John Whitney

Defensive Back / Kicker / Halfback

Seattle Ramblers

With one of the most dominant teams in the region throughout the 1950s, it should be no surprise that a Seattle Rambler was again Northwest Player of the Year when the new decade kicked off.

The 1960 Ramblers rolled to an undefeated season downing everyone they faced from California to Canada and John Whitney was right there in the thick of things in all three phases of the game.  Most of his write ups were for his proficiency in kicking extra points, but he was just as valuable on the defensive side of the ball thwarting pass plays and helping stuff runs as well. 

Offensively, Whitney could play receiver, running back and quarterback even with new teammate Mel McCain as the new signal caller, catching the future Hall of Famers passes for TD's and big gains throughout the season.

At season end, the Ramblers voted Whitney the teams most valuable player following his 4th season with the team.

Addendum:  John Whitney placed his name in the record books two seasons later when he boomed a 98-yard punt against the Portland Thunderbirds.

Whitney was inducted into the Pacific Northwest Football Hall of Fame by his Ramblers teammates in 1996.