Vic Janowicz Biography

Victor Felix "Crash" Janowicz, born February 26, 1930, was an American football halfback and baseball catcher whose NFL career ended after a serious automobile accident in southern California. In 1950, he received the Heisman Trophy and was named UPI College Football Player of the Year while playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Janowicz was drafted in the seventh round of the 1952 NFL draft and played professionally for the Washington Redskins in 1954 and 1955. Janowicz spent two Major League Baseball seasons, 1953-54, as a catcher and third baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Janowicz was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1976. A stretch of Seventh Street near Elyria High School is named Vic Janowicz Drive in recognition of his achievements. A Little League Baseball field on Wittenburg Avenue in Elyria bears the name Vic Janowicz Park.