John Rienstra (1997) - Hall of Fame

John Rienstra

Induction:
1997
Class:
1986

John Rienstra was the first player in Temple football history to make the Associated Press FIRST All-American team (1985). He also received honorable mention AP All-American in 1984 and was a first team selection on the 1984 and 1985 AP All-East team. He was Temple's captain as a senior and was one of nine finalists for the Outland Trophy presented to the nation's top lineman. The Owls' offensive guard won the super-heavyweight title at the National Collegiate Power Lifting championships in 1986. The "Little Extra" award presented annually by Temple to one of its football players is now presented in his name. He was drafted in the National Football Leagues first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers and was the ninth pick overall. He was a starting offensive lineman for five seasons with the Steelers and also started two years with the Cleveland Browns.