Walt Kiesling
Inducted:
1966
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
260 lb (118 kg)
Born:
May 27, 1903
Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
Died:
March 2, 1962
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Guard
Coach
College:
St. Thomas (MN) (1923–1925)
Walt Kiesling was one of the early pillars of professional football, known for his strength, leadership, and lasting impact as both a player and coach. Born on May 25, 1903, he enjoyed a remarkable 13-season playing career as a powerful guard from 1926 to 1938 with the Duluth Eskimos, Chicago Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and Pittsburgh Pirates (now Steelers).
Renowned for his toughness and blocking skill, Kiesling helped set the foundation for line play in the NFL’s formative years. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to coaching, spending more than two decades shaping teams and mentoring players. His dual success as a dominant lineman and respected coach earned him a place among football’s legends.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966, Kiesling remains one of the few honored for his contributions in both roles.
Kiesling's Awards and Honors
- NFL champion (1936)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1929, 1930, 1932)
- Second-team All-Pro (1931)
- NFL 1920s All-Decade Team
- Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor
NFL Records
- One of the few Hall of Famers honored as both player and coach
- Helped the Packers win three straight NFL titles under Curly Lambeau
- Remembered for his toughness, discipline, and early influence on offensive line play
NFL Teams
As Player-
Duluth Eskimos (1926–1927)
Pottsville Maroons (1928)
Chicago Cardinals (1929–1933)
Chicago Bears (1934)
Green Bay Packers (1935–1936)
Pittsburgh Pirates (1937–1938)
As Coach-
Pittsburgh Pirates (1937–1938)
Pittsburgh Pirates / Steelers (1939–1942, 1949–1961)
Steagles (1943)
Card-Pitt (1944)
Green Bay Packers (1945–1948)
Number Worn:
16, 21, 18, 49, 25, 35
NFL Stats
Seasons:
13 (1926–1938)
Games Played:
125
Games Started:
81
Head coaching record-
Win:
30
Lose:
55
Win(%):
.361