Stan Quintana

No one can think of UNM football without remembering Stan Quintana, a standout on both sides of the ball. In 1998, Quintana was selected to UNM’s All-Century team as a defensive back.

After an outstanding career at Santa Fe High, Quintana helped UNM become Western Athletic Conference football champs in 1963 and tri-champs in 1964. A three-year starter at quarterback and defensive back from 1963-65, Quintana was WAC Offensive Player of the Year in 1964 and he led the Lobos in interceptions in 1964 and ’65. Following his senior season, Quintana played in the East-West Shrine game and the College All-Star game.

Quintana was drafted by the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings and the New York Jets from the AFL. He played for the Vikings for three seasons.

Quintana served three years in the Marines 2nd Combined Action Group in Vietnam where he received the Profile of Courage Award from the New Mexico Vietnam Veterans Association.

Quintana returned to UNM as an assistant coach from 1981-86. He worked with receivers and helped the 1982 Lobos to a 10-1 record and a No. 3 national ranking in total offense at 469 yards a game.