Former University of Iowa offensive lineman Calvin Jones has been named to the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) 75th Anniversary All-America Team. The FWAA was founded in 1941 and has picked an All-America team every season since 1944. As a senior in 1961, the native of Logan won the Outland Trophy as the nation’s outstanding interior defensive lineman.
Advertisement
Charles “Bubba” Smith was undoubtedly one of the best players in the history of Michigan State football. “Please save your hate mail, but feel free to weigh in and tell us how we messed up”. “Let the debating begin”.
Thomas was selected to the 1988 FWAA All-America team and also earned the Butkus Award in that same year. A Blue Ribbon Committee of FWAA past presidents, current board members and officers then took the popular vote into consideration. That committee selected the final 75-man team.
Jones was a three time first team All Big Ten guard. A member of three national championship teams, he started all four seasons with the Crimson Tide.
The Longhorns’ four representatives tied for the fourth-most among all programs, trailing Nebraska (six), Ohio State (five) and Pittsburgh (five).
Olsen also was a three-time academic All-American at Utah State and graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Kappa Phi in 1962 with a degree in finance.
One of our very own, Jack Ham, was selected to the third team squad.
But UT’s two Heisman Trophy winners – running backs Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams – didn’t make the cut. In 2008, Olsen was named to the 75th Anniversary All-Sun Bowl Team to commemorate the Sun Bowl Association’s Diamond Anniversary.
The FWAA has selected All-America Teams in different forms over the years.
Walker is perhaps the most decorated player in UGA history. “All of our All-Americans were great, but picking this team was like choosing between a filet mignon and a Kansas City strip”.
Advertisement
The Football Writers Association of American hasn’t forgotten. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all areas that involve the game.
