Hall of Fame
Position: Tackle
Years: 1950-1952
Place of Birth: West Natrona, PA
Date of Birth: Feb 16, 1931
Place of Death: Eastlake, OH
Date of Death: Oct. 19, 2018
Jersey Number: 63
Height: 6-0
Weight: 235
High School: Brackenridge, PA (Har-Brack Union HS)
Born February 16, 1931, in West Natrona, Pennsylvania, Dick Modzelewski (pronounced moe-juh-LESS-kee) was one of three brothers who played football at the University of Maryland. The first was Ed, a fullback who made All-America in 1951. Since he was first, he was called "Big Mo." Dick came a year later, a 6-0, 235-pound tackle. Since he followed his older brother, he was called "Little Mo." The next Modzelewski, who was third and last, was called "No Mo."
During his three varsity years (1950-52), Dick Modzelewski helped Maryland post an impressive record of 24-4-1 under College Football Hall of Fame coach Jim Tatum, including a 22-game unbeaten streak. In 1951, Maryland was ranked third in the nation and knocked off the top ranked team, Tennessee, in the Sugar Bowl, 28-13. (In those days, bowl games did not count in final rankings.)
In 1952, Dick earned consensus All-American laurels at tackle while winning the Outland Trophy as the nation's best interior lineman and claiming Lineman of the Year honors from the Washington Touchdown Club.
After college, he played 14 years in the NFL as a tackle with the Redskins, Steelers, Giants, and Browns from 1953-1966. He played in eight league championship games and on two championship teams (Giants 1956, Browns 1964). After his playing days, he coached in the NFL for 22 years as an assistant with the Browns 1968-1977, Giants 1978, and Cincinnati Bengals 1979-1983.
Dick was inducted into the Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame in 1992.
Modzelewski passed away Oct. 19, 2018. He was 87.
