Back to search

Fred Biletnikoff

End

Inducted 1991

Date of Birth

2/23/1943

Birthplace

Erie, PA

School

Florida State University (1962-1964)

Bio

College Football was still a one-platoon game for Fred Biletnikoff's first two seasons at Florida State. As a sophomore in 1962, he scored on a 55-yard pass play against Georgia Tech. In his junior year, he made a 99-yard run with an intercepted pass against Miami. When college football became a two-platoon game he played only on offense. He had a 53-yard touchdown pass play against Kentucky and made the game-winning touchdown in a victory over Georgia. The Seminoles beat Oklahoma 36-19 in the Gator Bowl, and "Freddie B," as he was called, had 13 catches 192 yards and four touchdowns - all Gator Bowl records. He was a campus hero. When he was injured, students gathered at night outside the windows of his dorm and sang "Get Well, Freddie" to the tune of "Hello Dolly." He was a consensus All-America in 1964, starred with the Raiders in the NFL, and in 1988 was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 1987, Southern Living Magazine named him to its 50-year All-Southern team. Florida State retired his jersey, number 25.