 Kirchner from 1904 Washington & Jefferson College yearbook | |
| Date of birth | July 4, 1865 |
|---|---|
| Place of birth | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Date of death | June 11, 1951 (aged 85) |
| Place of death | East Washington, Pennsylvania |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Center |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1890 | "All-Pittsburghs" |
| 1890 | Allegheny Athletic Association |
| 1890–1892 | Pittsburgh Athletic Club |
Professor Louis Frederick Kirchner (July 4, 1865 – June 11, 1951), misnamed in some posthumous sources as William Kirschner, was an early football player and physical instructor for the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. He may, or may not, have been one of the earliest professional football players. Even though he had never played football before 1890, he had the ability to learn and adapt to the game quickly. During the 1890s he was viewed as one of the best offensive linemen in Pennsylvania.