William Cunningham American football

William Ralph Cunningham (July 13, 1872 – September 1957) was an American football center for the University of Michigan and its first All-American selection in 1898. Born in Volant, Pennsylvania, to a family with roots in Grove City, he played for the Wolverines from 1897 to 1899. The 1898 team, led by Cunningham, achieved a 10-0 record, winning the Western Conference championship and outscoring opponents 205-26. They defeated Michigan Agricultural College (39-0) and Notre Dame (23-0), then secured a 12–11 victory over the University of Chicago on November 24, 1898, capturing the conference title.

Cunningham’s performance in the Chicago game earned him an All-American recommendation from Amos Alonzo Stagg, breaking the tradition of selections favoring Eastern schools. This victory inspired Louis Elbel to write "The Victors," Michigan's fight song. Cunningham became a medical missionary in China, serving from 1904 to 1912 and again in 1922. In 1955, he was named to the all-time Medical All-American Team for his dual achievements as an athlete and physician.

Cunningham passed away in 1957 at age 84. He was recognized as one of the 100 greatest Michigan football players by the "Motown Sports Revival" in 2005, ranking 30th. His legacy includes notable successors like Germany Schulz and David Molk, continuing a tradition of All-American centers from Michigan.