Joe Spivak Earns Prestigious No. 1 Jersey
8/4/2021 5:23:00 PM | Football
EVANSTON, Ill. — The No. 1 jersey in the Northwestern football program is used to recognize the student-athlete who truly embodies the values and character of the Northwestern football family. Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald presented senior defensive tackle/fullback Joe Spivak with the famed No. 1 jersey to wear during the upcoming campaign.
The tradition of the No. 1 jersey began in 2011 when Fitzgerald bestowed the honor upon defensive lineman and special teams standout Bo Cisek. Spivak joins an illustrious line of 'Cats to wear No. 1 including, Cisek, Tim Hanrahan, Max Chapman, Anthony Walker, Jr., Tyler Lancaster, Chad Hanaoka, Joe Bergin and Jesse Brown.
Spivak has appeared in 37 games during his career, including eight starts during the 2020 season. The Darien, Illinois, native had a career-best 14 tackles last season, while also playing on the offensive side of the ball as a fullback. Spivak is extremely active off the field, earning a spot on the 2020 Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Team for his work in raising funds and awareness for the Northwestern Uplifting Athletes chapter. This summer Spivak was named a nominee for the AFCA Goodworks Team and the Wuerffel Trophy (most impactful leaders in community service) watch list.
The tradition continues. #GoCats
— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) August 5, 2021
No. 1?? ?? @JoeSpivak pic.twitter.com/QZkmREtHaG
The tradition of the No. 1 jersey began in 2011 when Fitzgerald bestowed the honor upon defensive lineman and special teams standout Bo Cisek. Spivak joins an illustrious line of 'Cats to wear No. 1 including, Cisek, Tim Hanrahan, Max Chapman, Anthony Walker, Jr., Tyler Lancaster, Chad Hanaoka, Joe Bergin and Jesse Brown.
Spivak has appeared in 37 games during his career, including eight starts during the 2020 season. The Darien, Illinois, native had a career-best 14 tackles last season, while also playing on the offensive side of the ball as a fullback. Spivak is extremely active off the field, earning a spot on the 2020 Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Team for his work in raising funds and awareness for the Northwestern Uplifting Athletes chapter. This summer Spivak was named a nominee for the AFCA Goodworks Team and the Wuerffel Trophy (most impactful leaders in community service) watch list.
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Football
DL
/ FootballFootball - Western Illinois Cinematic Recap (9/5/25)
Monday, September 08
Football - Week 3 Monday Press Conference (9/8/25)
Monday, September 08
Football - Western Illinois at Northwestern Postgame Press Conference
Saturday, September 06
Football - 'Cats Roll Western Illinois, 42-7 in Home Opener (9/5/25)
Saturday, September 06
