IUP Athletic Hall of Fame
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Chris Villarrial stands as one of the best players in the rich tradition of the IUP football program. A dominant offensive lineman who was a part of 39 wins in four seasons under head coach Frank Cignetti, he is one of only three IUP players to have his number retired.
No. 75 was a three-time All-American and three-time All-PSAC West selection at guard. He helped IUP to two NCAA playoff appearances, including a trip to the Division II championship game in 1993. Villarrial blocked for running back Michael Mann, who owns IUP’s single season rushing mark of 2,027 yards. He also received the Jim Langer Award for Best Lineman in Division II in 1996.
After his time at IUP, Villarrial was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played eight seasons for the Bears, earning All-Pro honors twice, before moving on to the Buffalo Bills in 2004 as a free agent, finishing his professional playing career with 148 starts. In 11 NFL seasons, he blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher each year and was a member of a Bills’ line that gave up the fewest sacks in franchise history.
Villarrial is currently the head coach of Saint Francis (PA) where he entered his fifth year at the helm in 2014. He was elected to the IUP Hall of Fame in 2006.
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