INDUCTED 1951

Although born in Germany and raised in Wisconsin, Robert Zuppke made his reputation just to the south in Illinois. In 29 years as football coach at the University of Illinois, Zuppke compiled a 131-81-13 record. His Illini teams won four national championships and seven Big Ten titles.
Zuppke was known as an innovator and is credited with starting, among other things, the flea flicker, screen pass, spiral snap from center, spring practice and the huddle. He coached at Illinois longer than any other coach in university history.
Before going to Illinois, Zuppke led Oak Park High School in the Chicago suburbs to national championships in 1911-12.