11/11/2026 2:28 PM | Football
Former Golden Bear Standout Was Two-Time All-American
The Tournament of Roses announced last week that former California football star Les Richter will be inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026.
This year's Rose Bowl Hall of Fame inductees will be honored during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential on January 1, 2027.
The Rose Bowl Hall of Fame was established in 1989 to recognize individuals who have contributed to the history and excitement of the Rose Bowl Game and embody the highest level of passion, strength, tradition, and honor associated with The Granddaddy of Them All®.
Richter was one of Cal's most versatile and accomplished players, playing guard, linebacker, and kicker from 1949-51. During those three seasons, Richter helped the Golden Bears to a 27-4-1 record and made two Rose Bowl appearances.
In the 1951 Rose Bowl Game against Michigan, Richter played on both sides of the ball, helping Cal take an early 6-0 lead before the Wolverines came back to win 14-6.
Richter was a two-time All-American, served as a team co-captain during his senior season and set a Pacific Coast Conference record with 40 extra points in 1951. He graduated as Cal's valedictorian before serving two years as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Richter was then selected No. 2 overall in the 1952 NFL draft and played nine seasons for the Los Angeles Rams. He went on to earn eight Pro Bowl selections and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. Richter passed away in 2012 at age 79.
