Jeff Siemon, a 2006 NFF College Football Hall of Fame inductee who starred as a linebacker at Stanford from 1969–1971, passed away March 28. He was 75.
 
"Jeff Siemon embodied everything we celebrate in the NFF College Football Hall of Fame," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "He was the anchor of a Stanford defense that rose to the occasion on the biggest stages, and his leadership helped deliver some of the most memorable victories in school history, including two Rose Bowl victories. His impact extended far beyond the field, and he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time of loss."
 
Jeff Siemon gained great notoriety as a defensive player on a team best known for its offense. Yet, when it mattered most, Siemon and his defensive mates made critical stops in important games.
 
Siemon recovered from a freshman knee injury to have an impressive sophomore season at defensive end and linebacker. That year, Stanford fielded a Top 20 team with a 7-2-1 record and finished second in the Pac-Eight.
 
As a junior, Siemon was moved full-time to middle linebacker. In the 1970 season, Stanford won the conference title and earned a Rose Bowl bid. Against highly favored Ohio State, Stanford limited the Buckeyes to 17 points, pulling the upset and denying undefeated OSU a national title. In that contest, Siemon made 15 tackles.
 
The following year, Siemon once again led Stanford to the Rose Bowl as a heavy underdog. This time, Stanford defeated unbeaten Michigan, limiting the Wolverines to 12 points. Hall of Fame coach John Ralston praised Siemon for having a "unique sixth sense" on the field and compared him to college linebackers such as Dick Butkus and Tommy Nobis.
 
A consensus First Team All-America pick in 1971, he was a two-time All-Pac-Eight selection in 1970 and 1971.
 
Siemon was the first-round draft choice (10th overall) of the Minnesota Vikings, where he played for 11 seasons, earning three trips to the Super Bowl and four Pro Bowl nods.
 
Born June 2, 1950, in Rochester, Minnesota, Siemon attended Bakersfield High School in California before enrolling at Stanford. In his post-football life, he was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and other Christian endeavors. He was also a strong supporter of the NFF Minnesota Chapter until his passing.