SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Former Northern Arizona star Rex Mirich was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, becoming the first NAU player to be enshrined.
Mirich played for Northern Arizona when the school was known as Arizona State College at Flagstaff. In the one-platoon era, he played on both offense and defense, earning NAIA All-America honors at two different positions in 1962 and 1963. Mirich was a four-year letterman for the Lumberjacks.
"I was totally surprised," Mirich said after being notified of the distinction. "It is quite an honor. I was never expecting it. I am proud to represent (Northern Arizona)."
Mirich was voted a team captain by his teammates for his senior season. He led the program to a 20-15-4 mark in his career.
Mirich was chosen by the Minnesota Vikings in the 16th round of the 1963 NFL draft and the Oakland Raiders in the 20th round of the 1963 AFL draft. He played on the defensive line for the Raiders, the Denver Broncos and the Boston Patriots for a total of seven seasons.
Mirich earned a bachelor's degree from Northern Arizona in 1966. He was inducted into the NAU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.
