Willie Sydnor

George Ross "Willie" Sydnor (born March 21, 1959) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Northwestern Wildcats, Villanova Wildcats and Syracuse Orange.

Sydnor is the son of George Sydnor, who was a track sprinter. He has three brothers, Reggie, Chris, and Chad. Willie was an All-Delco receiver at Radnor High School. The Raiders were 19–1 in his final two seasons, and he caught 51 passes during his varsity career. He was a captain of the 1976 undefeated team, and he helped the track team to the fifth fastest time in the nation.

Sydnor attended Northwestern University for one year, where he played football and ran track. After being pressured by the new coaching staff not to run track, he transferred to Villanova University, where he could play both sports. Running for Villanova on the 400 meters leg, he won the 1981 distance medley relay at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships.

After going undrafted in 1982, Sydnor was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent but cut towards the end of training camp. He was considering joining the Canadian Football League and the United States Football League. Due to a series of injuries, he was re-signed by the Steelers. His season was shortened by the 1982 strike. In eight games, Sydnor made 22 punt returns for 172 yards. His career ended due to injuries.

Sydnor lives in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, with his wife Kathy and four children. His daughter Shelby played field hockey for the University of Maryland.