Joe Collier (Football, 1951-54)

Collier, who would later go on to a long NFL coaching career, including a three-year stint as the Buffalo Bills' head coach (1966-68), earned All-America honors as an end for the Wildcats in 1952 as well as All-Big Ten first-team honors.

During the '52 season, Collier smashed Big Ten records for receiving yards (650) and touchdown receptions (seven). The previous records were 394 yards and four receiving TDs. He also caught 34 passes in seven Big Ten games. Following his senior season in 1953, Collier earned postseason all-star berths in the East-West Shrine Classic as well as the Senior Bowl. Drafted professionally by the New York Giants, Collier, however, opted to forego a professional football career in order to accept a graduate assistantship at Western Illinois University -- much to the dismay of the Giants. The start of Collier's coaching career was delayed, however, by a call to the service. He served in the U.S. Army during the years 1954-1956.

Collier then began his coaching career at Western Illinois (with Lou Saban) before moving on to the Bills, as an assistant coach and head coach, and then a 20-year stint as an assistant with the Denver Broncos.