University of Massachusets Athletics
October 28, 2026 | Football, Athletics Department
The University of Massachusetts athletics department mourns the passing of UMass Athletics Hall of Famer Phil Vandersea, one of the most versatile and accomplished football players who helped set a bar for success in the early 1960's.
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, Vandersea helped UMass record an undefeated season with an 8-0-1 record and the program's second-ever Yankee Conference Championship. He played fullback, but also showed versatility in the season, as the team's second leading punter (36.3-yard average) and had an interception on defense.
Vandersea was named to UMass' All-Time Team as the starting fullback in 1982, as the program celebrated its 100th anniversary.
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 Vince 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. In four years in the NFL, Vandersea played in 46 games at five different positions (FB, LB, TE, DE, DT), as well as on special teams.
After an 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.
A Whitinsville, Massachusetts, native, who attended Northbridge High School, Vandersea was inducted into the UMass Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2012.
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, Vandersea helped UMass record an undefeated season with an 8-0-1 record and the program's second-ever Yankee Conference Championship. He played fullback, but also showed versatility in the season, as the team's second leading punter (36.3-yard average) and had an interception on defense.
Vandersea was named to UMass' All-Time Team as the starting fullback in 1982, as the program celebrated its 100th anniversary.
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 Vince 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. In four years in the NFL, Vandersea played in 46 games at five different positions (FB, LB, TE, DE, DT), as well as on special teams.
After an 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.
A Whitinsville, Massachusetts, native, who attended Northbridge High School, Vandersea was inducted into the UMass Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2012.
-- UMassAthletics.com --
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