John Ralston’s football career started in 1947 as a linebacker at the University of California, where he later became an assistant coach. In 1959, he became head coach at Utah State and went to two bowl games. He became head coach at Stanford in 1969, coaching the team to two Rose Bowl victories. Ralston was later head coach for the Denver Broncos and named NFL Coach of the Year in 1973. He also coached the Oakland Invaders and the San Jose Spartans. Ralston was voted Stanford’s Coach of the Century.

Inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.

Plaque location: Stanford University