Murray State University Athletics
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Former Racer Gil Mains Passes Away
1/14/2009 6:00:00 AM | Football, Hall of Fame
The Murray State athletics department lost a dear member on Saturday when former football great Gil Mains passed away at the age of 79.
Mains is survived by his wife Delores and four children; Gil Jr. (Michelle), Michael, Melissa (John) Gremm and William Sr. (Jennifer) Mains, 10 grandchildren; Gil III, Khoury, Maxwell, Mary, Michael II, Christopher, Sadie, Sabrina, William II and Leila Louise. Also Surviving are sister, Jo Anne, Brother Pastor Robert Mains, in-laws, Oriat Peters, Esther Kassab, Harold Kassab, niece/daughter, Marie Carpenter, nephews Eddie and Anthony and all the remaining nieces & nephews that he had so much fun with.
"Without question, Gil is one of the cornerstones of Murray State football," said head coach Matt Griffin. "It was a privilege to have him as a guest this season to speak to our team at Homecoming. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest Racers."
Mains served in the Korean War as a member of the US Army.
Mains (1948-51) helped the Racers capture three Ohio Valley Conference championships on his way to earning all-OVC honors in 1950 and 1951. He is a member of the MSU Hall of Fame. The football locker room inside Stewart Stadium bears the name of the former Racer great.
After completing his career at MSU, Mains was selected in the 20th round of the NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. Mains would go on to play nine seasons with the Lions where he would help the team claim the 1953 and 1957 World Championships. He holds the Record for the largest Super Bowl/Championship ring, past or present, a size 22; which a quarter will drop through the center.
When he joined the Lion's in 1953, Mains jumped feet first into the wedge on kickoff off returns and is still known today as one of the greatest legends in NFL history for special teams plays. In nine seasons with the NFL, Mains never missed play on a kickoff. Art Donovan regarded him as one of the most feared and aggressive players in the NFL on the field and one of the most respected and well mannered off the field. John Madden was quoted as saying "he was the greatest wedge breaker of all time." As he jumped feet first into the wedge and took out all four players the announcers said " that is Gil Mains a Murray State Thoroughbred and the other announcer said no that's a "WILD HOSS."
To keep in shape during the offseason, Mains was a professional wrestler and wrestled the likes of Lou Thesz and other Detroit area grapplers.
Mains was known for his generosity and keeping local Detroit charities functional. He helped found the Tartar Gridiron Club at Wayne State University. Without Mains' fundraising, the WSU football team would not be in existance. For his efforts, Mains was inducted into the WSU Hall of Fame.
Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, Mich., will begin Friday, Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. until time of the service at 2 p.m. with burial following at Logan Township Cemetery. Visitation will also take place at the A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home in Troy, Mich., on Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. until time of the service at 4 p.m..
