Alex Sandusky

Alexander Vincent Sandusky (August 17, 1932 – August 11, 2020) was an American professional football player who spent his entire 13-year career as an offensive guard with the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League (NFL). ^[1] He played from 1954 to 1966, appearing in 166 games (165 starts) and helping the team win NFL championships in 1958 and 1959. ^[1] Described as one of the all-time great players in franchise history, Sandusky was a key member of the offensive line during a successful era for the Colts. ^[2] Born in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, he attended Sto-Rox High School and played college football at Clarion State College. ^[1] The Baltimore Colts selected him in the 16th round of the 1954 NFL draft, and he established himself as a reliable starting right guard. ^[2] Sandusky retired after the 1966 season and later resided in Kentucky, where he passed away on August 11, 2020, at the age of 87 in Louisville. ^[2] His contributions to the Colts' early success remain a notable part of the team's legacy in professional football. ^[2]

Early Life and Background

Birth and Family Origins

Alexander Vincent Sandusky was born on August 17, 1932, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.^[3][4] He was born into a working-class family of first-generation Lithuanian immigrants and raised in McKees Rocks, a borough in Allegheny County.^[3][4] His obituary describes him as a devoted family man.^[3]

Education and Early Athletics

Alex Sandusky attended Sto-Rox High School in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. ^{[1] [4]} Born on August 17, 1932, in McKees Rocks to a working-class family of first-generation Lithuanian immigrants, he grew up in the nearby Stowe Township area and showed early pluckiness and interest in outdoor activities, though his childhood athletic accomplishments remained modest. ^{[3] [5]} He participated in football during his high school years at Sto-Rox, which provided the foundation for his continued involvement in the sport. ^[3] Sandusky initially planned to attend Penn State University to pursue a teaching career, but in 1950 he was rerouted to Clarion State Teachers College (now Clarion University of Pennsylvania) on a path that allowed him to extend his football career in a smaller, more intimate environment. ^[3] This recruitment and transition from high school athletics to collegiate competition at Clarion marked the key step bridging his early sports experience to higher-level opportunities. ^[3]

College Football Career

Time at Clarion University

Alex Sandusky attended Clarion State College, now known as Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where he played football from 1950 to 1953. ^[5] The Stowe Township native contributed as both an offensive end and defensive end for the Golden Eagles and earned varsity letters from 1951 to 1953. ^[5] During his letterman years, the team compiled an overall record of 17-4-1. ^[5] A standout moment in his college career came during the 1952 season, when Clarion achieved the only perfect undefeated and untied record in program history at 9-0 under head coach Waldo S. Tippin. ^[6] The Golden Eagles shut out six opponents, allowed just 30 points all season, and concluded with a 13-6 victory over East Carolina in the Lions Bowl on December 13, 1952. ^[6] Sandusky played a key role in the passing game as one of quarterback Red Bevevino's primary targets, catching five touchdown passes—including a 77-yard score against St. Vincent, a 41-yard touchdown against Brockport, and a 38-yard touchdown in the Lions Bowl. ^[6] For his performance, Sandusky was voted to the Little All-America team and the All-State team. ^[5] He graduated from Clarion in 1954. ^[5] His collegiate contributions were later recognized with induction into the Clarion University Sports Hall of Fame in 1989. ^[5]

Achievements in College

During his tenure at Clarion University (then Clarion State College) from 1950 to 1953, Alex Sandusky emerged as a standout offensive and defensive end for the Golden Eagles football program.^[5] He played a pivotal role on the 1952 team that completed an undefeated season and captured the Lions Bowl championship, achieving the first perfect record in Clarion football history.^[7][8] Sandusky's performance earned him selection to the Little All-America team as well as All-State honors.^[5] In posthumous recognition of his collegiate accomplishments, Clarion inducted Sandusky into its Sports Hall of Fame in 1989.^[5] He also established the Alex Sandusky Football Scholarship to benefit future Golden Eagles football players.^[8]

Professional Football Career

Entry into the NFL and Baltimore Colts

Alex Sandusky entered the NFL after being selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 16th round (184th overall) of the 1954 NFL Draft following his standout career at Clarion University.^[9] He joined the team that same year as a rookie out of Clarion State Teachers College.^[10] Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 235 pounds, Sandusky was positioned as an offensive guard.^[10] Upon reporting to training camp in 1954, Sandusky initially lined up as a defensive end, but head coach Weeb Ewbank soon switched him to offensive guard, determining he was better suited to protecting the quarterback.^[5] He secured a spot on the roster and became the starting right offensive guard beginning with the second game of his rookie season.^[5] Sandusky played exclusively for the Baltimore Colts from the outset of his professional career.^[9][10]

Career Highlights and Statistics

Alex Sandusky played his entire 13-year professional career as an offensive guard with the Baltimore Colts, from 1954 to 1966. ^{[1] [11]} He was a consistent presence on the offensive line, serving as a key protector for quarterback Johnny Unitas and contributing to the team's offensive schemes throughout the era. ^[11] Selected in the 16th round (184th overall) of the 1954 NFL Draft by the Colts after his college career at Clarion University, Sandusky established himself as a durable starter despite being considered a longshot to make the roster initially. ^[1] His career statistics reflect significant longevity, with participation in 166 regular season games and 165 starts, all with Baltimore. ^[1] Sandusky's role as a reliable offensive lineman helped anchor the Colts' line during a period of notable team success in the late 1950s. He earned second-team All-Pro honors in 1964 (Associated Press, New York Daily News, UPI), though he received no Pro Bowl selections. ^[1] His tenure highlighted the physical demands and consistency required of linemen in the pre-merger NFL. ^[11]

Championships and Key Games

Alex Sandusky was a key member of the Baltimore Colts' offensive line during their back-to-back NFL championships in 1958 and 1959, starting at right guard in both title games. ^[1] The 1958 NFL Championship Game against the New York Giants, played on December 28 at Yankee Stadium, ended with a 23-17 overtime victory for the Colts and is widely known as the "Greatest Game Ever Played" due to its dramatic sudden-death overtime, status as the first overtime contest in league history, national television broadcast, and the introduction of elements like the no-huddle offense and two-minute drill. ^[10] Sandusky helped open the crucial lane for fullback Alan Ameche's game-winning one-yard touchdown run on a "16 power" off-tackle play between himself and tackle George Preas, and he appears in the famous photograph of Ameche crossing the goal line amid a pile of players. ^[10] Although Sandusky later reflected that the game was not his strongest personal performance, he emphasized its historical importance as a landmark moment for professional football. ^[10] In the 1959 NFL Championship Game, the Colts again faced the New York Giants and secured a 31-16 victory on December 27 at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, claiming their second consecutive league title. ^[10] Sandusky started at right guard in the contest, contributing to an offensive effort that built on the momentum from the previous year's triumph. ^[1] These two championships represent the pinnacle of his contributions during the Colts' late-1950s dynasty, with his consistent starting role anchoring the line that protected quarterback Johnny Unitas. ^[10]

Post-Retirement Life

Life After Football

After retiring from professional football following the 1966 season with the Baltimore Colts, Alex Sandusky transitioned into a role in public service. He served as director of Waterway Improvement for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.^[10] In his later years, Sandusky resided in Louisville, Kentucky.^[12]

Personal Interests and Family

Alex Sandusky was married to Mary for 65 years until his death in 2020. They raised four children: sons Vincent (with wife Alma) of Great Falls, Virginia; Michael (with wife Robin) of Charles City, Virginia; Stephen of Volcan, Costa Rica; and daughter Constance (with husband Mark) of Louisville. He was also survived by five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.^[10] An avid outdoorsman, Sandusky pursued fishing as a primary personal interest in retirement. He owned a 26-foot fishing boat kept in the canal behind his home in Key West, Florida, where he resided overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.^[13]

Media Appearances and Public Profile

Television Game Broadcasts

Alex Sandusky appeared as himself in archived broadcasts of Baltimore Colts games televised on "The NFL on CBS" during his playing career. These appearances were as an active player, not in any professional broadcasting or commentary role, with credits listing him as Self - Baltimore Colts Guard. His credits for "The NFL on CBS" span the years 1957 to 1966, aligning with the period when CBS televised select NFL games and Sandusky was a starting offensive guard for the Colts. Specific documented episodes include the 1965 matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Colts, where he was credited as Self - Baltimore Colts Guard, and the 1965 game against the Los Angeles Rams with the same credit. Such appearances were standard for players in televised NFL contests of the era, as game broadcasts captured live action featuring the entire roster, including linemen like Sandusky positioned on the offensive line. These broadcasts represent the primary instances of Sandusky's visibility in contemporary television game coverage.

Documentaries and Retrospective Features

Alex Sandusky has appeared as himself in retrospective television productions reflecting on the Baltimore Colts' legacy, particularly the iconic 1958 NFL Championship game against the New York Giants. In the TV movie "The Greatest Game Ever Played," he is credited as "Self - Colts Offensive Lineman."

Death and Legacy

Passing

Alex Sandusky died on August 11, 2020, in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of 87. He passed away in the city where he had resided in later years following his football career.

Honors and Memorials

Alex Sandusky received recognition for his contributions to football both during his lifetime and posthumously, though his honors remain relatively modest given his role as an offensive lineman. ^[10] He was named to the Baltimore Colts Silver Anniversary Team, a distinction acknowledging standout players from the franchise's history. ^[10] At Clarion University, his alma mater, the Alex Sandusky Football Scholarship bears his name; it was established by Sandusky himself during his lifetime to support student-athletes, reflecting his enduring connection to the program where he excelled before entering the NFL. ^{[8] [14]} Following his death, Sandusky's memory has been preserved through a memorial page on Find a Grave, which documents his life, career, and burial site while serving as a place for public remembrances. ^[4] Obituaries and tributes from family and former associates highlighted his character and legacy within the football community, though no major honors such as induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame or the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor have been conferred. ^[3]