WVU Sports Hall of Fame

Inducted: 1998

Written by Greg Walker

Jeff Hostetler started his college football career at Penn State, but after transferring, became the leader of WVU's 1982 and 1983 teams.

Hostetler's place in Mountaineer lore was established from his very first game at quarterback when he went into Norman, Okla., and emerged with a 41-27 victory over a shocked Oklahoma Sooner squad, throwing for 321 yards and four touchdowns to earn national player of the week honors.

He passed the Mountaineers to the 1982 Gator Bowl and led WVU's come-from-behind 20-16 victory over Kentucky in the 1983 Hall of Fame Bowl. Trailing 10-3 at halftime, Hostetler threw second-half touchdown passes to Rich Hollins and Rob Bennett to defeat the Wildcats.

Hostetler, from Holsopple, Pa., had an 18-6 record as a two-year starter for Coach Don Nehlen and captained the 1983 team. He ranks among WVU's single season leaders in total offense, passing yards, pass completions, pass attempts, touchdown passes and passing efficiency.

He is WVU's career leader in interception avoidance (.0279) and is also among WVU's career leaders in total offense, passing yards, pass attempts, pass completions, touchdown passes, passing efficiency and completion percentage. He also played in the 1984 Hula and Japan Bowls.

He was chosen by the New York Giants in the third round of the 1984 NFL draft and won two Super Bowls with the Giants. Hostetler distinguished himself with his play during the 1990 season, when he took over the starting spot from an injured Phil Simms.

Dispelling critics, Hostetler led the Giants to the NFC title and defeated Buffalo 20-19 in Super Bowl XXV, the closest Super Bowl ever.

His 15-year NFL career has included stops with the Giants, Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders and the Washington Redskins. A 1994 Pro Bowl selection for the Raiders, Hostetler finished his pro career with more than 16,000 yards passing and 94 touchdowns.

Hostetler was an exceptional student as well. He was named to the 1984 GTE/CoSIDA academic All-America team and won the National Football Foundation postgraduate scholarship. He is a member of the WVU football all-time team.

Now retired, Jeff and his wife Vicki have made Morgantown their permanent home.

Updated 3/29/2011