Naval Academy Athletic Association to retire Chet Moeller’s number 48

Football | 05/25/2021 15:58:00

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Sports Director of the Naval Academy Chet Gladchuk announced today that the Naval Academy Athletic Association will retire Chet Moeller’s number 48 on October 2 during the UCF home football game. Moeller is the fifth Navy football player to retire his number and the first on the defensive side of football.

“Chet Moeller, one of the Navy’s all-time favorite sons, will finally and duly be recognized as one of our most accomplished, determined and tenacious defensive footballers to ever proudly wear the blue and gold, ”Gladchuk said. “His number 48 will rightly be hanging from the rafters to forever remind our alumni and fans of the influence he has had on our success on the pitch and in college football in general. Those who watched Chet to compete still remember an aspirant who could change the course of game game after game with his unmatched athletic ability and unwavering drive to win. Now is the time for Navy football to fully appreciate his career and to compete. ‘leave an indelible mark on a legacy that will never be erased. “

“It truly is a lesson in humility and a great honor to have retired No. 48 on my behalf,” said Moeller. “I am eternally grateful to my coaches who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to play the great game of football. Our coaches were first class and helped me understand the game and learn to read my keys and fit in. They were truly the best; George Welsh, Rick Lantz, Lenny Fontes, Steve Belichick. I have immense pride and gratitude to say that I have been able to learn from them.

“With our coaches, my teammates fostered an environment that allowed me to be successful. Our senior class had a special and unique bond that remains to this day,” continued Moeller. “We won because of our coaches and because we care deeply about each other. We went the extra mile for those who played alongside us and for those who helped us prepare for each game. am grateful to my teammates, my coaches and myself. want this drop out of No.48 to be a celebration of all of us. “

Moeller, 1975 East Coast Athletic Conference (ECAC) Player of the Year and America’s First All-Star Team, revolutionized safety by becoming one of the most decorated football players in Navy history.
A two-time All-East selection, Moeller is one of six contenders to have been unanimously selected All-American. He was co-captain in his final year and recorded 275 tackles during his career. He recorded a school record of 25 tackles for a loss in junior.
Moeller, a 1976 graduate of the Naval Academy, was awarded the Sword of the Naval Academy Sports Association, which is presented to the aspirant of the promotion declared by the Association’s athletic committee for having personally excelled in athletics during his years of varsity competition. Moeller was also a star in the classroom, winning the All-America Academic Second Team honors as a senior.
In 2009, Moeller was selected to the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial All-Stadium Team.

Moeller was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. He was the 22nd Navy player or coach to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and the first since former quarterback and head coach George Welsh was inducted in 2004.

Moeller received the Bronko Nagurski Legends Award in 2016, which recognizes outstanding defensive football players of the past 40 years.

Moeller joins Roger Staubach (No.12), Joe Bellino (No.27), Napoleon McCallum (No.30) and Keenan Reynolds (No.19) as Navy football legends whose number has been retired.