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Bill Fischer (American football) facts for kids

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Bill Fischer
refer to caption
Fischer on a 1952 Bowman football card
No. 72
Position: Tackle, guard, defensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (1927-03-10)March 10, 1927
Chicago, Illinois
Died: January 20, 2017(2017-01-20) (aged 89)
Cape Coral, Florida
Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight: 248 lb (112 kg)
Career information
High school: Chicago (IL) Lane Tech
College: Notre Dame
NFL Draft: 1949 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10
Career history
As player:
As coach:
Career highlights and awards
  • Pro Bowl (1950–1952)
  • 2× College football national champion (1946–1947)
  • 2× Consensus All-American (1947–1948)
  • Outland Trophy (1948)
Career NFL statistics
Player stats at NFL.com
Player stats at PFR
College Football Hall of Fame

William Anton "Moose" Fischer (born March 10, 1927 – died January 20, 2017) was a talented American football player. He was known as a lineman, which means he played on the offensive or defensive line, blocking or tackling other players. Bill Fischer played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) for the Chicago Cardinals from 1949 to 1953.

He was a top pick in the 1949 NFL Draft by the Chicago Cardinals. During his time with the Cardinals, he was chosen to play in three Pro Bowls. A Pro Bowl is an all-star game where the best players from the NFL compete. Before joining the pros, he played college football at the University of Notre Dame. There, he helped his team win two national championships in 1946 and 1947. He was also named a Consensus All-American twice, in 1947 and 1948. This means he was recognized as one of the best college players in the country. In 1948, he won the Outland Trophy, which is given to the best interior lineman in college football.

Early Life and College Football Success

Bill Fischer was born in Chicago, Illinois. He went to Lane Technical College Prep High School. After high school, he became a star player at the University of Notre Dame.

Winning Championships at Notre Dame

At Notre Dame, Fischer was a key part of a very successful team. They won national championships in both 1946 and 1947. These championships showed how strong the team was and how important Fischer was to their success.

Top College Lineman

In 1948, Fischer received the prestigious Outland Trophy. This award recognizes the best interior lineman in college football. It showed that he was considered the top player in his position across the nation.

Interestingly, Bill Fischer was first drafted by the Chicago Cardinals in the 1948 NFL Draft. He was the very last pick in that draft, sometimes called "Mr. Irrelevant." However, he decided to stay in college for another year. The Cardinals then drafted him again in the 1949 NFL Draft, this time as their first-round pick!

Professional Football Career

After his amazing college career, Bill Fischer joined the Chicago Cardinals in the NFL. He played for them from 1949 to 1953.

Pro Bowl Appearances

During his time in the NFL, Fischer was selected for the Pro Bowl three times. This is a big honor, as only the best players are chosen to play in this special game. It showed that he was one of the top linemen in the entire league.

Life After Playing Football

After his professional playing career ended, Bill Fischer returned to his old college, Notre Dame.

Coaching and Leadership

From 1954 to 1958, he worked as an assistant coach for the Notre Dame football team. Later, in 1982, he became the president of the Notre Dame Monogram Club. This club is for athletes who have earned a "monogram" (a letter or symbol representing their sport) at Notre Dame.

Hall of Fame Honor

In 1983, Bill Fischer was inducted into the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame. This is a very high honor for college football players and coaches, recognizing their lasting impact on the sport.

Bill Fischer passed away on January 20, 2017, in Cape Coral, Florida. He is remembered as a great football player and a true Notre Dame legend.

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