“He demanded the best from you at all times. Dick was a great NFL player and guys like that who coach demand the same type of preparation and mentality,” said former NFL player Jay Hilgenberg in regards to Dick Stanfel. Stanfel, a 2016 Hall Of Fame inductee has finally earned his place among the legends after 51 seasons either playing or coaching in the collegiate and professional level. A two time champion, five time pro-bowler, a member of the 1950’s all decade team, one of the 70 greatest Redskins, all of this while only being in the league for 7 sevens.
As a player Stanfel was a persistent hard worker and highly respected by his peers. Voted as MVP of their championship 1953 season, Dick demanded the respect of others as he expected the most out of everyone throughout ever down. Stanfels historic career and path to the hall started well before he ever stepped foot on a professional football field. Having played on what can now be viewed as one of the most prolific teams in the history of college football, Stanfel played along side four other hall of famers during his days at the University of San Francisco. A team that included Bob St. Clair, Gino Marchetti, Ollie Matson, as well as Pete Rozelle. Five hall of famers on the same team is unprecedented and only adds to the legacy that was Dick Stanfel.
Just as quick as he cemented himself as a staple and a great in the league, Stanfel hung up the cleats. After seven years in the league an early retirement came calling for Stanfel as he focused his energy on coaching, and coaching he would do for the next thirty-seven years. Having coached for numerous teams including stints with Notre Dame, California, the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, and most notably the Mike Ditka led 85’ Bears.
Known for his dedicated worth ethic, Stanfel was a no nonsense coach who got the most out of those around him always keeping everyone near him accountable. Carrying over the same technique and hard nose style of football from his playing days was something that his players appreciated. “ We came off the ball aggressively to hit you in the mouth, no zone blocking stuff. That was all Dick. I was fortunate he was in my corner for 11 years,” said one of his former players Jay Hilgenberg. “On nights before games, he would talk to us about making sure the guy you were playing against the next day finished the game saying, ‘Man, that was one tough s.o.b.’”
Truly one of the greats at what he did, Stanfel always went to the basics and how important execution of technique was, something his players appreciated. “He told you how everything was going to unfold. He told you what to expect and how to know exactly what was going to happen. That was the greatest thing about coach Stanfel.”
The one thing that never came easy to Stanfel though was getting into the hall of fame. “If it comes, it comes. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. But I sure would be happy if it happened.” Having been a candidate as nominated by the Senior Committee twice before in 93’ and 2012 Stanfel has long awaited the call from the hall. Unfortunately passing away on June 22, 2015 he was never able to live to see his dream come true.
“Truly third time was the charm,” said Stanfels son Rich. “He was sort of a lunch-box kind of guy, went to work hard every day whether he was playing or coaching. And he just did things the right way. And when he didn’t make it in 2012 he paused- I frankly was more devastated than he was for a moment- but he paused and said, ‘well, what are we doing for dinner?’ And life went on. That was dad.”
The phrase “better late than never,” seems all to fitting for Stanfel as he is more than well deserving of this honor. Perhaps not the most notable of all the players in the hall or even of his Hall Of Fame class but Stanfels work in the league can not be understated as he gave football his life and now football is finally giving back to him.
