Ernie Wheeler

Who was Ernie Wheeler?

Ernest Martin Wheeler was an American football defensive back and tailback who played in the National Football League in 1939 and 1942.

Wheeler played college football at North Dakota State University from 1936 to 1938, and was named to the All-North Central Conference team each year as a running back. In college, he also played basketball and participated in track events. In the 1939 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates chose Wheeler with the 32nd overall pick, during round five. Wheeler played in five games for the Pirates, posting 8 rushing yards in 15 attempts. He also delivered a punt of 75 yards, the second-longest in the NFL that year. Later in 1939, Wheeler played in two games for the Chicago Cardinals, rushing the ball twice for a net loss of eight yards. He did not play again in the NFL until 1942, when he played in three games for the Cardinals. Wheeler was part of the inaugual inductees into North Dakota State's Bison Athletic Hall of Fame in 1972.