SMSU Athletics

Paul Litwicki (1974-75, 78) only played three seasons for the Mustang football program but his dominance on the field left a legacy with the program as his name still sits atop many career records. 

Raised in Lansing, Ill., Litwicki was known for his tough and hard-hitting defense and made an impact for the Mustangs as soon as he arrived on campus. As a true freshman in 1974, he earned All-NIC honorable mention honors before following with another strong year in 1975, leading the squad in tackles and earning All-NIC accolades for the first time. He averaged 23 tackles per game in 1975 and led the team in both interceptions and fumble recoveries. 

Litwicki would return to his home state in 1976, transferring to Division I Illinois State University and playing for one season, before returning to SMSU in 1977. Following a redshirt season in 1977 due to transfer rules, he made a major return to the playing field for the Mustangs in 1978. As a senior, he again led SMSU in tackles and was named All-NIC first team and NAIA District 13 first team. He was named NAIA All-American honorable mention, becoming the first Mustang football player to earn NAIA All-American honors. 

A versatile player, he also served as the team’s long-snapper for punts, field goals and extra points. Litwicki closed his collegiate career as the program’s all-time leader in tackles, racking up nearly 500 tackles. 

Following his career, he signed a free agent deal with the Minnesota Vikings.