34 Facts About Don Kindt

Don Kindt was the starting halfback for the Badgers for most of his college career.

Don Kindt decided to forgo his senior season at Wisconsin in order to be eligible for the 1947 NFL draft.

Don Kindt was selected with the last pick of the first round by the Bears despite having an history with injuries, and recovering from an off-season knee surgery he suffered while playing a basketball game at Wisconsin.

Don Kindt played football for Washington High School in Milwaukee where he named to the All-City squad.

Don Kindt played guard for Washington's high school basketball team.

Don Kindt became the starter at right halfback in his first year, while fellow freshman Clarence Self started at left halfback.

Don Kindt scored the only touchdown of the game, a two-yard run, and managed to force the Hawkeyes to score a safety with time expiring when he did a quarterback kneel, and purposely fell down in the end zone, getting an Iowa defender to touch him for the safety.

Don Kindt missed the next two games due to a leg infection suffered prior to a game against the University of Notre Dame.

Don Kindt returned for the homecoming game against Northwestern University, where he played a "couple of minutes" as he was still recovering from his injury.

Don Kindt came back to full form against the University of Michigan.

Don Kindt was drafted into the United States Army in 1943 while at Wisconsin, in the midst of World War II.

Don Kindt reported to active duty on February 1,1944, receiving basic training at Fort Wolters, Texas.

Don Kindt missed the 1944 season and half of the 1945 season while participating in the Italian Campaign.

Don Kindt was rewarded with two Bronze Stars, and a Victory Medal for his actions in Italy.

Don Kindt returned to play for the Badgers in October 1945.

Don Kindt only managed to play three games that season, mainly because of a late release he received while returning from the Army.

When Don Kindt returned to the squad, one journalist took it as far as hailing Don Kindt's return as a "godsend" who inspired the Badgers with his "inspirational play".

Don Kindt scored two touchdowns against Iowa upon his return.

Don Kindt regained his job as the primary starter at the halfback position in time for the season opener.

Don Kindt battled injuries with his ankle, leg and thigh throughout the season, which hampered his play at times.

Don Kindt was named to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988 and the University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997.

Don Kindt forfeited his last year of eligibility at Wisconsin after the 1946 season to play in the National Football League.

Don Kindt soon signed a three-year contract at a reported $25,000 to play for head coach George Halas.

That season Don Kindt rushed for 266 yards and two touchdowns on 61 carries.

The next season Don Kindt rushed for 189 yards on 54 carries and two touchdowns, as the Bears acquired former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Lujack and Bobby Layne to join Don Kindt, Luckman and McAfee in the backfield.

Don Kindt was a starter at defensive back for most of his career.

An outspoken player, Don Kindt was the defensive captain of the team by 1952.

Don Kindt was not afraid to criticize head coach George Halas on some of his coaching decisions, at times having to get separated from each other.

Don Kindt later blamed Halas for the loss stating "poor defensive strategy".

Don Kindt was selected to the 1954 Pro Bowl as a member of the West team, during which he scored a safety after tackling Cleveland Browns quarterback Otto Graham during the second quarter.

Don Kindt retired from football after the 1955 season to focus on a coaching career.

Don Kindt was the person in charge of the University of Wisconsin alumni varsity football game in 1958.

Don Kindt was married for over 50 years, and had three children, one of whom, Don Kindt, Jr.

Don Kindt dabbled with an acting career, appearing in amateur plays in his hometown.