Ernie Stautner

Ernest Alfred Stautner (April 20, 1925 – February 16, 2006) was a German-born American football player and coach who starred as a defensive tackle with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Biography

Born in Prienzing near Cham, Bavaria in Germany, Stautner's family immigrated to East Greenbush, New York when he was three years old. He served in the United States Marine Corps before attending Boston College, where he was a four-year starter as an offensive and defensive tackle. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1950.

After being selected in the second round of the 1950 NFL Draft, Stautner played his entire career with the Steelers from 1950 to 1963. Despite being small even for his day at 6-1 and 235 pounds, he distinguished himself as one of the best defensive linemen of his era as he became the cornerstone of the Steelers bruising defense. Stautner was selected to nine Pro Bowls in his fourteen-year career and only missed six games. He also made all-NFL in 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959. He retired as the career leader in safeties with 3 and ranked third in fumble recoveries with 23. He also saw spot service at offensive guard.