// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did the Red Heater say? I'm red-dy to warm up.
 Heater in high school, c. 1933-1937 | |
| No. 5 | |
|---|---|
| Position | Tackle |
| Personal information | |
| Born | September 22, 1918 Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | October 24, 2003 (aged 85) Syracuse, New York, U.S. |
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Listed weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Reading |
| College | Syracuse (1936–1939) |
| NFL draft | 1940: undrafted |
| Career history | |
| Stats at Pro Football Reference | |
William Alfred "Red" Heater (September 22, 1918 – October 24, 2003) was an American professional football player who was a tackle for the Brooklyn Dodgers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Syracuse Orangemen.
Early life
[edit]William Alfred Heater was born on September 22, 1918, in Reading, Pennsylvania.[1] He played high school football at Reading Senior High School from 1934 to 1935 as a center, guard, and fullback.[1][2] He was the starting center in 1934.[2] Heater played guard in 1935 but was moved to fullback for several games due to another player suffering a broken nose.[2] He intercepted two passes on defense that year.[2] He earned all-state honors in football.[3]
While in high school, Heater also played baseball for some local teams but not for Reading High.[2] The Reading Times said that, in 1935, he "was one of the most powerful hitters ever on the local Legion nine."[2] Heater was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated from high school in January 1936.[2]
College career
[edit]On June 5, 1936, Heater accepted an athletic scholarship to attend Syracuse University and play college football for the Orangemen.[2] He was on the freshman team in 1936 as a guard.[4] A few weeks before the start of the 1937 season, Heater was shifted to tackle.[5] He was a three-year varsity letterman from 1937 to 1939.[2][1] He majored in electrical engineering at Syracuse and graduated in 1940.[2][3]
Professional career
[edit]Heater went undrafted in the 1940 NFL draft.[6] On May 21, 1940, it was reported that he had signed with the NFL's Brooklyn Dodgers.[7] Heater played in eight games for the Dodgers during the 1940 season as a tackle.[6] He became a free agent after the season.[1]
Personal life
[edit]Heater was nicknamed "Red" for his red hair.[2] He served in the United States Navy during World War II, and also played football for the Navy.[3] He worked in the sales engineering department of New Process Gear for 39 years.[3]
Heater was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.[3] On October 24, 2003, he died at his home in Westvale, a suburb of Syracuse, New York.[3][1]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 "Red Heater". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved July 21, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Red Heater, Star Reading High Gridder, to Enter Syracuse U." Reading Times. June 6, 1936. p. 14. Retrieved July 21, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "William A. "Red" Heater". The Post-Standard. October 26, 2003. p. B4. Retrieved July 21, 2026.
- ↑ "Starring at Syracuse". Reading Times. November 10, 1936. p. 13. Retrieved July 21, 2026.
- ↑ "'Red' Heater Making Good". Daily Messenger. Associated Press. September 16, 1937. p. 7. Retrieved July 21, 2026.
- 1 2 "Red Heater". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved July 21, 2026.
- ↑ "Heater Goes To Dodgers". Press & Sun-Bulletin. May 21, 1940. p. 17. Retrieved July 21, 2026.