CFB, Pro Football HOFer Represents WVU on Shrine Bowl All-Century Team

With the 100th edition of the East-West Shrine Bowl coming up in January, the oldest college football All-Star game is celebrating the occasion by unveiling its All-Century Team. A former Mountaineer did make the cut among the best players to ever appear in the event.

Joe Stydahar, one of the most decorated athletes to ever come through WVU, made the list. Stydahar, who played both football and basketball at WVU from 1933-35, is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

After his college career, Stydahar was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 1936 NFL draft. He then played nine seasons as a tackle for the Bears from 1936 to 1942 and 1945 to 1946. He was selected as a first-team All-Pro five straight years, helping the Bears win NFL championships in 1940, 1942 and reach the 1946 NFL Championship Game.

Stydahar pivoted his playing career into a successful run as a head coach. He led the Los Angeles Rams during the 1950 and 1951 seasons and the Chicago Cardinals in 1953 and 1954. He led two teams to the NFL Championship Game, winning the title in 1951.

From the Shrine Bowl press release: 

The East-West Shrine Bowl today announced its All-Century Team, celebrating the upcoming 100th edition of the oldest college football all-star game in the nation. The distinguished roster features legendary players such as Tom Brady, Paul Hornung, Walter Payton, Roger Staubach, Lawrence Taylor, and Doak Walker, among others.

In addition to the All-Century Team, the College Football Hall of Fame unveiled an exhibit surrounding the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl.

The 100th East-West Shrine Bowl will kickoff on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. CT and be nationally televised in prime time on NFL Network.

“We are honored to have this historic milestone for the East-West Shrine Bowl recognized by the College Football Hall of Fame,” said Dustin Johnson, National Director of Sports for Shriners Children’s. “Showcasing our game’s rich legacy in such an iconic venue underscores its enduring impact on college football and its vital connection to our mission of providing life-changing care for children. This celebration is a tribute to our alumni and fans who have supported our efforts throughout the past century.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for the College Football Hall of Fame and fans to celebrate the history and significance of the East-West Shrine Bowl, the oldest college football all-star game in the country,” said Denis Crawford, Ph.D., College Football Hall of Fame Historian and Exhibit Designer. “We’re happy to help kick off the celebration with our exhibit and we look forward to the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl in January.”

Find past coverage of WVU players in the Shrine Bowl can be found at WV Sports Now.