Bert Zagers


Bert Aldon Zagers was an American football player who played halfback and defensive back for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League.

Early life

Zagers was born in Fremont, Michigan to Evert and Opal Lee Zagers. He attended and played high school football at Cadillac High School in Cadillac, Michigan, where he won a State Championship in 1949. He also participated in track and field. Zagers was inducted into the Cadillac High School Hall of Fame in 1951.

College career

Zagers attended and played college football at Michigan State University. In 1952, the Spartans completed a perfect undefeated season and were recognized as the national champions by most major polling organizations including the AP Poll and Coaches' Poll.

Professional career

Zagers was drafted in the seventh round of the 1955 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He was then traded to the Washington Redskins, along with Bob Trout, for Harry Gilmer. Zagers played his entire career with the Redskins and in 1957, he led the NFL in punt returns.

Personal life

Zagers fought with the United States Army in the Korean War, where he attained the rank of private first class. After retiring from playing, he was the head coach at Theodore Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, Michigan in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He died on September 2, 1992 in Traverse City, Michigan.