Education
He finished the year with 825 yards and averaging 7.3 yards a carry.
He finished the year with 825 yards and averaging 7.3 yards a carry.
He played college football for the University of Maryland. Growing up in West Natrona, Pennsylvania as one of six children, he was a three-sport athlete at Har-Brack High School (now Highlands High School). He accepted a scholarship from the University of Maryland, where he became a three-year starter.
As a sophomore, he contributed to the team having a 9-1 record.
In 1951, he was a part of an undefeated team (10-0 record), that outscored its opponents, 381–74. Maryland also secured its first berth in a major postseason bowl game, the 1952 Sugar Bowl, where it upset the first-ranked University of Tennessee, with him playing a key role after rushing for 153 yards and being named the game"s outstanding player.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Modzelewski was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round (6th overall) of the 1952 NFL Draft. After his rookie season, he served two years in the Air Force.
Upon his discharge and return in 1955, he hurt his back in training camp and was traded to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for future hall of famer Marion Motley.
Cleveland Browns
In 1955, he registered 619 rushing yards (ninth in the league) and 6 touchdowns, playing a key role in the Cleveland Browns repeating as NFL champions. He was a starter for two years until the arrival of future hall of famer Jim Brown in 1957. Modzelewski was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960 NFL Expansion Draft, but he opted to retire instead of reporting to the team
