Born and raised in Chicago, Don Stonesifer attended Carl Schurz High School before going on to star at Northwestern University, where he served in the Army Air Forces during World War II before completing his collegiate career. A first-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten selection in 1950, Stonesifer was drafted by the hometown Chicago Cardinals in the third round of the 1951 NFL Draft and spent his entire six-season professional career in Chicago.
A reliable and durable presence at end, Stonesifer was the Cardinals’ primary receiver throughout the early-to-mid 1950s, leading the receiving corps in multiple seasons. Over 72 games, he accumulated 231 receptions for 2,901 yards and 14 touchdowns, all with the Cardinals. He retired following the 1956 season, the franchise’s final year in Chicago before relocating to St. Louis.
Stonesifer passed away in Bloomington, Illinois, in October 2021 at the age of 94
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