His performance over his last two seasons led Volunteers head coach Bob Neyland to proclaim Rechichar "probably the best all-around player in Tennessee football history."

The Nashville Tennessean was effusive in its praise of the 19-year old Rechichar ahead of the 1949 season, listing him as a "wingback" (flanker) and declaring him "tops on the squad" as a pass receiver, a "hard, fast, and shifty" runner, and "probably the best kick-off and extra point man the Vols have had in a decade.

[6] In the 1951 season he would be the only Tennessee player used on both sides of the ball by head coach Bob Neyland, playing as a wingback (flanker) on the offense and as a safety on defense.

Entering the game ranked #1 in the Associated Press coaches' poll, the Volunteers lost to the third-ranked Terripins by a score of 28–13, thereby ending their quest for an undisputed national title.

Rechichar scored a touchdown in garbage time of the fourth quarter on a 5-yard pass from reserve quarterback Harold Payne, inserted into the game to replace ineffective All-American Hank Lauricella.

"[9] Rechichar was also an outfielder on the Tennessee Volunteers baseball team, helping the advance to the final game of the 1951 College World Series — a contest ultimately won by Oklahoma, 3–2.

[12] According to Mike McNally, director of the Indians' farm system, by the time Rechichar joined the team the club's lineup was already set so he was used infrequently and "did not get a thorough trial.

[16] Browns defensive back Cliff Lewis quit football after the 1951 season, opening up the starting position at safety and a path for Rechichar to immediately be inserted in the lineup.

[18] On March 25, 1953, Rechichar was involved in a massive 15 player trade with the Baltimore Colts — a straight 10-for-5 swap of contracts in which no additional money changed hands.

[19] Joining Rechichar in making the move from the mighty Browns to the expansion Colts were such future starters as defensive backs Don Shula and Carl Taseff, end Art Spinney, as well as veteran guard Ed Sharkey.

[20] Colts assistant coach Otis Douglas suddenly remembered the powerful leg that Rechichar had shown in practice and hastily pulled McPhail from the game.

[21] According to observers, the ball was placed barely outside the 55 yard line for the record-setting kick, but official scorer Mel Schilling ruled it a 56-yarder and as such it entered the NFL record books.

Throughout his time with the Colts, Rechichar would be a useful utility player, first as a starting defensive back, kicker, and punter, and later filling in as a reserve linebacker, offensive end, and occasional fullback.

[23] In response, Colts general manager Don "Red" Kellett sought a trade for his unhappy veteran in July, just ahead of the opening of training camp in Westminster, Maryland.

He was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl three times, particularly distinguishing himself in his third and final appearance in 1957, when he hit field goals from 41, 42, 44, and 52 yards — regarded as remarkable for distance and accuracy in the era before "soccer-style" kicking came to the fore.