Joe Fields, Widener University
Football – Class of 1975
Joe Fields enjoyed a solid three-year career at center from 1972-74, leading Widener to a 24-3 record. The 1973 team led the country in rushing offense - despite Fields playing three games with a broken tow. Fields was called by Coach Bill Manlove in the 1974 Widener media guide as the "finest center I've ever coached," and was regarded by many to be the conference's premier center. Told too small to play professional football at 6'2", Fields was picked in the 14th round of the NFL draft by the New York Jets. He was an all-pro four seasons, served as the Jets' captain for nine years and was voted to the Jets' all-time team in 1990. He played with them from 1975-87 before concluding his career with the New York Giants in 1988. He also was inducted into the Gloucester County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. NFL fans voted Fields as the Player of the Year in 1980 for his off-season charity work and play on the field.
Joe Fields' Widener Hall of Fame Page