Ernie Stautner was born on April 20, 1925, in Bavaria, Germany. His family emigrated to the United States during his early childhood, settling in East Greenbush, near Albany, New York. He was raised there and attended Columbia High School, later studying at the Vincentian Institute in Albany.
At 17, Stautner enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in World War II, including combat in Okinawa. Following the war, he enrolled at Boston College, where he played football for four years and earned a degree in psychology in 1950.
In the 1950 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him with the 22nd overall pick in the second round. Stautner played as a defensive tackle for 14 seasons, earning nine Pro Bowl selections. His contributions led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969.
After retiring as a player, Stautner transitioned to coaching, serving with the Steelers, Washington Redskins, and Dallas Cowboys. He played a key role in developing strong defensive units in Dallas, coaching in five Super Bowls and winning two. He also coached in the Arena Football League and NFL Europe.
In the 1990s, Stautner returned to Germany to coach the Frankfurt Galaxy, leading the team to a World Bowl victory in 1995. Additionally, he once owned a drive-in theater in New York.
Stautner’s early years near Albany influenced his disciplined and focused approach to life and football. He passed away on February 16, 2006, in Colorado at age 80. He is remembered for his relentless playing style and leadership, which helped the Pittsburgh Steelers become competitive in the 1950s, leaving a lasting legacy in football history and in the Albany coverage area.
