Football | 9/23/2025 7:21:00 PM

Saint Francis football head coach Chris Villarrial was named one of the 75 Greatest Male Athletes by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) as part of celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the conference.

Villarrial played at Indiana (Pa.) from 1992-95 and was a three-time All-American and three-time All-PSAC West selection at guard. The Crimson Hawks won the PSAC West Championships in his first three seasons with the team, appeared in the NCAA Division II National Semifinals in 1993 and 1994 and the National Championship Game in 1993. He also received the Jim Langer Award, presented to the nation's top NCAA Division II lineman, and has his number 75 retired by his alma mater.

"The legacy of the PSAC has been built on the backs of remarkable student-athletes whose impact transcends box scores and record books," said Steve Murray, PSAC Commissioner, in the September 17 press release. "Honoring the 75 greatest male athletes in our history is more than a celebration of talent. It's a tribute to the character, discipline, and competitive spirit that define our conference. These men didn't just compete in the PSAC—they helped shape its identity."
 
Villarrial is in his 17th season with Saint Francis and 16th as a head coach. He has guided the Red Flash to NEC Championships in 2016 and 2022. He is the program's all-time career leader in wins with 68 and guided the Red Flash to the first-ever win against an FBS team, a 23-17 victory against Kent State last season.

After his time at Indiana (Pa.), Villarrial was drafted in the NFL by the Chicago Bears, thanks in part to breaking the NFL Combine Bench Press record. He played for the Bears from 1996 to 2003 and then finished his professional career with the Buffalo Bills from 2004 to 2016. Villarrial is one of 15 FCS head coaches to have NFL playing experience.