Fresno State Athletics
In memoriam, Dale Messer: 1937-2024
2/29/2024 4:50:00 PM | Football
FRESNO, Calif. - Dale Messer, one of nine names hung inside Valley Children's Stadium as a retired jersey in the Fresno State football program, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 86. Messer, who wore No. 21 for the Bulldogs, was a two-time All-America selection at running back and had a five-year professional career with the San Francisco 49ers.
Messer was the first Bulldog in Fresno State football history to have their jersey retired.
Messer, a 1961 graduate of Fresno State, was a 170-pounder from Lemoore, Calif., and had 9.9 (100 yards) speed as a halfback. He not only carried the ball, but he punted and handled placekicking chores as well.
A three-time all-conference pick, Messer led the Bulldogs in rushing (811 yards), receiving (30 catches), scoring (108 points), punt returns and kickoff returns his senior year. He also returned three passing interceptions for 28 yards, punted for a 34.6 average and was 3-for-6 in the passing department with two touchdowns.
Messer's rushing total was even more impressive when you consider that as a team Fresno State ranked third in the nation in passing offense (1,947 yards).
A two-time All-America selection, Messer played in the East-West Shrine game in San Francisco and was a three-time All-Coast honoree. He later played for the San Francisco 49ers (1961-65) after rushing for nearly 2,000 yards, scoring 31 touchdowns and leading Fresno State to three-straight conference titles.
"It is a sad day to lose such a great Bulldog and a great representative of the Fresno State football program," said head football coach Jeff Tedford. "Dale embodied everything that is Fresno State Football, and his accomplishments and legacy will be remembered in our program forever."
Messer is a native of Lemoore, Calif. and his #12 jersey was retired at Lemoore High School in 2007. He was also a state champion high hurdler while he competed for Lemoore in 1956. Messer was considered as one of the finest athletes ever produced in the San Joaquin Valley.
In 1969, Messer was inducted into the Fresno County Sports Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the hall of fame at College of the Sequoias, where his jersey has also been retired.
Messer resided in Fresno since his playing days. His #21 jersey has come out of retirement just once at Fresno State to Ryan Mathews in 2007.
"Fresno State Athletics - Elevate: Imagine the Possibilities" - The Elevate Campaign provides a visionary roadmap to enhance and construct a series of athletic facilities to help further position Fresno State Athletics for sustained competitive success nationally, while also further serving as a source of pride and economic growth throughout California's Central Valley. For more information, visit GoBulldogs.com/elevate.
Messer was the first Bulldog in Fresno State football history to have their jersey retired.
Going back in time with some Dale Messer highlights for #LegendsWeek📺
— Fresno State Football (@FresnoStateFB) April 7, 2020
Honored to be able to recognize the 7⃣ guys who have their names forever posted at Bulldog Stadium, and their jerseys retired in our program‼️#GoDogs | #PrideOfTheValley pic.twitter.com/pTKyKcI5D6
Messer, a 1961 graduate of Fresno State, was a 170-pounder from Lemoore, Calif., and had 9.9 (100 yards) speed as a halfback. He not only carried the ball, but he punted and handled placekicking chores as well.
A three-time all-conference pick, Messer led the Bulldogs in rushing (811 yards), receiving (30 catches), scoring (108 points), punt returns and kickoff returns his senior year. He also returned three passing interceptions for 28 yards, punted for a 34.6 average and was 3-for-6 in the passing department with two touchdowns.
Messer's rushing total was even more impressive when you consider that as a team Fresno State ranked third in the nation in passing offense (1,947 yards).
A two-time All-America selection, Messer played in the East-West Shrine game in San Francisco and was a three-time All-Coast honoree. He later played for the San Francisco 49ers (1961-65) after rushing for nearly 2,000 yards, scoring 31 touchdowns and leading Fresno State to three-straight conference titles.
"It is a sad day to lose such a great Bulldog and a great representative of the Fresno State football program," said head football coach Jeff Tedford. "Dale embodied everything that is Fresno State Football, and his accomplishments and legacy will be remembered in our program forever."
Messer is a native of Lemoore, Calif. and his #12 jersey was retired at Lemoore High School in 2007. He was also a state champion high hurdler while he competed for Lemoore in 1956. Messer was considered as one of the finest athletes ever produced in the San Joaquin Valley.
In 1969, Messer was inducted into the Fresno County Sports Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the hall of fame at College of the Sequoias, where his jersey has also been retired.
Messer resided in Fresno since his playing days. His #21 jersey has come out of retirement just once at Fresno State to Ryan Mathews in 2007.
"Fresno State Athletics - Elevate: Imagine the Possibilities" - The Elevate Campaign provides a visionary roadmap to enhance and construct a series of athletic facilities to help further position Fresno State Athletics for sustained competitive success nationally, while also further serving as a source of pride and economic growth throughout California's Central Valley. For more information, visit GoBulldogs.com/elevate.
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