Legacy in the Maize and Blue
At the University of Michigan, the maize and blue have long been a canvas for family legacies, where fathers and sons have shared the gridiron and etched their names into the program’s storied history.
The Edwards Dynasty
Stan Edwards wore the Wolverines’ jersey from 1977 to 1981, later hearing his name called in the third round of the 1982 NFL Draft. His son, Braylon Edwards, blossomed a generation later, earning unanimous All‑American honors in 2004 before carving out a notable NFL career.
Woolfolk’s Rose Bowl Moment
Butch Woolfolk’s tenure from 1978 to 1981 culminated in a Rose Bowl MVP award in 1981, a testament to his impact on the field. Decades later, his nephew Troy Woolfolk emerged as a reliable defensive back, starting 23 games between 2007 and 2011.
The Wangler Thread
John Wangler quarterbacked Michigan from 1977 to 1980, amassing 2,994 passing yards before moving on to a brief professional stint. His nephews, Jack and Jared Wangler, walked on as wide receivers, though their playing time was limited, underscoring the family’s deep connection to the program.
Wheatley’s Dual Paths
Tyrone Wheatley dominated the early 1990s, capturing the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year award in 1992. His son, TJ Wheatley, briefly touched the Wolverines’ roster in 2017, juggling tight end duties with defensive line work, a unique chapter in the family’s football story.
Runyan’s Pro lineage
Jon Runyan anchored Michigan’s line from 1992 to 1995, earning First Team All‑Big Ten honors in 1995. His son, Jon Runyan Jr., followed a similar path, becoming a starter for the Wolverines before the Green Bay Packers selected him in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Hutchinson’s Modern Era
Aidan Hutchinson rose to prominence in college, collecting numerous awards that foreshadowed his current status as an All‑Pro edge rusher for the Detroit Lions, continuing a lineage of defensive excellence.
Goodwin’s Super Bowl Echo
Jonathan Goodwin, a center who played from 1998 to 2001, was a key piece of the New Orleans Saints’ Super Bowl‑winning squad, while his son Channing Goodwin now patrols the receiver position for the current Michigan roster, blending past and present.
Woodson’s Heisman Lineage
Charles Woodson, the 1997 Heisman Trophy winner, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Wolverines ever, and his son Charles Woodson Jr. recently committed to Michigan, eager to write his own chapter alongside his father’s legendary legacy.
These multi‑generational stories illustrate how family ties can shape ambition, technique, and tradition at Michigan, offering a continuous thread that binds past achievements with future aspirations.