Kansas State University Athletics
K-State Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1990
- Class:
- 1953
In 1950, Switzer accepted an athletic scholarship from Kansas State. From that point, the story becomes a nightmare for Switzer’s opponents.
Switzer was an All-American footballer from 1951-53, earning consensus honors in ’53. One of the most well-rounded players in the school’s history, he was a team leader in practically every statistical category. 37 years after his last Wildcat game, he still ranks first in punt return yardage for a career (14.2 yards per return) and in punt return yardage for a season (31.0 yards per return in 1953). In fact, that 31-yard per return average in ’53 led the entire nation. It’s not hard to see why he was voted the team’s most inspirational player in’53, a year to remember for KSU. The ‘Cats broke a string of five-straight seventh place finishes in the Big Seven that year by skyrocketing to second.
Switzer’s success wasn’t limited to the football field though. He was the Big Seven Indoor long jump champion in 1952 and garnered three letters in track and field.
Once his senior athletic competition was complete, Switzer was a favorite invitee of the college all-star games. He co-captained the West team in the ’54 East/West Shrine game and was the runner-up for MVP honors. He earned the same honor in the Chicago Tribune’s College All-Star game against the world champion Detroit Lions.
He was the first halfback and the fourth player overall selected in the 1954 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers. In his rookie season, he topped the NFL in punt returns with a 13-yard average.
Professional football was interrupted for Switzer from 1956-58 as he entered the U.S. Air Force as a first lieutenant. It was back to the gridiron in ’58 when he played for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. He completed his pro stint in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes from ’59-60.
Switzer graduated in 1954 with a degree in physical education. He earned his master’s in education from KSU in 1974. He is a member of the Kansas All Sports Hall of Fame and the Big Eight Sportswriters Football Hall of Fame.
