Al Wistert
A rock-solid Philadelphia Eagle captain who anchored their line in the NFL's formative years, earning four All-Pro selections.
1920–2016 (age 96)·American football player·Birthday: December 28·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Al Wistert, known as 'Ox' for his formidable strength, was the cornerstone of the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive line during the 1940s. Born in Chicago, he played his entire nine-year professional career with the Eagles, a rarity that cemented his status as a franchise pillar. He wasn't just a physical presence; his leadership saw him named team captain, guiding the squad through a rugged era of the sport. Wistert's excellence was recognized with four All-Pro team selections, a testament to his dominance at tackle in an age before constant all-star games. His legacy is that of a durable, consistent force who helped define the toughness of early NFL football, remaining a beloved figure in Eagles history long after his final snap.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Al was born in 1920, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Al Was Born
The biggest hits of 1920
#1 Movie
Way Down East
Al's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1920Born
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1925Started school
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1933Became a teenager
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1936Could drive
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1938Could vote
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1941Turned 21
Pearl Harbor attack brings the US into WWII
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,060Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Chattanooga Choo Choo" — Glenn MillerBest Picture: How Green Was My Valley
1950Turned 30
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1960Turned 40
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1970Turned 50
First Earth Day; The Beatles break up
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $17,000Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Bridge over Troubled Water" — Simon & GarfunkelBest Picture: Patton
1980Turned 60
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1990Turned 70
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
2000Turned 80
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2016Died at 96
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
Key Achievements
- Selected as a first-team All-Pro four times during his NFL career.
- Played his entire nine-season professional career exclusively for the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Named a team captain of the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Was chosen to play in the NFL's first official Pro Bowl game in 1951.
Did You Know?
He was one of three football-playing brothers, all of whom were tackles and wore the number 70.
Wistert played college football at the University of Michigan under famed coach Fritz Crisler.
His jersey number 70 is retired by the Philadelphia Eagles.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II before his NFL career.
“The only statistic I care about is the final score on our side of the field.”
