Quick Facts
Biography
William Ross Fiscus (April 2, 1870 – November 6, 1950) was an early professional football player and coach. He was one of the first pro players on record.
Playing career
Fiscus played for the Allegheny Athletic Association professional football team as an offensive lineman in 1891 and 1892, but by 1893 he had successfully earned the role as halfback. Fiscus continued to play several more years for Allegheny, even dropping out of college to do so. This would have put him alongside the first recorded professional football player William "Pudge" Heffelfinger, who also played for Allegheny. In 1896, he played alongside his brother Lawson for the Greensburg Athletic Association.
Coaching career
Fiscus was the second head football coach at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and he held that position for three seasons, from 1897 until 1899. His coaching record at Geneva was 6 wins, 9 losses, and 2 ties.
Later life
Fiscus died in 1950 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.