University of Massachusets Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2012
- Class:
- 1965
A versatile player who helped set a bar for success in the early 1960's, Phil Vandersea led the UMass football program to great heights before being drafted by the NFL's Green Bay Packers and playing for the legendary Vince Lombardi.
As a starting fullback for UMass in 1965, Vandersea was considered one of the best ever in program history at the position. He finished the year as the second-leading rusher picking up 388 yards on 100 carries and the third-leading scorer with six touchdowns.
In 1963, he helped UMass post its only undefeated season with an 8-0-1 record and the program's second-ever Yankee Conference Championship title. During that season, Vandersea again played fullback, but showed his versatility as the team's second leading punter (36.3 yard average) and had an interception on defense.
When the program celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 1982, Vandersea was named to UMass' All-Time Team as the starting fullback.
After the 1965 season, Vandersea was picked in the 16th round (220th overall) of the NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers where he played for Lombardi. He played linebacker and on special teams during the 1966 season which saw the Packers win the first-ever Super Bowl against Kansas City. Following the year, he was taken by New Orleans in the 1967 expansion draft before returning to Green Bay for the 1968 and 1969 seasons. All told, in four years in the NFL, Vandersea played in 46 games at five different positions (FB, LB, TE, DE, DT) as well as on all special teams.
After injury forced him to miss much of the 1970 and 1971 seasons, Vandersea played for one year in the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouettes.
Following his playing career, he became an assistant coach at Holy Cross from 1975-78 which was highlighted by a 7-4 mark and wins over Army, Air Force and Boston College in 1978.
Vandersea worked for 20 years as a member of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections serving as a case worker, counselor, Parole Board Liaison, and community release supervisor.
From 2001-2010, Vandersea became involved as a charter member of the NFL Retired Players of New England Chapter serving as secretary and treasurer. The goal of the chapter is to help and assist retired NFL players who have financial and health benefit hardships. He has also be active in studies and understanding of the long term effects of concussions in football which have been integral in the new regulations pertaining to the sport, especially at the youth level.
Vandersea was inducted into the UMass Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2012.
