Ernie Janet

Ernest Jay Janet (born July 22, 1949) is an American former professional football guard. He played college football for the Washington Huskies and was a two-team All-Pacific-8 Conference selection. He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 1971 National Football League (NFL) draft but missed his rookie season due to injury. He then played for the Chicago Bears from 1972 to 1974 before splitting the 1975 season with the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles. He was also a member of the Washington Redskins.

Early life Janet was born on July 22, 1949, in Renton, Washington. He attended Glacier High School in Seattle where he competed in football and track and field. He was a center in football and competed in the shot put in track and field. As a senior in 1966, Janet was selected second-team all-state at center. Due to this, Janet decided to enroll at the University of Washington to play college football. Janet was a top guard for Washington in 1970 and helped them compile a record of 6–4 while being named first-team all-conference. At the conclusion of his collegiate career, he was named to the East–West Shrine Bowl. He also participated in the Chicago Charities College All-Star Game against the defending NFL champion Baltimore Colts. However, he had injured his hamstring during one college all-star game and then the injury worsened in the next, resulting in him being unable to play for the 49ers in the 1971 season. He was traded to the Chicago Bears on September 7, 1972, prior to the 1972 season.

Janet returned to the Bears in 1973 and appeared in 12 games, two as a starter. He was selected in the 1974 WFL pro draft by the Memphis Southmen, though he stayed with the Bears. Janet was released on September 3, 1975, prior to the 1975 season. On December 10, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, only to be released after appearing in one game. In May 1976, he signed with the Washington Redskins, later being placed on injured reserve in August. He did not return to Washington in 1977, ending his professional career with 31 games played, 16 as a starter.