Professional Football Player. Born and raised in Shaler, Pennsylvania, he was an All-Conference running back and an All-Conference baseball player for Shaler High School (Pittsburgh) in the 1940s, then went on to play running back for Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. After the Duquesne team disbanded for a short time, he transferred to Villanova University. After college, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he was recruited to play for the Parris Island Marines' football team. Elter had to go through basic training with the other recruits, then head to football practice. In 1952, he was voted Most Valuable Player for the team. Upon his discharge, he was signed by Art Rooney Sr., founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his seven-year National Football League career, he played four seasons with the Steelers (1953 to 1954 and 1958 to 1959) and three with the Washington Redskins (1955 to 1957), rushing for a total of 1,380 yards and catching passes for a total of 556 yards. With the Redskins in 1956, he was their leading ground gainer and was named to the Pro Bowl. After leaving football, he worked at the Allegheny County Workhouse in Blawnox and coached the inmates' football team. He was elected to the Duquesne University Sports Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2000, he was inducted into the American Football Association Hall of Fame.
Professional Football Player. Born and raised in Shaler, Pennsylvania, he was an All-Conference running back and an All-Conference baseball player for Shaler High School (Pittsburgh) in the 1940s, then went on to play running back for Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. After the Duquesne team disbanded for a short time, he transferred to Villanova University. After college, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he was recruited to play for the Parris Island Marines' football team. Elter had to go through basic training with the other recruits, then head to football practice. In 1952, he was voted Most Valuable Player for the team. Upon his discharge, he was signed by Art Rooney Sr., founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his seven-year National Football League career, he played four seasons with the Steelers (1953 to 1954 and 1958 to 1959) and three with the Washington Redskins (1955 to 1957), rushing for a total of 1,380 yards and catching passes for a total of 556 yards. With the Redskins in 1956, he was their leading ground gainer and was named to the Pro Bowl. After leaving football, he worked at the Allegheny County Workhouse in Blawnox and coached the inmates' football team. He was elected to the Duquesne University Sports Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2000, he was inducted into the American Football Association Hall of Fame.
Bio by: Rick Kauffman
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