Walt Yowarsky

2025

May 10, 1928
Cleveland, OH

Lincoln-West High School

November 30, 2014

University of Kentucky

Washington Redskins (1951, 1954)
Detroit Lions (1955)
New York Giants (1955–1957)
San Francisco 49ers (1958)
New York Giants (1959 – 1960 Asst. Coach)
Minnesota Vikings (1961-1966 OL Coach)
New Orleans Saints (1967 -1968 OL Coach)
Atlanta Falcons (1969 – 1970 DB Coach)
Houston Oilers (1971 DL Coach)
San Diego Chargers (1971 – 1973 Asst. Coach)
Dallas Cowboys (1977 – 2000 Scout)

Walt Yowarsky’s remarkable career in professional football spanned over half a century as a player, coach, and scout.

From Cleveland, Ohio, Yowarsky was a remarkable high school athlete, He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds to play professional baseball, but opted for a football career instead.

He began his rise to football prominence at the University of Kentucky, where legendary coach Bear Bryant recruited him to the Wildcats. In 1950, Yowarsky anchored the team at center, helping them win their first SEC Championship.

The following year, in the 1951 Sugar Bowl, Yowarsky cemented his place in football lore. Despite minimal defensive experience, he was called upon to play defense against top-ranked Oklahoma. His extraordinary performance helped Kentucky end the Sooners’ 31-game winning streak, earning him MVP honors and a place in the Sugar Bowl’s Hall of Fame.

Selected by the Washington Redskins as the 29th pick in the 1951 NFL Draft, Yowarsky’s professional playing career included stints with the Lions, Giants, and 49ers.His NFL career was interrupted in 1952 when he decided to serve his country and enlisted in the Air Force. He returned to the gridiron in 1952.

A standout moment came in 1956 when he started as a defensive end for the New York Giants, contributing to their NFL Championship victory. After retiring as a player in 1958, he transitioned into coaching, spending 14 seasons as an NFL assistant with the Giants, Vikings, Saints, Falcons, Oilers and Chargers.

In 1974, Yowarsky embarked on a new chapter as a scout, dedicating 26 years to identifying and nurturing football talent. His 23-year tenure as the southeast scout for the Dallas Cowboys began in 1977 and proved transformative as the Cowboys won three Super Bowls during his tenure. One of his most celebrated achievements came during the 1990 NFL Draft when he championed the selection of Emmitt Smith with the 17th overall pick. Yowarsky’s prophetic scouting report on Smith, which stated, “Emmitt Smith will one day make Cowboys fans forget about Tony Dorsett” became legendary as Smith went on to become the NFL’s all-time leading rusher.

Walt Yowarsky passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire players, coaches, and scouts alike.

Image from Alchetron, the free social encyclopedia. Trading card image from Topps 1958.