Ralph Messer (1998) - M Club Hall of Fame - University of Memphis Athletics

Ralph Messer

Induction:
1998

Ralph Messer, a graduate of Messick High School, came to the Tigers to play for former head coach Ralph Hatley in 1949. A leader for the Tiger teams throughout his career, Messer lettered for four years and was named the Best Tackler in 1950. In 1952 he served as co-captain of the football team and received team MVP honors, as well as being named to the Little All-America team. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams in 1953 and enter the United States Army in 1954. Messer returned to Memphis in 1957 and opened Delta Tire and Supply Company, a business he ran until retirement in 1995. At the 1990 M-Club Hall of Fame Induction dinner, Messer received The Billy J. Murphy Award for success in his chosen profession.