Today in Wheeling History: September 19--John Reger, a notable professional football linebacker who was born in Wheeling, played for the Linsly Military Institute, and later played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins, passed away, and his ashes were respectfully scattered in Wheeling (2013).
John Reger was born on September 11, 1931, in Wheeling, West Virginia. He grew up in Wheeling and attended the Linsly Military Institute, where he developed his athletic skills. Reger went on to play college football at the University of Pittsburgh. After college, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1955 and played as a linebacker for the team until 1963. During his nine seasons with the Steelers, Reger played in 104 games and was known for his defensive prowess. He later played for the Washington Redskins from 1964 to 1965.
Reger's contributions to the Steelers were significant during one of the franchise's early successful eras. The team posted winning records four times and finished at .500 once during his tenure. After retiring from professional football, Reger remained connected to the sport and his community. He passed away on September 19, 2013, and his ashes were scattered in Wheeling.
Reger's legacy as a dedicated and skilled linebacker continues to be remembered by football enthusiasts and the Wheeling community.
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/2p99vh73), Ohio County Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/4zu5pk2p), Steelers.com (https://tinyurl.com/4jx3rr23)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Hall of Fame, Topps
John Reger was born on September 11, 1931, in Wheeling, West Virginia. He grew up in Wheeling and attended the Linsly Military Institute, where he developed his athletic skills. Reger went on to play college football at the University of Pittsburgh. After college, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1955 and played as a linebacker for the team until 1963. During his nine seasons with the Steelers, Reger played in 104 games and was known for his defensive prowess. He later played for the Washington Redskins from 1964 to 1965.
Reger's contributions to the Steelers were significant during one of the franchise's early successful eras. The team posted winning records four times and finished at .500 once during his tenure. After retiring from professional football, Reger remained connected to the sport and his community. He passed away on September 19, 2013, and his ashes were scattered in Wheeling.
Reger's legacy as a dedicated and skilled linebacker continues to be remembered by football enthusiasts and the Wheeling community.
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/2p99vh73), Ohio County Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/4zu5pk2p), Steelers.com (https://tinyurl.com/4jx3rr23)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Hall of Fame, Topps
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