Athlete ... coach ... team owner ... restaurateur ... hotel operator ... journalist. Former University of Illinois football great John "Jack" Depler was all of these during his life that began 120 years ago today on Jan. 6, 1899.
A consensus All-American for coach Bob Zuppke's Big Ten champions in 1918, Depler centered an Illinois line that also featured an all-star cast of Burt Ingwersen, Albert Mohr and Clarence Applegran. The following season, the Illini went 6-1 en route to the school's fourth conference crown and second national championship.
Depler's senior campaign in 1920 saw him named team captain.