By Greg Myers
The only athlete in Sparta High School history to play in the NFL will have his jersey retired Friday night in the Bulldogs’ home opener against Benton.
John Wittenborn, 75, of Cutler, was a three-year starter at Sparta from 1952-54. He will be honored t halftime of Friday night’s game.
“It is a very deserving honor for a very deserving person,” said Sparta football coach Edmund Jones. “It is very important for Sparta athletes to see that they can accomplish anything if they work hard and are dedicated. I’ve had the great pleasure to speak to John Wittenborn on several occasions. He is a great football man and someone I hope, can be around our program for a long time.”
Wittenborn was named all conference his junior and senior seasons. He went on to become a football standout at Southeast Missouri State University before being drafted in the 17th round of the 1958 NFL Draft.
Wittenborn played five seasons in the NFL and five seasons in the AFL. In 1960, he started at guard on the Philadelphia Eagles’ World Championship team.
Wittenborn played for three different teams over his 10-year career. He spent time as a both a kicker and a guard, which is a combination not expected to be seen again in the NFL.
In his last two seasons in the league while playing for the Houston Oilers, Wittenborn went from guard-kicker hybrid to just a full time kicker.
Wittenborn also coached briefly at Sparta High School and served several years on the Cutler Village Board