Ernest Alfred Stautner (April 20, 1925 – February 16, 2006) was a German-American professional football player and coach.

Born in Prienzing near Cham, Bavaria in Germany, Stautner's family immigrated to East Greenbush, New York when he was three years old.

He moved to defensive end in the later years of his career and also saw spot service at offensive guard.

Russell, then a rookie playing on a team that would eventually finish in fourth place in what would be Stautner's final season, sees the grizzled veteran return to the huddle holding one of his hands in the other.

When the defense returns to the sideline, Russell watches Stautner, thinking that surely he must seek medical attention now.

[5] On September 13, 1969, Stautner was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

He was instrumental in the development of defensive players such as Randy White and Ed "Too Tall" Jones.

According to Cinema Treasures, Stautner is a former owner of the Sara-Placid Drive-In Theater in North Elba, New York.

[6] Stautner, Matt Snell, Mickey Spillane, and drummer Buddy Rich each appeared in their own Miller Lite Beer commercial as the product was launched in 1973.

Stautner died at a Carbondale, Colorado nursing home at age 80 from complications of Alzheimer's disease.