, such as being carried off the Rec Hall floor after defeating Lehigh University. He was also crowned Eastern Wrestling Conference Heavyweight Champion, showcasing the breadth of his talents and his lasting impact on Penn State’s athletic legacy.

Charlie Getty: NFL Star and Heavyweight Wrestler

Charlie Getty represents another chapter in Penn State's storied history of dual-sport athletes. As a heavyweight wrestler under Coach Bill Koll and an offensive lineman for Coach Joe Paterno, Getty excelled in both disciplines. His grit and determination on the mat translated seamlessly to the football field, paving the way for a successful NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Brad Benson: Super Bowl Champion and Versatile Athlete

Brad Benson’s success spanned both football and wrestling at Penn State. As an offensive lineman for Coach Joe Paterno and a wrestler, Benson laid the groundwork for a stellar 11-year NFL career, capped by a Super Bowl victory with the New York Giants in 1986. His achievements underscore the versatility and resilience of Penn State athletes.

Dave Joyner: A Leader in Two Arenas

Dave Joyner stands as a prominent figure in Penn State's dual-sport tradition. A three-time EIWA champion and NCAA heavyweight runner-up in 1971, Joyner also co-captained the 1971 Nittany Lion football team to an 11-1 record and a national ranking of fifth. His leadership extended beyond sports, as he later founded Joyner Sports Medicine Institute and served as Penn State’s Athletic Director. His influence reached the international stage as head physician for the United States teams at the 1992 Olympic Winter Games.

Greg Troxel: The Nose Tackle Turned Heavyweight

Greg Troxel’s journey from football nose tackle to top-10 nationally ranked heavyweight wrestler is a testament to his determination. After playing 10 games as a freshman, Troxel returned to the wrestling mat with renewed focus. His drive culminated in PSU's first National Dual Team Championship, where he secured three must-win bouts. Coach John Fritz recalls, “We knew when Greg came over to wrestle, he had a lot of potential, even after missing his freshman year.”

Larry Suhey: Hometown Favorite

Larry Suhey, a football standout and local favorite, also made his mark as a light heavyweight wrestler in the 191 lb class. Suhey’s performances energized local fans and campus fraternity brothers, cementing his legacy as a versatile and committed athlete.

These athletes exemplify the tradition of excellence at Penn State, showcasing the versatility, resilience, and dedication required to excel in both football and wrestling. Their stories are a testament to the rich athletic heritage of Penn State University.