Hall of Fame
JOE WISE
Football 1998-2001
One of the most decorated players to wear a Northwestern jersey, Joe Wise rewrote Eagles football history as the only person to rush for more than 4,000 career yards. A two-time NAIA All-American and the 2001 National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Offensive Player of the Year, Wise ran for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. His top marks for longest run in a game (95 yards), most rushing touchdowns in a game (four), rushing touchdowns (18) and single season points (114) still stand in the team’s record book while Wise’s performances helped lead Northwestern to its first-ever NCCAA Victory Bowl appearance in 2000.
In addition to fending off oncoming tacklers on the football field, Wise points out that his Northwestern experience helped give him a foundation of competitiveness, drive, and passion for life. While attending school, Wise learned valuable lessons that instilled in him a desire to relentlessly strive for his passions and goals and to keep fighting despite adversity, knowing that challenges are meant to be overcome. As Joe seeks to be an All-American husband to his wife Amy and dad to daughter Ava, God has been at work in his life by growing in wisdom, decision-making, and patience. Outside of the home, Wise seeks to impact those around him in his church and community through his participation in road races and as a handyman.
