Former football standout and Valparaiso University Athletics Hall of Fame member Garry Puetz ('72) has once again graced the National Football Foundation’s (NFF) ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Puetz played 10 seasons in the NFL with five teams following his Valpo career. While with the Brown & Gold, he was a two-time American Football Coaches' Association (AFCA) All-American and earned All-Indiana Collegiate Conference (ICC) honors on three occasions.

Puetz is one of two Valpo alums, along with Fuzzy Thurston, who own the distinction of earning a Super Bowl ring. The Chicago native did so in 1982 with the Washington Redskins. A 12th-round draft choice of the 1973 New York Jets, Puetz played five seasons with the Jets before being acquired by Tampa Bay. He also played briefly with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1979 before signing with New England.

Puetz and Thurston became the first players in program history to have their numbers retired during last year’s homecoming festivities.  

The announcement of the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Presented by ETT will be made in early 2021, with specific details to be announced in the future.