Alan Ameche

Alan Ameche 1960

Alan Ameche

Alan Ameche (June 1, 1933 – August 8, 1988) was an American football player who played as a fullback in the National Football League (NFL). He is best known for his time with the Baltimore Colts, where he played from 1955 to 1960. Ameche was also a standout player at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1954.

Early Life and College Career

Alan Ameche was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He attended Bradford High School, where he excelled in football. Ameche went on to play college football at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he became one of the most celebrated players in the school's history. In 1954, he won the Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football.

Professional Career

Ameche was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the first round of the 1955 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season, rushing for 961 yards and earning the NFL Rookie of the Year Award. Ameche is perhaps best remembered for scoring the winning touchdown in the 1958 NFL Championship Game, often referred to as "The Greatest Game Ever Played," where the Colts defeated the New York Giants in sudden death overtime.

Personal Life

Ameche was married to Yvonne Molinaro, and the couple had six children. After retiring from football, he became a successful businessman, owning several Gino's Hamburgers franchises and other ventures. Ameche passed away on August 8, 1988, due to a heart attack.

Legacy

Alan Ameche's contributions to football have been widely recognized. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1975. His number 35 jersey was retired by the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and he remains a beloved figure in both college and professional football history.

See Also

• Heisman Trophy
• Baltimore Colts
• 1958 NFL Championship Game
• University of Wisconsin–Madison

Related Pages

• Heisman Trophy
• Baltimore Colts
• 1958 NFL Championship Game
• University of Wisconsin–Madison
• College Football Hall of Fame

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