Millner, Wayne V.
Football
b. Jan. 31, 1913, Roxbury, MA
d. Nov. 19, 1976
A starter at end for Notre Dame from 1933 through 1935, Millner figured in one of college football's most dramatic plays as a senior when he caught a touchdown pass from Bill Shakespeare in the closing seconds to beat Ohio State 18-13.
When the Boston Redskins of the NFL signed Millner in 1936, Coach Ray Flaherty said he'd resign if the team didn't win the championship. They lost to the Green Bay Packers in the title game that year, but the following year they moved to Washington and beat the Chicago Bears 28-21 for the championship. Millner played a big role in the victory, catching touchdown passes of 55 and 78 yards from Sammy Baugh.
Millner entered the Navy in 1942. He returned to the Redskins for one final season in 1945. During his 7 years, he caught 124 passes for 1,578 yards, a 12.7 average, and 12 touchdowns. He was a ferocious blocker and a fine defensive player as well as a sure-handed receiver.