10 Facts About Emil Sitko

Emil Martin "Red" Sitko was an American football player.

Emil Sitko earned the nickname of "Red" due to his red hair.

Emil Sitko served in a military capacity during World War II and did not enter directly into college.

Emil Sitko was a starter on the football team three years at right half and one year at fullback from 1946 to 1949.

Emil Sitko made the All-America teams of the Sporting News and the Football Writers Association of America in 1948 and was unanimous All-America in 1949.

Emil Sitko finished eighth in the 1949 Heisman Trophy voting behind teammate Leon Hart.

Emil Sitko still stands seventh on Notre Dame's career rushing charts.

Emil Sitko played three seasons in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers and the Chicago Cardinals before retiring and returning to his hometown to work in the auto sales business.

Emil Sitko died in 1973, at age 50, after a heart attack.

Emil Sitko was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984 and National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.