MU alumnus 'Roger the Dodger' comes home
Photos and story by Abby Grimmett, posted Oct. 26, 2007
He was once known as “Roger the Dodger” for using his speed, finesse and strength on the football field. Now, the humble athlete Roger Wehrli, a former MU Tiger and recently inducted Hall of Famer, visited MU’s campus Oct. 19 to Oct. 20 to serve as the 2007 homecoming grand marshal.
“It’s always fun to come back,” Wehrli said. “After being inducted into the hall of fame earlier this year, being invited back as the grand marshal is a great cap to the end of a great year.”
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Titus Blackmon, president of the Mizzou Alumni Association; Roger Wehrli, 2007 homecoming grand marshal; and Todd McCubbin, executive director, Mizzou Alumni Association, cut the ribbon signaling the opening of the Mizzou Legacy Walk on Oct. 19. Wehrli spoke during the dedication at the Reynolds Alumni Center. The ribbon cutting began the unveiling of the bricks that make up the Legacy Walk. The first set of 609 bricks raised $245,000 for the student scholarship endowment.
Longtime fan David Potter speaks with Wehrli after the ceremony, below. Wehrli was able to speak to many fans during homecoming weekend. |
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Wehrli is a 1970 graduate from the College of Education with a degree in physical education. During his football career at MU, he set eight records including the most interceptions in a season and in a game. In his senior year, the All-American picked off 10 passes and led the nation in punt returns for the year. It was no surprise when the St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the first round of the 1969 draft.
Wehrli began his professional football career as a starting cornerback, leading the team in punt returns and having interceptions. He earned his first All-Pro and All-NFC honors in his second season, after he picked off a career-high six passes in 1975. He also was named to the first of seven Pro Bowls that year.
Wehrli claimed many more accomplishments and continued his success with the Cardinals until 1982. His talent on the football field along with his “class” earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of fame. He was inducted on Aug. 4, 2007, along with Gene Hickerson, Michael Irvin, Bruce Matthews, Carlie Sanders and Thurman Thomas.
“He is an example of what the game of football is all about,” said Larry Wilson, a mentor to Wehrli, at the 2007 Hall of Fame induction ceremony, according to an ESPN transcript. “He is just a complete player. And, to boot, he is a fantastic person.”
It took many nominations over the years until Wehrli was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame. Wehrli said he has no regrets on the long wait.
“I never once took it for granted that I would or would not be [in the Hall of Fame],” Wehrli said. “I consider it a great honor that has come because of the work of a lot of people that touched my life and helped me become the athlete that I did.”
In his Hall of Fame acceptance speech, Wehrli credited his high school football coach, Richard Flanagan, as a big influence. Wehrli grew up in King City, Mo., a town with a population of about 1,000 people. He said his coach instilled the basics and toughness in him that enabled him to have a successful football career.
After being off the field for 15 years, Wehrli is still in great shape, and continues to show good sportsmanship and kindness. His wife of almost 39 years, Gayle, said “he is a guy you can definitely stand to live with.”
His humility was evident as he spoke with fans during the Mizzou Legacy Walk dedication on Oct. 19. David Potter, the manager of construction services for campus facilities, was thrilled to finally have the opportunity to meet Wehrli.
“He’s a legend not only at MU but in the NFL,” Potter said.
Potter was glad he was able to confirm his previous notions of Wehrli’s character. After visiting with Wehrli, Potter repeatedly spoke highly of him.
“He has always had a great reputation,” Potter said. “He is a nice guy and he has a lot of class.”
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Wehrli embraces a fan as they search the Legacy Walk for their bricks. |
Gayle Wehrli said her husband’s parents had a big impact on his character.
“They taught him how to act in public, and to have a strong life ethic,” she said. “He’s the kind of guy that will work to stay on the right path that he needs to go down, not the one that’s popular.”
Gayle also reminisced about the past. The couple married during Wehrli’s senior year at MU only a week after his last football game. She laughed as she mentioned that their honeymoon was spent in New York with the rest of the Kodak All-American football team.
She said his professional football career was not expected. Wehrli planned to be a P.E. teacher after graduation.
“It’s funny where God brings you,” she said. “It goes to show that you never know where you’ll end up.”
Even after experiencing the limelight, Wehrli says he doesn’t feel like a celebrity. His wife said she feels he would be the same person he is today even if he would have ended up being a teacher.
“He’s a very quiet man, fun, devoted, and always gives a 100 percent at what he does,” she said. “But he is absolutely thrilled to be reaping all the much deserved rewards.”
Wehrli has obviously always given 100 percent. As a student at MU, Wehrli not only was a star football player but was also a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and the Mystical Seven senior honorary.
The Wehrlis also acknowledge God as a producer of all of his success.
“I believe that God has guided each and every move I’ve made,” Wehrli said. “I thank Him with all my heart for taking a little guy from a little town with little dreams and making me fit to wear the title of Hall of Famer.”
Wehrli now resides with his wife in St. Charles. They have two married children and three grandchildren and couldn’t be prouder.
Wehrli smiled as he mentioned how his life has been great after having a successful career. His wife said she is most proud of how the fans recognize not only his athletic ability but also his good character.
“All of the fan mail mentions the man he is, not only his talents in football, and it makes me the most proud,” she said.
The couple is glad to be back in Columbia. They feel like the state is “one big giant hometown,” but feel extremely welcome at the home of the Tigers.
