Wisconsin Football: The 5 Most Underappreciated Badgers in History

Being an underappreciated Wisconsin Badger may sound like a bit of an oxymoron.

The team has woven perceived disrespect into the fabric of its athletic identity. That attitude still has a home in Madison. 

The University of Wisconsin lives with a perennial chip on its shoulder, but which of its players have slipped even farther under the radar?

While these stars have dimmed and their contributions have been relegated to the history books, today's Badger faithful have these men to thank for laying a solid foundation for generations to come. 

Howard Weiss

Howard Weiss was a bit of a Renaissance man, on and off the field. 

Weiss was a powerhouse running back/fullback for the Badgers in the late 1930s. Throughout his career, he stocked his trophy case with some of the sport's highest honors including the Chicago Tribune Silver Football and even a spot on the Heisman ballot, finishing sixth. 

He did all this while also becoming the university class president in his senior year.

Pete Monty

Pete Monty was a tackler first, football player second. 

The prolific linebacker terrorized opposing offensive units from 1992 to 1995 and set records in the process.

His 451 career tackles stands as a university best. 

Phillip Welch

No one ever appreciates the kicker. 

Phillip Welch's University of Wisconsin career was strong, stable and yes, underappreciated. 

His 206 career extra points is the most ever at kicked Wisconsin, as are his 67 in the 2010 season and the 11 he kicked in a game against the Indiana Hoosiers on Nov. 13, 2010.

Mike Echols

It's hard to play in the shadow of Jamar Fletcher; it's even harder to play like Mike Echols. 

Echols did not collect interceptions like his more famous counterpart, but he rarely let his man make the grab on his watch.

He defended against 62 passes throughout his career, and provided a steady presence in the secondary for his entire tenure as a Badger. 

John Stocco

Quarterbacks are often the most visible failures on a team, but they can also be the most quickly forgotten. The University of Wisconsin is known for its legacy of game managers instead of dazzling signal-callers.

Stocco fit that mold to a tee. 

His 7,104 career passing yards tell another story.

The Minnesota native also owned a healthy touchdown to interception ratio at 47-to-22 during his time behind center. Even though the Badgers favored a run-heavy game plan, Stocco's consistency is often overlooked.