Joe Stydahar was the first West Virginia University graduate elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He played for the legendary Chicago Bears team known as the “Monsters of the Midway.”

Born in Pennsylvania, he moved to Shinnston, and later starred in football and basketball at WVU. He was picked in the first NFL draft in 1936 and became a top player for the Bears, earning All-NFL honors from 1937 to 1940. Playing without a helmet early in his career, he helped the Bears win championships in 1940, 1941, and 1946.

After serving in the Navy during World War II, Stydahar coached the Los Angeles Rams to a championship in 1951. He was also a coach for the Chicago Cardinals. He is in both the WVU and Pro Football halls of fame.