The significant impact offensive tackle Al Wistert made on the football field for the Philadelphia Eagles is still being felt today -- 54 years after playing his final game -- in the current Eagles locker room. Not one player in the locker room wears jersey No. 70 and no one ever will.

"Having the Eagles organization retire my jersey number was one of the best days of my life," said Wistert, who captained the 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, and 1950 squads. "We were playing the Lions (Nov. 18, 1951) and the organization held an 'Al Wistert Day' at halftime. They gave me many nice things, including an automobile, and some fans donated a dining table that I still use today in my home.

"It was a great day, but also an emotional one because it was very hard to take off that uniform. I probably could have played a few more years, but the physical punishment was really starting to wear on my body."

OT Al Wistert

Wistert's famed No. 70 was the first number ever retired by the Eagles organization. In fact, he is one of only six Eagles players to have their jersey number retired. The others include Steve Van Buren (No. 15), Tom Brookshier (No. 40), Pete Retzlaff (No. 44), Chuck Bednarik (No. 60), and the late Jerome Brown (No. 99).

Even at age 84, Wistert feels his football resume is not complete.

"The two things that would really make my career complete is to be inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Eagles Honor Roll," Wistert said. "It would be an honor for me because I would be with so many former teammates.

"I feel my play spoke for itself."

Wistert, a graduate of the University of Michigan, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1968.

Can Canton be far behind?

"Just look at our back-to-back Championship teams in 1948-49," Wistert said. "Look at all the Eagles in the Hall of Fame off those two teams and all were very well-deserved. We have (head coach) Earl "Greasy" Neale, (LB) Bednarik, (RB) Van Buren, (TE) Pete Pihos, and (C) Alex Wociechowicz.

"Look at Steve's game-winning touchdown run in the 1948 title game. He ran right behind me, Pihos, and Frank 'Bucko' Kilroy. I definitely want to join all of them in Canton (Ohio) and in the Eagles Honor Roll, too. It would be a tremendous honor."

Th 6-1, 215-pound Wistert, who played with the Birds from 1943 to 1951 helped the Eagles reach three straight NFL Championship games during the 1947, 1948, and 1949 seasons.

"We really should have won three straight championships, but our run defense was more stout both in 1948-49 versus the 1947 season," Wistert recalled. "I could only imagine how Philadelphia would react today if the Eagles ever win two out of three Super Bowls.

"Not to mention, we won consecutive championships while posting back-to-back shutouts. And the Eagles fans even back then absolutely loved a dominant defense.

"During those years, we didn't have a parade. However, I was recognized everywhere I went in town. Philadelphia is a football town, and that will never change."

Those Eagles defensive units both in 1948 and 1949 are still the only teams in NFL history to ever post consecutive shutouts in championship play.

OT Al Wistert

In addition to playing with the Eagles, Wistert also served as the head football coach for Riverside High School in New Jersey. He was even allowed to borrow the car of "Greasy" Neale in order to get to his high school practice.

"As a coach, I really looked for kids who had an enthusiasm and a real love for the game. Those kids thought a scrimmage was sweeter than ice cream on a summer day," Wistert said. "I took the tools I learned from (Coach) Neale and applied them to my kids.

"We ended up winning the league championship; but I had to give it up because it was hard to balance that with a playing career."

After his playing career was over, Wistert sold life insurance for 40 years and truly had a passion for that line of work.

"I always felt I was performing a great service for the people," Wistert said. "I was selling life insurance protecting many families and helping them save money in the process. So I was doing a lot of good for people."

Presently residing in Grants Pass, Oregon, Wistert is still very active on a daily basis. He enjoys spending time with his three daughters, Pam, Dianna and Kathy, and three grandchildren. He was married for 61 years to his late wife Ellie.

The former Eagles' great specifically shares a great bond with his daughter, Kathy.

"My daughter Kathy has such a love for animals, especially horses. I have a farm and we both take care of neglected horses. She does a great job with them, and they really keep me busy."