Sam Jankovich

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Sam Jankovich was born in Butte,Montana and lettered in football while playing for the University of Montana in 1957. He played linebacker and offensive line. A knee injury ended his career.

After graduation, he coached a couple of Montana high school football teams. Jankovich would later become defensive co-ordinator with Washington State University in 1968.

Jankovich was Athletic Director for the University of Miami from 1983-1991. Held a similar post with the Washington State University in 1976. Also served as CEO of the NFL's New England Patriots. Was an interim Athletic Director with Cal State-Northridge.

Sam attributes his success to the strong work ethic he inherited from his late father - a former miner in Butte, Montana. While at the University of Miami, he proudly displayed a painting of his dad on the wall behind him. With a small sign above it that read, "Thank God I'm Serbian."