March 7, 2006

Former Villanova University football standout John Sandusky passed away on Sunday, March 5 in Coral Springs, Fla. A native of Philadelphia and a 1949 graduate of Villanova, Sandusky died of complications due to internal bleeding.

A four-year starter at lineman at Villanova from 1946-49, Sandusky was regarded as one of the quickest big men in the nation during his playing days. As a senior in 1949, he earned first team All-American honors from the New York Sun. Following his collegiate career, he went on to play seven seasons in the NFL, including six with the Cleveland Browns (1950-55) and one with the Green Bay Packers (1956).

In 1995, Sandusky had his Villanova jersey retired on the Wildcat Wall of Fame. Joining him in the 1995 induction class was NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long and Jordan Olivar who was Sandusky's head college coach for three seasons.

Sandusky also had a long NFL coaching career. He served as a defensive and offensive line coach with the Baltimore Colts (1959-72), Philadelphia Eagles (1973-75) and Miami Dolphins (1976-94). From 1989-94, Sandusky was Don Shula's assistant head coach with the Miami Dolphins.