Walt Downing

Last updated
Walt Downing
No. 62, 72
Born: (1956-06-11) June 11, 1956 (age 67)
Coatesville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Career information
Position(s) OG, C
College Michigan
NFL draft 1978, Round: 2 / Pick 47
Career history
As player
1978–1983 San Francisco 49ers
Career highlights and awards

Walt Downing (born June 11, 1956) is a former American football player. He played professional football as an offensive guard for the San Francisco 49ers from 1978 to 1983. He played for Bill Walsh and was a member of the 1981 San Francisco 49ers team that won the franchise's first Super Bowl. He also played for the Denver Gold in the USFL. Downing played college football for Bo Schembechler at the University of Michigan from 1975 to 1977. He was a co-captain of the 1977 Michigan Wolverines football team and was selected that year as a first-team All-American.

Contents

Early years

Downing grew up in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. He attended Coatesville High School, where he was a member of the football, wrestling and track teams. He played on the offensive line and at linebacker for the football team and was selected as a Prep All-American. In track, he threw the shot put and discus. He also won the 1972 Pennsylvania sectional championship as a heavyweight in wrestling. He graduated with academic honors in 1974. [1] [2]

Michigan

Downing accepted a scholarship to play football for Bo Schembechler at the University of Michigan. He was a starting offensive lineman in 36 consecutive games for Michigan from 1975 to 1977, playing for teams that finished in the top ten of the AP and UPI polls each year and played in an Orange Bowl and two Rose Bowls. As a sophomore in 1975, he was a starter at the guard position in all 12 games played by the 1975 Michigan team. The 1975 team played in the 1976 Orange Bowl and finished the season ranked No. 8 in the AP and UPI polls. [3]

As a junior, Downing was the starting center in all 12 games played by the 1976 Michigan team that won the Big Ten Conference championship, advanced to the 1977 Rose Bowl, and finished the season ranked No. 3 in both the AP and UPI Polls. [4] He was selected as a first-team All-Big Ten Conference center after the 1976 season. [4] [5]

As a senior, Downing was a co-captain of the 1977 Michigan team. [6] For the second consecutive season, he was the starting center in all 12 games played by the Michigan team. [7] The team won Michigan's second consecutive conference championship, played in the 1978 Rose Bowl, and finished the season ranked No. 9 and No. 8 in the AP and UPI Polls. [7] He was a starter on Michigan's 1975 and 1976 offensive lines that produced two games in which Michigan had three rushers accumulate 100 yards. [8] [9] [10]

At the end of the 1977 season, Downing was selected as a first-team All-American by UPI, The Sporting News, the American Football Coaches Association, Kodak, and Playboy. Downing was the seventh Michigan center to be selected as a first-team All-American. [11] [12] He was also named the best collegiate offensive lineman by the Touchdown Club of Columbus, Ohio. [1] [2]

Professional football

Downing was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round (47th overall pick) of the 1978 NFL Draft. [13] He signed a contract with the 49ers in June 1978. [14] As a rookie in 1978, Downing was a starter in 15 of 16 regular season games for the 49ers. [13] He was named to the UPI's NFL All-Rookie team at the end of the 1978 season. [15] Although he lost his role as a starter in 1979, he appeared in all 16 games for the 49ers during the 1980 season. In 1981, he was a member of the 49ers team that defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XVI. [16] [17] Downing played six seasons and appeared in 83 games for the 49ers from 1978 to 1983. [13]

In May 1984, the 49ers traded Downing to the San Diego Chargers in exchange for a 1985 draft pick. [18] He opted instead to play in the USFL for the Denver Gold. [19]

Later years

After retiring from football, Downing moved to Massillon, Ohio. As of 2011, he was employed as vice president of sales for Green Lines Transportation, a trucking company in Malvern, Ohio. [1] [20] [21]

Downing's son T. J. Downing played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2004 to 2006. [22] [23]

In 2011, Downing was inducted into the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame. He had previously been inducted into the Coatesville Hall of Fame and the Coatesville High School Athletic Hall of Fame. [1] [2]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Young</span> American football player (born 1961)

Jon Steven Young is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons, most notably with the San Francisco 49ers. He was drafted by and played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Prior to his NFL career, Young was a member of the Los Angeles Express in the United States Football League (USFL) for two seasons. He played college football for the BYU Cougars, setting school and NCAA records en route to being runner-up for the 1983 Heisman Trophy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dan Fouts</span> American football player and broadcaster (born 1951)

Daniel Francis Fouts is an American former professional football quarterback who played for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League (NFL) throughout his 15-season career (1973–1987). After a relatively undistinguished first five seasons in the league, Fouts came to prominence as the on-field leader during the Chargers' Air Coryell period. He led the league in passing every year from 1979 to 1982, passing for over 4,000 yards in the first three of these—no previous quarterback had posted consecutive 4,000-yard seasons. Fouts was voted a Pro Bowler six times, first-team All-Pro twice, and Offensive Player of the Year in 1982. He was named a member of the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team, and elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, his first year of eligibility.

Daniel Lee Dierdorf is an American sportscaster and former football player. He played 13 seasons (1971–1983) as an offensive tackle for the St. Louis Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Craig Morton</span> American football player (born 1943)

Larry Craig Morton is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos. He played college football for the California Golden Bears, receiving All-American honors, and was selected by the Cowboys fifth overall in the 1965 NFL Draft. Following nine seasons with the Cowboys, a quarterback controversy with Roger Staubach led to Morton joining the New York Giants for three seasons. He spent his final six seasons as a member of the Broncos, winning NFL Comeback Player of the Year and AFC Offensive Player of the Year in 1977.

Michael Lee Kenn is an American former professional football player who spent his entire 17-year career as an offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL) from 1978 to 1994. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines and was selected by the Falcons in the first round of the 1978 NFL Draft with the 13th overall pick. Standing 6'7" and 277 lb, Kenn started all 251 NFL games in which he played. He holds the Falcons' franchise record for games started and games played. He was selected as a first-team All-Pro player in 1980, 1983 and 1991 and was invited to play in the Pro Bowl five consecutive years from 1980 to 1984.

Jon William Giesler is an American former professional football player for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played 10 seasons, principally at the offensive left tackle position, for the Dolphins from 1979 to 1988. He played college football at the University of Michigan from 1975 to 1978.

John Felix Rowser was an American football player, a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos.

Kurt Frank Becker is a former American football guard. He played college football at the University of Michigan from 1978 to 1981, was selected as a first-team All-American in 1981, and played professional football in the National Football League (NFL) for the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams (1989).

Johnny Lee Davis is a former American football running back who played ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL) from 1978 to 1987. Davis was a member of the 1981 San Francisco 49ers team that won Super Bowl XVI. He is a graduate of Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Alabama, and the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

Edward William Muransky is a former professional American football offensive tackle who played for the Los Angeles Raiders of the National Football League (NFL) and Orlando Renegades of the United States Football League (USFL). He was a member of the Super Bowl XVIII Champion Raiders. Prior to this he was an All-American and Academic All-American athlete who played for the University of Michigan Wolverines during the 1979–1981 seasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1975 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1975 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1975 Big Ten Conference football season. In it seventh season under head coach Bo Schembechler, Michigan compiled an 8–2–2 record, outscored all opponents by a total of 324 to 130, and was ranked No. 8 in the final AP and UPI polls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Seal</span> American football player (born 1952)

Paul Nathan Seal is a former American football player. He played college football as a tight end for the University of Michigan from 1971 to 1973 and professional football as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL) for the New Orleans Saints from 1974 to 1976 and for the San Francisco 49ers from 1977 to 1979. In his six-year NFL career, Seal totaled 106 receptions, 1,586 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1977 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1977 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1977 Big Ten Conference football season. In its ninth year under head coach Bo Schembechler, the team compiled a 10–2 record, tied with Ohio State for the Big Ten Conference championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 353 to 124. The Wolverines were ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll midway through the season but were upset by the unranked Minnesota Golden Gophers. In the final game of the regular season, Michigan beat No. 4 Ohio State but lost to No. 13 Washington in the 1978 Rose Bowl. In the final AP and UPI polls, Michigan was ranked No. 9 and No. 8, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1976 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1976 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1976 Big Ten Conference football season. In their eighth year under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines finished the season with a 10–2 record, won the Big Ten Conference championship, and played in the 1977 Rose Bowl. The Wolverines outscored their opponents 432 to 95 and ranked first in the country in total offense, scoring offense, and scoring defense. In the final AP and UPI Polls, Michigan was ranked #3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1974 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1974 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1974 Big Ten Conference football season. In their sixth year under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled a 10–1 record, outscored opponents 324 to 75, and were ranked #3 in final AP Poll. Michigan won the first ten games of the 1974 season in convincing fashion, including blowout victories over Colorado (31-0), Navy (52-0), Minnesota (49-0), and Purdue (51-0). In the final game of the season, #2 Michigan faced #3 Ohio State. The Wolverines lost by a score of 12-10, as place-kicker Mike Lantry missed a last-minute field goal that would have given Michigan a victory.

Paul Girgash is a retired American football linebacker. He played for the University of Michigan from 1979 to 1982. He started 36 consecutive games at inside linebacker for Michigan from 1980 to 1982, played in the 1981 and 1983 Rose Bowls, and was selected as a first-team All-Big Ten player by both the Associated Press and the United Press International in 1982. Girgash later played professional football in the USFL for the Michigan Panthers in 1984.

Michael Anthony Joseph Jolly is a former American football player. He played professional football as a defensive back for the Green Bay Packers from 1980 to 1983. He also played college football for the University of Michigan from 1976 to 1979. He started at weak side cornerback for Michigan in 35 of 36 games from 1977 to 1979 and was selected as a first-team All-Big Ten Conference player in both 1978 and 1979.

John William Hennessy was an American football player. He played college football at the linebacker position for the University of Michigan from 1974 to 1976. He also played professional football in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Jets from 1977 to 1979.

Gregory Alan Morton is a former American football player. He played professional football as a defensive lineman for the Buffalo Bills during the 1977 NFL season. He also played college football at the University of Michigan from 1973 to 1976. He was a starting defensive tackle for the Michigan Wolverines football team in 34 of 35 games from 1974 to 1976. He was honored by the ABC television network as college football's defensive player of the year for 1976. At the end of his collegiate career, Morton ranked third in Michigan's all-time record book in both career tackles and career tackles for loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carl Russ</span> American football player (born 1953)

James Carlton Russ is a former American football player. He played professional football as a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets from 1975 to 1977. He also played college football at the University of Michigan from 1972 to 1974.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Neil Geoghegan (October 30, 2011). "Walt Downing Football". Daily Local News, Chester County, Penn.
  2. 1 2 3 "2001 Inductees". Coatesville High School Athletics Hall of Fame.
  3. ↑ "1975 Football Team". Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.
  4. 1 2 "1976 Football Team". Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.
  5. ↑ "Michigan Dominates UPI Big Ten Team". Youngstown Vindicator (UPI). November 24, 1976.
  6. ↑ "Downing, Hicks Are Co-Captains". The Argus-Press. September 10, 1977.
  7. 1 2 "1977 Football Team". Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.
  8. ↑ "Record Book" (PDF). University of Michigan & Host Interactive. 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-02-29. Retrieved 2007-12-27.
  9. ↑ "Versus Northwestern October 18, 1975". Regents of the University of Michigan. 2003. Retrieved 2007-12-27.
  10. ↑ "Versus Stanford September 18, 1976". Regents of the University of Michigan. 2003. Retrieved 2007-12-27.
  11. ↑ "Michigan's All-America Centers". The Michigan Daily. September 9, 1988.
  12. ↑ "University of Michigan Football: All-American, 1977, Team Co-Captain, 1977". Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.
  13. 1 2 3 "Walt Downing". pro-football-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC.
  14. ↑ "San Francisco signs second draft choice". Beaver County (Pa.) Times (UPI story). June 28, 1978. p. D2.
  15. ↑ "Prize rookies: Steelers' Johnson heads defense". Beaver County (Pa.) Times. December 8, 1978. p. B4.
  16. ↑ "1981 San Francisco 49ers". pro-football-reference.com.
  17. ↑ "T.J. Downing has true-blue support". Dayton Daily News. November 17, 2006.("Walt Downing was an All-American center at Michigan, ... winning a ring in Super Bowl XVI when the San Francisco 49ers triumphed over the Bengals ...")
  18. ↑ "Transactions". Chicago Tribune. May 4, 1984. p. C8.
  19. ↑ "USFL players threaten to strike". Record-Journal (UPI story). February 11, 1985.
  20. ↑ Ron Kroichick (January 25, 2009). "Where are they now? The 1981 49ers". San Francisco Chronicle.
  21. ↑ "Terminal Locations". Green Lines Transportation.
  22. ↑ "Son of former Wolverine standout chooses Ohio State". The Argus Press (AP story). June 26, 2001.
  23. ↑ "T.J. Downing has true-blue support". Dayton Daily News. November 17, 2006.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.