Joseph Casimiere Rutgens (born January 26, 1939) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL). He went to two Pro Bowls during his nine-year career. He played college football for the Illinois Fighting Illini and was selected in the first round of the 1961 NFL draft with the third overall pick. Rutgens was also selected in the first round (fourth overall) of the 1961 AFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.

Joe Rutgens
No. 72
Position:Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (1939-01-26) January 26, 1939 (age 85)
Cedar Point, Illinois, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:255 lb (116 kg)
Career information
High school:LaSalle-Peru Twp. (IL)
College:Illinois
NFL draft:1961 / round: 1 / pick: 3
AFL draft:1961 / round: 1 / pick: 5
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:110
Fumble recoveries:6
Fumble recovery yards:36
Stats at Pro Football Reference

In 2008 Rutgens was selected as one of the top 10 defensive lineman in the history of University of Illinois.[1]

Rutgens was an All-American in 1960 and was a first-team All-Big Ten selection by the Associated Press in 1959 and 1960. He also was a second-team All-Big Ten pick by United Press in both 1959 and 1960.

References

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  1. ^ "FIGHTINGILLINI.COM - Rutgens to Attend Illinois Renaissance Celebration". www.fightingillini.com. Archived from the original on June 29, 2013. Retrieved February 2, 2022.