Let’s begin with September 18’s birthday boy from 1910, Ernie Pug Rentner, who was a former halfback and quarterback from Northwestern University. Pug Rittner was a dual threat. His powerful lower body and graceful control allowed him to slash through would-be tacklers.
Pug’s strong arm and large hands allowed him to rifle passes of 60 yards or more through the air with uncanny accuracy. Offensive play was not his only talent, though, as he was known to reel off long return yards on punts, kicks, and interceptions.
The 1931 Wildcats football team was exceptional as they defeated every opponent they played. It looked like they might go undefeated, but they had one game remaining, a charity contest with Purdue University.
The Wildcats were heavily favored over the Boilermakers in the game, but an elevator accident involving several members of the Northwestern team the night before the contest. No one was injured.
The team was shaken, and Purdue capitalized on the Cats’ less-than-stellar play, handing Northwestern its only loss of the season. After the 1931 season, selectors chose Ernie for the College Football All-American team.
After college, Rentner played professional football for both the Boston Redskins and the Chicago Bears. The National Football Foundation selected him to enter the College Football Hall of Fame’s corridors in 1979’s induction class.
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