Arthur J. Murakowski (Football, 1946-49)

Murakowski was a two-time Most Valuable Player for Northwestern. He won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten Conference's Most Valuable Player in 1948 and was named All-American fullback that same year.

Murakowski ranks among the school's leaders in rushing yards and scoring, and as a superb defender, he holds the NU record for the third longest interception return, a 91-yard return against Notre Dame in 1948. He set up NU's second touchdown in the 1949 Rose Bowl against California with a 10-yard carry to the 1-yard line and scored on the next play.

Murakowski went on to play professionally with the Detroit Lions in 1951 after being drafted 31st overall in the 1950 NFL Draft. He played in all 12 games that year, primarily as a linebacker.

Following his playing career, Murakowski spent 31 years working for county and local government in Lake County and North Township, Ind. He was also elected to the Indiana House of Representatives several times from 1964 into the 1970s.