Member Biography

Robert Barton Westfall grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and attended the University of Michigan. He was the starting fullback in every Michigan game from 1939 through 1941. In his first two seasons he was part of a famous Michigan backfield, Tom Harmon, Forest Evashevski, Paul Kromer and Westfall. In his senior year he was captain and All-America. He was sixth in the nation in rushing yards gained. For his three years Bob rushed for 1,864 yards, a record for a Michigan fullback that lasted 30 years. He graduated with a degree in literature. Westfall served 18 months in the Army and was discharged because of bronchial asthma. He played for the Detroit Lions and was All-Pro in 1945. Westfall died at age 61 in 1980. He was president of Adrian Steel Company and for 20 years had been a strong supporter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame. He was inducted posthumously into the Hall of Fame in 1987 ceremonies.