Brian Baschnagel

Brian Dale Baschnagel (born January 8, 1954 in Kingston, New York) is a former American football player. He played wide receiver for the Chicago Bears.

Early life

Brian Baschnagel's family relocated often due to his father's professional responsibilities and moved to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when he was in his early teens. Baschnagel attended North Allegheny High School (Pittsburgh PA) and was a running back on the North Allegheny football team. Baschnagel was the first running back in WPIAL history to rush for over 400 yards in a single game.

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Baschnagel rushed for 409 yards in a 1971 game against Sto Rox. According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Baschnagel then set a WPIAL rushing record that would stand for 17 years when he ran for 432 yards in a 1972 game.

College

Brian Baschnagel attended The Ohio State University after graduating from North Allegheny High School. Initially, Baschnagel was a running back but then was converted to a receiver (wing back). In addition to his position as a starting player on the Ohio State football team, Baschnagel was a two-time Academic All-American (1974, 1975) and a recipient of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame scholarship award (1975).

NFL

Baschnagel was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 1976 NFL draft. He was a receiver for the Bears for eight years and retired after the 1984 season. He wore jersey #84 with the Bears. Contrary to popular belief, Baschnagel was not on the active roster in 1985 when the Bears went 18-1 en route to a Super Bowl victory. He injured his knee in training camp and spent the entire 1985 season on IR. However he did travel with the team that year, assisted the coaches from the coaching booth, and helped in practice after he recovered from his injury. He did receive a Super Bowl ring after the Bears dominant victory.

Personal life

Baschnagel is married, the father of three children, and currently works for North American Corp. in Glenview IL. In 2013, it was announced that Baschnagel will be inducted into the West Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.^[1]

References