Emil “Red” Sitco

Born September 7, 1923, Emil “Red” Sitko was a standout football player for the University of Notre Dame from 1946 to 1949. Nicknamed “Six-Yard Sitko” for his consistent rushing average, he was a key part of one of the most dominant periods in the school’s history.

College Career

Sitko, a 23-year-old freshman after serving in World War II, played both right halfback and fullback. In his four years, the Fighting Irish went undefeated with a record of 36-0-2 and won three national championships in 1946, 1947, and 1949.

He led the team in rushing each of his four years and finished his career with a rushing average of 6.1 yards per carry. In his final season in 1949, he also led the team in kickoff returns, averaging 22 yards.

Sitko’s notable achievements include:

• Consensus All-American in 1948 and a unanimous All-American in 1949.
• Placing in the top ten of the Heisman Trophy voting twice, finishing seventh in 1948 and eighth in 1949.

Professional Career and Legacy

After his collegiate career, Sitko played professionally for three seasons in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers and the Chicago Cardinals.

He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984. Sitko’s career rushing average of 6.1 yards per carry still ranks high in Notre Dame’s record books. He passed away in 1973 at the age of 50.