Member Biography

Spectators seldom recognize the greatness of interior linemen because their productivity is often concealed beneath flashy backfield action. The fans in the stands seldom miss the destructive violence of linebackers, who look their best in the open. And nobody misses a great kicker's efforts because he's a center-stage performer. Leslie "Les" Richter, a University of California guard, linebacker and kicker in 1949, 1950, and 1951 was great in all three assignments. Richter was a 6-2, 230-pound bulldozer on offense and an aggressive, single-minded scrimmage line protector on defense. His greatness was recognized with a deluge of awards that began with the team captain and included the Andy Smith Award for most time played, membership in the All-Time All-Pacific Coast Team, East-West Shrine and College All-Star games, a Most Valuable Player citation, Helms Hall of Fame and, best of all, All-America honors by United Press, Associated Press, International News Service and other recognized selectors. After graduation, Richter served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry for two years, then played with the Los Angeles Rams for nine years.