Michigan, 8
George Allen, Coach, GM
George Allen, who posted a 116-47-5 career record in 12 seasons as an NFL head coach, earned a master’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1947.
Dan Dierdorf, OL
After earning consensus All-American recognition as a senior for the Wolverines, Dan Dierdorf was selected in the second round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. Dierdorf was a six-time Pro Bowler and earned All-Pro recognition five times in his 13 years with the same organization.
Len Ford, DL
Len Ford already appeared on our list because of the short time he spent at Morgan State, but Ford earned his football reputation as a two-way end for the 1947 national champion Michigan Wolverines. Undrafted after earning All-American recognition during the championship season, Ford landed with the Los Angeles Dons in 1948. He played two seasons in LA, eight in Cleveland (where he won three NFL titles and earned four Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections) and finished with one season in Green Bay.
Benny Friedman, QB
Benny Friedman graduated from Michigan in 1927 and began his pro career with the Cleveland Bulldogs. He played a total of eight NFL seasons with four teams, throwing a total of 66 touchdown passes and 18 rushing TDs and earning All-Pro recognition four times.
Bill Hewitt, End
Another former Wolverine that plied his trade in the early days of the NFL, Bill Hewitt played five seasons with the Chicago Bears (with whom he won two NFL titles) and spent three years with the Philadelphia Eagles. A six-time All-Pro, Hewitt had his No. 56 jersey retired in Chicago.
Elroy Hirsch
Another second-timer, “Crazylegs” played at both Michigan and Wisconsin before beginning a 12-year NFL career in Chicago and Los Angeles. A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Hirsch spent 10 years as the GM of the Rams and the majority of two decades as the AD at Wisconsin after his playing days ended.
Tom Mack, OL
The No. 2 overall pick in the 1966 draft by the Los Angeles Rams, Tom Mack earned Pro Bowl recognition in 11 of his 13 seasons with the team. He was also a four-time First Team All-Pro selection.
Ralph Wilson, Jr., Owner
Our third and final dual-school Michigander, Ralph C. Wilson graduated from Michigan Law School before embarking on a 55-year career as the owner of the Buffalo Bills.