Roger Wehrli
Encyclopedia
Roger Wehrli is a former National Football League
cornerback
who played his entire 14-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals
from 1969
until 1982
. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl
er after playing college football at the University of Missouri
, where he was a consensus All-American
and a first-round draft choice by the Cardinals in 1969. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
in 2007.
. In 1965, Dan Devine recruited Wehrli from King City, Missouri
, where he lettered in football, basketball, and track for the Wildkats.
coach Dan Devine
. Despite playing on defense, Wehrli was able to get his hands on the ball often enough to be an offensive threat. Wehrli was a two-time All-Big 8
player and was the Big 8 Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. That same year, he was a unanimous All-America selection.
Roger had ten career interceptions, with seven coming in his senior season, also returning kickoffs and punts. In 1968, his 40 punt returns and 12-yard return average led the nation. To finish off an 8-3 season, Wehrli had a decisive interception to help lead the Missouri to a 35-10 victory over the University of Alabama
in the Gator Bowl
.
At the time of his College Hall of Fame induction he held school records for career punt returns, punt return yards in a game, season, and career. He played in the Senior Bowl
and was named to the 50-year Anniversary All-Senior Bowl team.
Wehrli was a member of the first class of inductees into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
, located in Springfield
.
He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame
in 2003. Joining him as part of the class of 2003 were: Ricky Bell
(USC), Murry Bowden
(Dartmouth), Tom Brown (Minnesota), Jimbo Covert (Pittsburgh), Jerry LeVias
(SMU), Billy Neighbors
(Alabama), Ron Pritchard
(Arizona State), John Rauch
(Georgia), Barry Sanders
(Oklahoma State) and Joe Theismann
(Notre Dame). Also elected as coaches are Doug Dickey
and Hayden Fry
.
Wehrli is the 13th person with ties to the University of Missouri to be inducted into the College Hall of Fame, joining standouts Bill Roper (Coach, 1951), Paul Christman
(Quarterback, 1960), Don Faurot
(Coach, 1961), Bob Steuber
(Halfback, 1971), James Phelan
(Coach, 1973), Ed “Brick” Travis
(Tackle, 1974), Darold Jenkins
(Center, 1976), Frank Broyles
(Coach, 1983), John Waldorf (Official, 1984), Dan Devine
(Coach, 1985), Johnny Roland
(Halfback, 1998) and Kellen Winslow
(Tight End, 2002).
In 1990, Wehrli was voted a charter member of the University of Missouri
Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.
Wehrli's outstanding attribute was his speed. Originally expected to be taken in the third round, he ran a 4.5 40 yard dash
and vaulted into the first round http://www.ksdk.com/sports/sports_article.aspx?storyid=112156. Hall of Fame quarterback
Roger Staubach
has called Wehrli the best cornerback he played against, and claims that the term "shutdown corner" originated as a description of Wehrli.
In his career, Wehrli had 40 career interceptions for 309 yards and recovered 19 fumbles. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
in 2007. When inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
,he became the second Missouri player to be elected, joining former tight end Kellen Winslow
, who was enshrined in 1995. Wehrli was inducted into the Cardinals Ring of Honor on October 14, 2007.
An All-Rookie choice in 1969, Wehrli was voted All-Pro
in 1970 and was a consensus All-NFC selection including being voted to the Pro Bowl. In 1971, Wehrli was 2nd team All-Pro
by the NEA and again was a consensus All-NFC choice and was selected to his second Pro Bowl. In 1972 Wehrli was moved to safety by the Cardinals coaching staff where he played alongside Hall of Famer Larry Wilson
. He returned to right cornerback in 1973.
In 1974 Wehrli was again All-Pro
and he made his third Pro Bowl and was a consensus All-NFC selection. The following year, 1975 though 1977, he was a consensus All-pro and consensus All-NFC player and a Pro Bowler. In 1978 Wehrli's only post-season honor was being honorable mention All-NFC by UPI as his Cardinal team struggled under new coach Bud Wilkinson. In 1979 Wehrli had a fine season and was a consensus All-NFC pick and made his seventh Pro Bowl.
In 1981, after 12 seasons as right cornerback (except for 1972), Wehrli switched to the left side. In his first start at the other corner, he broke up two passes and made four tackles as the Cards shut out the Buffalo Bills, 24-0.
In his 14 seasons, Wehrli played in 193 games. In addition to his starting defensive back duties, he was the holder on the place-kicks. In that role he scored a touchdown in 1982 on a fake field goal.
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
cornerback
Cornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
who played his entire 14-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
from 1969
1969 in sports
1969 in sports describes the year's events in world sport.-Alpine skiing:* Alpine Skiing World Cup:** Men's overall champion: Karl Schranz, Austria** Women's overall champion: Gertrud Gabl, Austria-American football:...
until 1982
1982 in sports
1982 in sports describes the year's events in world sport.-Alpine skiing:* Alpine Skiing World Cup:** Men's overall season champion: Phil Mahre, United States** Women's overall season champion: Erika Hess, Switzerland-American football:...
. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl
Pro Bowl
In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
er after playing college football at the University of Missouri
University of Missouri
The University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses...
, where he was a consensus All-American
1968 College Football All-America Team
The 1968 College Football All-America team is composed of various organizations that choose College All-America teams that season. The organizations that chose the teams were Associated Press, United Press International, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Central Press Association, Football Writers...
and a first-round draft choice by the Cardinals in 1969. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
in 2007.
High school
Wehrli was born in New Point, MissouriNew Point, Missouri
New Point is an unincorporated community in eastern Holt County, Missouri, United States. It is located about five miles northeast of Oregon. It was originally named Grant. Its post office has closed and mail now comes from Oregon. Its most famous citizen is football Hall of Famer, Roger Wehrli,...
. In 1965, Dan Devine recruited Wehrli from King City, Missouri
King City, Missouri
King City is a city in Gentry County, Missouri, United States. The population was 1,012 at the 2000 census.-History:John Pittsenbarger was the first European settler when he set up a tent in town in 1856. His application to name the town Petersburg was rejected because there was already a town of...
, where he lettered in football, basketball, and track for the Wildkats.
College career
Wehrli was assigned to defense by University of MissouriUniversity of Missouri
The University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses...
coach Dan Devine
Dan Devine
Daniel John Devine was an American football player and coach. He served as the head coach football coach at Arizona State University from 1955 to 1957, the University of Missouri from 1958 to 1970, and the University of Notre Dame from 1975 to 1980, compiling a career college football mark of...
. Despite playing on defense, Wehrli was able to get his hands on the ball often enough to be an offensive threat. Wehrli was a two-time All-Big 8
Big Eight Conference
The Big Eight Conference, a former NCAA-affiliated Division I-A college athletic association that sponsored football, was formed in January 1907 as the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association by its charter member schools: the University of Kansas, University of Missouri, University...
player and was the Big 8 Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. That same year, he was a unanimous All-America selection.
Roger had ten career interceptions, with seven coming in his senior season, also returning kickoffs and punts. In 1968, his 40 punt returns and 12-yard return average led the nation. To finish off an 8-3 season, Wehrli had a decisive interception to help lead the Missouri to a 35-10 victory over the University of Alabama
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is a public coeducational university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States....
in the Gator Bowl
Gator Bowl
The Gator Bowl is an annual college football bowl game played at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Held continuously since 1946, it is the sixth oldest college bowl, as well as the first one ever televised nationally...
.
At the time of his College Hall of Fame induction he held school records for career punt returns, punt return yards in a game, season, and career. He played in the Senior Bowl
Senior Bowl
The Senior Bowl is a post-season college football exhibition game played in Mobile, Alabama which showcases the best NFL Draft prospects of those collegiate players who have completed their eligibility. First played in 1950 in Jacksonville, Florida, the game moved to Mobile's Ladd Peebles Stadium...
and was named to the 50-year Anniversary All-Senior Bowl team.
Wehrli was a member of the first class of inductees into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield, Missouri, USA, showcases sports memorabilia of Missouri athletes and interactive displays.-Inductees:-External links:*...
, located in Springfield
Springfield, Missouri
Springfield is the third largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and the county seat of Greene County. According to the 2010 census data, the population was 159,498, an increase of 5.2% since the 2000 census. The Springfield Metropolitan Area, population 436,712, includes the counties of...
.
He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame
The College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and museum devoted to college football. Located in South Bend, Indiana, it is connected to a convention center and situated in the city's renovated downtown district, two miles south of the University of Notre Dame campus. It is slated to move...
in 2003. Joining him as part of the class of 2003 were: Ricky Bell
Ricky Bell (running back)
Ricky Lynn Bell younger brother of recording artist Archie Bell, was an American professional football player who played running back in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Diego Chargers from 1977 to 1982...
(USC), Murry Bowden
Murry Bowden
Murry Bowden was an American football player. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003....
(Dartmouth), Tom Brown (Minnesota), Jimbo Covert (Pittsburgh), Jerry LeVias
Jerry LeVias
Jerry LeVias was the first African-American scholarship athlete and second African-American football player in the Southwest Conference.-Early years:Born in Beaumont, Texas, LeVias played quarterback for Hebert High School...
(SMU), Billy Neighbors
Billy Neighbors
William Wesley "Billy" Neighbors is a former American football guard who played in the American Football League from . He played college football at the University of Alabama where he was an All-American, and was selected in sixth round of the 1962 AFL Draft...
(Alabama), Ron Pritchard
Ron Pritchard
Ronald David Pritchard is a former American football linebacker who played nine seasons with the Houston Oilers and the Cincinnati Bengals, first in the American Football League, then in the National Football League....
(Arizona State), John Rauch
John Rauch
John "Johnny" Rauch was an American football player and coach. He was head coach of the Oakland Raiders in the team's loss to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl II in 1968.-Early life:...
(Georgia), Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders is a former American football running back who spent all of his professional career with the Detroit Lions in the NFL. Sanders left the game just short of the all-time rushing record...
(Oklahoma State) and Joe Theismann
Joe Theismann
Joseph Robert "Joe" Theismann is a former quarterback in the National Football League and Canadian Football League . He achieved his most enduring fame in his 12 seasons playing for the Washington Redskins, where he was a two-time Pro Bowler and quarterback of the winning team in Super Bowl XVII...
(Notre Dame). Also elected as coaches are Doug Dickey
Doug Dickey
Douglas Adair "Doug" Dickey is a former American college football player and coach and college athletics administrator. Dickey is a South Dakota native who was raised in Florida and graduated from the University of Florida, where he played college football...
and Hayden Fry
Hayden Fry
John Hayden Fry is a former American football player and coach. He served as the head coach at Southern Methodist University , North Texas State University, now the University of North Texas , and the University of Iowa , compiling a career college football record of 232–178–10...
.
Wehrli is the 13th person with ties to the University of Missouri to be inducted into the College Hall of Fame, joining standouts Bill Roper (Coach, 1951), Paul Christman
Paul Christman
Paul Joseph Christman was an American football player and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. He played college football for the University of Missouri and professionally for the Chicago Cardinals and Green Bay Packers.-Collegiate career:A St...
(Quarterback, 1960), Don Faurot
Don Faurot
Donald Burrows Faurot was an American football and basketball player and coach. He served as the head football coach at the Northeast Missouri State Teachers College, now Truman State University, from 1926 to 1934 and at the University of Missouri from 1935 to 1942 and again from 1946 to 1956...
(Coach, 1961), Bob Steuber
Bob Steuber
Robert James "Bob" Steuber was an American football halfback in the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971.-External links:**...
(Halfback, 1971), James Phelan
James Phelan
James Phelan may refer to:*James Phelan , American college football coach*James Phelan , American literary critic*James Phelan, Sr. , Confederate States of America politician...
(Coach, 1973), Ed “Brick” Travis
Ed Travis
James Edward Travis was an American football player. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974.-External links:*...
(Tackle, 1974), Darold Jenkins
Darold Jenkins
Darold Jenkins was an American football player. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1976....
(Center, 1976), Frank Broyles
Frank Broyles
John Franklin Broyles is a former American football player and coach, athletics administrator, and broadcaster. He served as the head football coach the University of Missouri in 1957 and at the University of Arkansas from 1958 to 1976...
(Coach, 1983), John Waldorf (Official, 1984), Dan Devine
Dan Devine
Daniel John Devine was an American football player and coach. He served as the head coach football coach at Arizona State University from 1955 to 1957, the University of Missouri from 1958 to 1970, and the University of Notre Dame from 1975 to 1980, compiling a career college football mark of...
(Coach, 1985), Johnny Roland
Johnny Roland
Johnny Earl Roland is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the St...
(Halfback, 1998) and Kellen Winslow
Kellen Winslow
Kellen Boswell Winslow is a former American football tight end with the Missouri Tigers and the San Diego Chargers. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the game. He is currently the athletic director at Central State University.Winslow did not play high...
(Tight End, 2002).
In 1990, Wehrli was voted a charter member of the University of Missouri
University of Missouri
The University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses...
Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.
NFL career
| "The term ‘Shutdown Corner’ originated with Roger Wehrli. There wasn’t a better cornerback I played against. He was a great, great defensive back. You had to be aware of him all the time.” |
| Roger Staubach Roger Staubach Roger Thomas Staubach is a businessman, Heisman Trophy winner and legendary Hall of Fame former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys from 1969 until 1979. Staubach was instrumental in developing the Cowboys into becoming one of the best teams of the 1970s and led the team to nine of the Cowboys'... |
Wehrli's outstanding attribute was his speed. Originally expected to be taken in the third round, he ran a 4.5 40 yard dash
40 yard dash
The 40-yard dash is a sprint covering . It is primarily run to evaluate the speed of American football players by scouts, particularly for the NFL Draft but also for collegiate recruiting. A player's recorded time in the 40 can have a heavy impact on his prospects in college or professional football...
and vaulted into the first round http://www.ksdk.com/sports/sports_article.aspx?storyid=112156. Hall of Fame quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
Roger Staubach
Roger Staubach
Roger Thomas Staubach is a businessman, Heisman Trophy winner and legendary Hall of Fame former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys from 1969 until 1979. Staubach was instrumental in developing the Cowboys into becoming one of the best teams of the 1970s and led the team to nine of the Cowboys'...
has called Wehrli the best cornerback he played against, and claims that the term "shutdown corner" originated as a description of Wehrli.
In his career, Wehrli had 40 career interceptions for 309 yards and recovered 19 fumbles. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
in 2007. When inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
,he became the second Missouri player to be elected, joining former tight end Kellen Winslow
Kellen Winslow
Kellen Boswell Winslow is a former American football tight end with the Missouri Tigers and the San Diego Chargers. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the game. He is currently the athletic director at Central State University.Winslow did not play high...
, who was enshrined in 1995. Wehrli was inducted into the Cardinals Ring of Honor on October 14, 2007.
An All-Rookie choice in 1969, Wehrli was voted All-Pro
1970 All-Pro Team
The following is a list of players that were named to the Associated Press All-Pro Team, the Newspaper Enterprise Association All-Pro team and the Pro Football Writers Association, and Pro Football Weekly All-Pro teams in 1970. Both first- and second- teams are listed for the NEA, and PFWA teams...
in 1970 and was a consensus All-NFC selection including being voted to the Pro Bowl. In 1971, Wehrli was 2nd team All-Pro
1971 All-Pro Team
The following is a list of players that were named to the Associated Press All-Pro Team, the Newspaper Enterprise Association All-Pro team and the Pro Football Writers Association, and Pro Football Weekly All-Pro teams in 1971. Both first- and second- teams are listed for the NEA, and PFWA teams...
by the NEA and again was a consensus All-NFC choice and was selected to his second Pro Bowl. In 1972 Wehrli was moved to safety by the Cardinals coaching staff where he played alongside Hall of Famer Larry Wilson
Larry Wilson
Larry Frank Wilson is a former American football free safety who played for the St. Louis Cardinals.Wilson attended Rigby High School, where a plaque now hangs noting his accomplishments...
. He returned to right cornerback in 1973.
In 1974 Wehrli was again All-Pro
1974 All-Pro Team
The following is a list of players that were named to the Associated Press All-Pro Team, the Newspaper Enterprise Association All-Pro team and the Pro Football Writers Association, and Pro Football Weekly All-Pro teams in 1974. Both first- and second- teams are listed for the AP, NEA, and PFWA teams...
and he made his third Pro Bowl and was a consensus All-NFC selection. The following year, 1975 though 1977, he was a consensus All-pro and consensus All-NFC player and a Pro Bowler. In 1978 Wehrli's only post-season honor was being honorable mention All-NFC by UPI as his Cardinal team struggled under new coach Bud Wilkinson. In 1979 Wehrli had a fine season and was a consensus All-NFC pick and made his seventh Pro Bowl.
In 1981, after 12 seasons as right cornerback (except for 1972), Wehrli switched to the left side. In his first start at the other corner, he broke up two passes and made four tackles as the Cards shut out the Buffalo Bills, 24-0.
In his 14 seasons, Wehrli played in 193 games. In addition to his starting defensive back duties, he was the holder on the place-kicks. In that role he scored a touchdown in 1982 on a fake field goal.
External links
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Member profile