CMU Remembers Jim Podoley
2/19/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
MOUNT PLEASANT - Jim Podoley, the only football player in Central Michigan history to have his number retired, died on Jan. 24 at the age of 76 at his home in Maryland.
Podoley was a member of CMU's inaugural hall of fame class in 1984. The five-time All-American is still CMU's all-time leader in touchdowns scored with 51. He rushed for 2,775 yards and averaged 7.9 yards per carry during his career (1953-56), finishing his career as the school's all-time leading rusher. He ranked among CMU's top-10 in rushing yardage until 2008.
CMU was 32-4-1 overall during his career.
The Mount Morris native went on to play five seasons in the NFL with the Washington Redskins, earning All-Pro honors as a rookie in 1957.
Podoley also excelled in track and field. He was named CMU's team MVP four consecutive seasons and held five different school records at one time.
Podoley is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patricia, along with four children and nine grandchildren.