Heidelberg University Athletics

If there was anyone suited to battle in the trenches of the National Football League, it was "Briggsie". Briggs was one of few defensive linemen to successfully make the transition from small college athlete to the pro ranks.

A four-year letterman and starter, Briggs was a three-time all-Ohio Athletic Conference selection. During his collegiate career, he gained the respect of players and coaches. He was almost constantly being doubleteamed by offensive linemen.

A Sayger Award winner, Briggs' play so impressed pro scouts that he was the ninth round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 1967.  He played nine years, retiring in 1975 following his second knee operation. He played for the San Diego Chargers, Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs. His stature and his unique ability to communicate made him a perfect public relations liaison.

Appearing at special events for the Chargers and Browns, Briggs also was hired by the NFL to coordinate an educational youth program during the off-season in San Diego.

But it was the gridiron and his love of football that kept Briggs in the pros.  He was known for his tenacity, determination and quickness. While a member of the Chargers' football team, Briggs was voted player of the week for the way he almost single-handedly stopped the running game of Miami Dolphins' tandem running backs Larry Czonka and Jim Kiick.

He scored four touchdowns in his career. A truly remarkable feat when one considers that the touchdowns came as the result of passes Briggs intercepted.

After his retirement, Briggs coached football as an assistant at Benedictine College (Illinois) and for the Student Princes during the 1981-82 seasons.

He currently resides in Tiffin and he owns and operates food stores in Tiffin and New Riegel.

This profile appeared in the 1986 Hall of Fame Banquet program.  Mr. Briggs passed away in 1997.