Paul Wiggin, a 2005 NFF College Football Hall of Fame inductee who dominated at Stanford from 1954–1956, passed away Dec. 12. The fourth-oldest living NFF Hall of Famer at the time of his passing, he was 91.
“Paul Wiggin represented everything the NFF College Football Hall of Fame aspires to honor, specifically excellence on the field, leadership on the sidelines, and a lifelong commitment to the game,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “His impact on college football spanned generations, and he leaves behind a legacy that will long be remembered. We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing.”
An imposing defensive tackle, Stanford’s Paul Wiggin owned the line of scrimmage for three years, twice earning First Team All-America honors. Also, a two-time All-Pacific Coast Conference pick, Wiggin was invited to participate in the East-West Shrine Game in 1956 and the Hula Bowl in 1957. He was named Stanford’s Defensive Player of the Century in fan voting.
Drafted by the Browns in the sixth round of the 1957 NFL Draft, Wiggin enjoyed an 11-year professional career, playing his entire career in Cleveland, never missing a game and twice earning Pro Bowl honors. When his playing days were over, Wiggin began a coaching career that included head coaching stops with the Kansas City Chiefs and at Stanford. He also served as an assistant coach with the San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings.
His head coaching tenure at Stanford included the famous “The Play” against archrival Cal, when the band prematurely took the field. Three of his Cardinal players later earned induction into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame: John Elway, Ken Margerum and Darrin Nelson. After his coaching career, Wiggin served in a variety of roles in the Vikings’ personnel department for four decades.
Before enrolling at Stanford, Wiggin played at Modesto Junior College and was later inducted into the Modesto Junior College Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2008, he was inducted into the Browns Legend Club. Residing in the Minneapolis area, Wiggin became very involved with the NFF Minnesota Chapter, and he was recognized with the outpost’s Bud Grant Distinguished Minnesotan Award in 2022.
Born November 18, 1934, in Modesto, California, Wiggin attended Manteca High School in Manteca, California, where he starred in four sports and earned accolades as the school’s Most Outstanding Athlete.
