John F. Wiley
A stalwart Pittsburgh Steelers lineman of the post-war era who later returned to shape the football program at his small-college alma mater.
1920–2013 (age 93)·American football player and coach·Birthday: April 18·The Greatest Generation
Biography
John F. 'Smiling Jack' Wiley carved out his football life in the hard-nosed trenches of the 1940s NFL and the dedicated sidelines of small-college coaching. After serving in the US Navy during World War II, the Pennsylvania native joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1946, playing tackle for five seasons during a period when the franchise was building its gritty identity. Known for his consistent, durable play, he was part of the Steelers' first winning season in 1947. When his playing days ended, Wiley returned to the roots of the game, taking the helm at his alma mater, Waynesburg College, in 1951. In four seasons as head coach, he compiled an impressive 22-9-1 record, demonstrating a sharp football mind and a talent for developing players at the collegiate level. His legacy is one of quiet, effective contribution, first as a professional lineman and then as a builder of a successful small-town program.
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.
John 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 John Was Born
The biggest hits of 1920
#1 Movie
Way Down East
John'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
2013Died at 93
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
Key Achievements
- Played professional tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers for five seasons from 1946 to 1950.
- Posted a winning record of 22-9-1 as head football coach at Waynesburg College from 1951 to 1954.
- Was part of the 1947 Pittsburgh Steelers team that achieved the franchise's first winning season (8-4).
Did You Know?
He earned the nickname 'Smiling Jack' for his cheerful demeanor on and off the field.
He served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II before his NFL career.
His 1951 Waynesburg team went 8-0, the only undefeated, untied season in the school's history.
“The line is where the game is won or lost.”
