IRVING, Texas – Paul Wiggin, the former Stanford and Cleveland Browns star who played against star quarterback John Elway and lost in “The Play” as coach of the Cardinals, died Friday. He was 91 years old.
Wiggin’s death was announced by the Browns, the Minnesota Vikings and the National Football Foundation. He was the fourth oldest living NFL Hall of Famer.
Wiggin was on the Stanford sideline for “The Play” in 1982, when California scored the winning touchdown in a 25–20 victory in the “Big Game” after Stanford’s band came onto the field prematurely. Many consider it the most incredible finish in a college football game.
Wiggin said at the time, “I think it’s sad that the Cal-Stanford game had to get to this point.” “In our hearts and minds, we won the game. We know we won the game.”
Wiggin played for Stanford from 1954–56. He was a two-time All-America selection as a defensive tackle and was voted the school’s Defensive Player of the Century in fan voting.
“Paul Wiggin represents everything the NFF College Football Hall of Fame stands for, especially excellence on the field, leadership on the sidelines and a lifelong commitment to the game,” NFF president Archie Manning said in a statement. “His impact on college football spanned generations, and he leaves behind a legacy that will be long remembered. We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing.”
He was drafted in the fourth round by the Browns in 1957 and played his entire 11-year NFL career with the franchise, never missing a game and earning two Pro Bowl selections. He helped the Browns win the 1964 NFL title.
Wiggin was an assistant with the San Francisco 49ers from 1968–74 before taking over as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1975. He replaced Hall of Fame coach Hank Stram and had an 11–24 record before being fired during the 1977 season.
He went to New Orleans as defensive coordinator for two years before returning to his alma mater as head coach in 1980.
Wiggin was the Vikings’ defensive line coach from 1985 to ’91 before working in various roles in their front office. He remained associated with the organization for almost 40 years.
