Joe Rutgens

Joe Rutgens is a former NFL defensive tackle who played nine seasons for the Washington Redskins. Born January 26, 1939, Rutgens played college football at the University of Illinois, earning All-American honors in 1960 and first-team All-Big Ten recognition from the Associated Press in both 1959 and 1960. He was selected third overall by Washington in the first round of the 1961 NFL Draft, with the Oakland Raiders also taking him fourth overall in the 1961 AFL Draft. His professional career earned him two Pro Bowl selections. In 2008, he was named one of the top ten defensive linemen in Illinois program history.