Tag Archives: Ron Yankowski

Ron Yankowski: A Quiet Force of the 1970s Cardinals

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Throughout the 1970s, the Cardinals’ defensive front saw plenty of change—but one steady presence anchored it all: Ron Yankowski.

“Yank” started 87 games while capably handling both tackle and end duties. Though he spent much of his career outside the spotlight, he quietly delivered consistent, dependable play year after year.

“I’m used to my status,” he said in a St. Louis Post-Dispatch story in 1979. “I never have been one for saying a lot. I don’t need the recognition.”

“My first seven years, I was a starter. Then, all of a sudden, I was a backup. I had to stop and think for a minute. I had to recognize what they wanted me to do to help the team. Then, I tried to do it the best I could.”

“I wanted to be satisfied with myself each week when I picked up my paycheck.”

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St. Louis Cardinals Alumni Christmas Gathering 2024

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Several St. Louis Football Cardinals alumni attended their annual Christmas Party at Wentes Restaurant in Chesterfield, Missouri on December 16.

The alumni congratulated Willard Harrell on his upcoming induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and many shared memories of Ernie McMillan, Pat Fischer and Charley Johnson, who recently passed away.

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Big Red Alumni Participate in the 16th Annual Jim Hart Celebrity Classic

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The 16th annual Jim Hart Celebrity Golf Classic was held at the beautiful Legends Golf Club in Eureka on Monday, June 26. The tournament benefits Sunnyhill, Inc., a non-profit organization committed to creating the best quality of life for both … Continue reading →

Teammates, Friends and Family Celebrate Johnny Roland’s 80th Birthday

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Johnny Roland celebrated his 80th birthday at Sawmill BBQ Pub & Grill in Des Peres, MO on Friday, May 26.

Big Red Draft History: 1971 NFL Draft

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As we move closer to the 2023 NFL Draft (April 27-29), The Big Red Zone is looking back on each of the 28 St. Louis Cardinals drafts (1960-87). This installment focuses on the 1971 Draft, which was held January 28-29, 1971 in New York.

This was a bountiful draft for the Cardinals even though 10 of the 17 players they selected never played in the NFL. Cornerback Norm Thompson (1st round), offensive tackle Dan Dierdorf (2nd), wide receiver Mel Gray (6th) and defensive end Ron Yankowski (8th) all had long, productive careers for St. Louis.

Consider their combined numbers: 42 seasons, 509 games, 10 Pro Bowls, four All-Pro teams, and one Hall of Fame enshrinement.

1971 Big Red Draftees (L-R): Mel Gray, Dan Dierdorf, Norm Thompson, Rocky Wallace, Mike Savoy

Thompson set a major college record in 1969 with 259 interception returns on five picks for Utah. He added seven more interceptions for 73 yards in 1970. Still, he figured he would be a second- or third-round pick. Imagine his surprise when the Cardinals took him 17th overall.

“He walked around the house scratching his head … he couldn’t believe it,” Thompson’s wife, Gwen, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

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Photo Gallery: Big Red Fan Event in St. Louis

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Big Red alumni, friends, and fans came together for a fun afternoon on Sunday at Circa Pub & Grill in Des Peres, MO. Jackie Smith, Mel Gray, Johnny Roland, Irv Goode, Eddie Moss, Ron Yankowski, Bob Rowe, former assistant trainer … Continue reading →

Big Red Alumni Hold Annual Christmas Party in St. Louis

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Several St. Louis Football Cardinals alumni met for their annual Christmas Party on Sunday, December 19 at Circa Pub & Grill in Des Peres, MO. Circa is owned by former quarterback Jamie Martin who played 16 seasons in the NFL, … Continue reading →

Big Red Alumni Gather for Annual Christmas Party

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Several former St. Louis Football Cardinals alumni recently gathered in Chesterfield for the annual Christmas Party. Among those in attendance were Coach Jim Hanifan, Johnny Roland, Mel Gray, Jackie Smith, Bob Rowe, Mark Arneson, Tim Kearney, Ron Yankowski, Ernie McMillan, Eddie Moss, Mike Wood, Terry Miller, Eric Williams, Keith Wortman, Willard Harrell, Jim Otis, Herschel Turner, Tim Van Galder, Jerry Holloway, former Big Red PA announcer Jim Holder, former Mizzou and Dallas Cowboys player Howard Richards, former MIzzou and Raiders player Gus Otto, and Big Red Line cheerleader Melodee Hinkle.

  • Johnny Roland, Jackie Smith, Ernie McMillan
  • Coach Hanifan and Jackie Smith
  • Alderman Rocky Reitmeyer and Willard Harrell
  • Former Big Red PA Announcer Jim Holder and Bob Underwood
  • Tim Van Galder, Steve Jones and Ernie McMillan
  • Johnny Roland, Jackie Smith, Ernie McMillan and Coach Hanifan
  • Jackie Smith, Terry Miller and Ron Yankowski
  • Mark Arneson, Tim Kearney, Ron Yankowski, Bob Rowe, Terry Miller
  • Johnny Roland with the Big Red Cowboy Hat
  • Arneson, Yankowski, and Rowe
  • Mark Arneson and Terry Miller
  • Keith Wortman and Eric Williams
  • Eddie Moss and Rocky Reitmeyer
  • Jim Otis and Terry Miller
  • Roland, Smith, McMillan
  • Jim Otis and Ernie McMillan
  • Mark Arneson and Tim Kearney
  • Yankowski and Rowe
  • TVG, Jackie, Terry Miller, Yankowski, Wortman
  • Eric Williams
  • Coach Hanifan, Mel Gray, Sarah Jennings, and Bob Underwood
  • Eric Williams and Terry Miller
  • Tim Van Galder, Jackie Smith, Terry Miller, Ron Yankowski, and Keith Wortman

The Top 100 St. Louis Football Cardinals (60-51)

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With the NFL celebrating its centennial season in 2019, the league will soon be announcing its top 100 players of all-time. I thought it would be fun to look back and rank the Big Red’s top 100 players who played in St. Louis.

The Cardinals moved from Chicago after the 1959 season and played 28 years in St. Louis before Bill Bidwill moved to the desert in 1988. Several great players played under the arch during this period including four Hall of Famers.

These rankings are only based on the player’s time spent in St. Louis. Consideration was given to the player’s statistics, All-Pro/Pro Bowl selections, team leadership, and impact in the community. It is next to impossible to compare eras, so many of these picks were very difficult.

The Top 100 St. Louis Football Cardinals of All-Time: 60-51

60. JOE BOSTIC (G)

Joe Bostic played guard for nine seasons in St. Louis.

As former St. Louis Post Dispatch columnist Kevin Horrigan once wrote, “Joe Bostic was never a star, never an All-Pro, never a Pro Bowler. He was just a pretty good player, mostly on some pretty bad teams.” Bostic was the Cardinals 3rd round draft pick out of Clemson in 1979 and became a fixture on the Big Red offensive line for nine seasons. The North Carolina native made his first NFL start against the Pittsburgh Steelers playing across L.C. Greenwood. He was named to the NFL All-Rookie team in 1979. Bostic’s best season came in 1984 when he started all 16 games to help lead the Cardinals to a 9-7 record.

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Big Red Alumni Gather in Des Peres

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Former Big Red greats, cheerleaders and fans convened at The Village Bar on December 9 to watch the Cardinals take on the Detroit Lions. Greg Marecek was there signing his book “The St. Louis Football Cardinals: A Celebration of the … Continue reading →