Robert Mitinger

Robert Bray Mitinger (February 13, 1940 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania – September 25, 2004 in State College, Pennsylvania) was a former professional football player, attorney and civic leader. Although drafted in the third-round by the National Football League's Washington Redskins, the 6' 2", 235 lb., Mitinger chose instead to sign with the San Diego Chargers of the upstart American Football League. He was named the 1962 Chargers' team Rookie of t... more

Robert Bray Mitinger (February 13, 1940 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania – September 25, 2004 in State College, Pennsylvania) was a former professional football player, attorney and civic leader. Although drafted in the third-round by the National Football League's Washington Redskins, the 6' 2", 235 lb., Mitinger chose instead to sign with the San Diego Chargers of the upstart American Football League. He was named the 1962 Chargers' team Rookie of the Year. He played 42 games at linebacker for the Chargers for seven seasons (1962-1964, 1966, 1968), including their 51-10 rout of the Boston Patriots at Balboa Stadium in the 1963 AFL championship, the high point of the team's 44-year history. Mitinger's pro career was interrupted by a stint in the United States Army from 1966 to 1967. Stationed at West Point, New York, he coached the Army freshman football team. In 1968, he returned to the Chargers for his final season. At Penn State, Mitinger was a two-way All-American player—the... less