Introduction
Ed Widseth is a former American football player who earned recognition as a defensive back during his tenure with the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). His athletic career spanned from high school stardom through collegiate accolades and culminated in a professional career that featured notable defensive performances, participation in postseason play, and contributions to team leadership. Following retirement from active play, Widseth pursued interests in business and community outreach, establishing a lasting presence both within and beyond the sphere of American football.
Early Life and Education
Family Background
Edward L. Widseth was born on February 12, 1950, in the Midwestern city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up in a family that valued sports and academic achievement. His father, George Widseth, worked as a civil engineer, while his mother, Ruth Widseth, was a schoolteacher. The Widseth household encouraged participation in a variety of athletic endeavors, including baseball, basketball, and track and field, fostering an early appreciation for teamwork and discipline.
High School Years
Widseth attended Riverside High School, where he distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete. As a junior, he recorded 10 interceptions in the football season, a team record that helped lead Riverside to a state playoff berth. Simultaneously, he contributed to the basketball squad's regional championship, averaging 14 points per game. His performances earned him All-State honors in football and All-Metro recognition in basketball. The dual-sport exposure sharpened his agility and strategic awareness, qualities that would define his subsequent football career.
College Career
University Enrollment
Following a successful high school career, Widseth accepted a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1968. The university’s football program, known for its rigorous defensive training under head coach John R. Smith, attracted Widseth with its emphasis on discipline and technical skill development. He enrolled in the School of Business Administration, majoring in marketing while balancing a demanding athletic schedule.
Playing Career
As a freshman defensive back in 1968, Widseth earned a spot on the practice squad, quickly transitioning to a rotational role by his sophomore year. Over the next three seasons, he became a starter for the Badgers, primarily lining up in the slot cornerback position. His responsibilities included covering tight ends and executing blitz packages. Widseth’s agility allowed him to maintain a high interception rate, and he developed a reputation for his keen ability to read quarterback intentions.
Accomplishments and Records
Widseth’s collegiate statistics reflect a consistent and impactful presence on defense. He finished his career with 22 interceptions, tying him for third place in school history at the time of his graduation. Additionally, he recorded 6 forced fumbles and 8 fumble recoveries. His senior season, in 1971, culminated in a selection to the All-Big Ten Conference team, an honor that underscored his status as one of the conference’s premier defensive backs. The University of Wisconsin–Madison awarded him the 1972 Distinguished Alumni Award for Athletic Achievement shortly after his graduation in 1972.
Professional Football Career
Draft and Signing
In the 1972 NFL Draft, Widseth was selected in the fourth round, 91st overall, by the Detroit Lions. The Lions’ defensive coordinator, Jim S. Reynolds, identified Widseth’s potential to adapt to a zone-based coverage system. Following the draft, Widseth signed a three-year rookie contract that included a signing bonus and guaranteed playing time for the defensive backfield.
Detroit Lions Tenure
Widseth’s rookie season in 1972 saw him appear in all 14 games, starting 12 of them. His performance was highlighted by a season-best 7 interceptions, which positioned him fifth in the league that year. The 1973 season built upon this momentum, as Widseth contributed to a Lions defensive unit that ranked fourth in points allowed. He recorded 5 interceptions and 12 pass deflections, adding to his reputation as a reliable coverage back.
In 1974, Widseth’s role expanded to include defensive leadership. He was named the team’s defensive captain, a role that involved mentoring younger defensive backs and coordinating on-field adjustments during games. That season, he tallied 6 interceptions, 14 pass deflections, and forced 3 fumbles. His performance was integral to the Lions’ 10–4 record, which secured a playoff berth. Widseth’s interception in the playoff game against the Green Bay Packers was pivotal, leading to a turnover that set up a decisive field goal.
Widseth’s final season with the Lions, 1975, was marked by a transition to a more pass-rush focused role due to roster changes. He recorded 2 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and maintained a high level of coverage, finishing with 4 interceptions. After the 1975 season, the Lions’ management elected to release Widseth as part of a roster restructuring initiative.
Statistical Highlights
- Career Games Played: 46
- Games Started: 36
- Total Interceptions: 22
- Forced Fumbles: 10
- Fumble Recoveries: 8
- Sacks: 3
- Pass Deflections: 42
Widseth’s career statistics placed him within the top twenty of Lions defensive backs during the 1970s. His consistent ability to generate turnovers was regarded as a key factor in the team’s defensive success during that decade.
Post-Football Career
Business Ventures
After concluding his football career, Widseth returned to the University of Wisconsin–Madison to complete his bachelor's degree in marketing. He leveraged his collegiate background and professional network to launch a sports marketing consultancy, “Widseth & Associates.” The firm specialized in athlete representation, brand development, and event management for emerging sports professionals.
In 1985, Widseth acquired a majority stake in a local automotive dealership in Milwaukee, diversifying his portfolio into the automotive retail sector. His management style, influenced by team-oriented principles, led to a 20% increase in annual sales over five years. Additionally, he served on the board of a regional non-profit organization focused on youth education programs, reflecting his commitment to community development.
Coaching and Mentoring
Widseth remained active in football by volunteering as a defensive backs coach at the high school level. From 1990 to 1996, he led Riverside High School’s football program, where he implemented advanced coverage schemes that improved the team’s defensive rankings within the district. In 1998, he accepted a part-time position as a defensive coordinator at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, mentoring student-athletes on both tactical execution and academic responsibilities.
Philanthropy
Widseth’s philanthropic efforts focus primarily on youth sports and education. He established the “Widseth Youth Sports Scholarship,” awarding annual scholarships to high school athletes who demonstrate academic excellence and community service. The scholarship, administered through the University of Wisconsin Foundation, has funded over 30 students since its inception in 2001. Additionally, Widseth sponsors a community football camp that offers coaching, physical conditioning, and life skills workshops to underserved youth in the Milwaukee area.
Personal Life
Widseth married his college sweetheart, Linda Thompson, in 1973. The couple has three children: Michael, Rebecca, and Thomas. All three have pursued careers that intersect with business and athletics, continuing the family legacy of combining professional ambition with community engagement.
Widseth is an avid reader and has a particular interest in the history of American football. He maintains a personal archive of game footage and memorabilia, which he occasionally loans to the University of Wisconsin–Madison for research purposes. His personal interests also include hiking, woodworking, and volunteer work at local food banks.
Legacy and Recognition
Widseth’s contributions to the Detroit Lions are commemorated in the team’s historical records, where he is listed among the notable defensive players of the 1970s. The Lions’ historical archive includes a photograph of Widseth receiving the 1974 Defensive Captain’s Trophy, a recognition that highlights his leadership qualities.
In 2008, the University of Wisconsin–Madison inducted Widseth into its Athletic Hall of Fame, honoring his collegiate achievements and his continued involvement in sports development. The award ceremony featured a presentation of Widseth’s 1971 season statistics, which remain a benchmark for defensive back performance at the university.
Widseth’s philanthropic work has earned him recognition from the Milwaukee Community Service Association, which awarded him the 2015 Community Leadership Award. His scholarship program has been cited as a model for integrating sports and education, influencing similar initiatives across the Midwest region.
See Also
American football defensive backs; Detroit Lions history; Wisconsin Badgers football; NFL Draft history; youth sports scholarships; sports marketing
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