John Messmer (September 25, 1884 – November 8, 1971) was an American football player and discus thrower for the University of Wisconsin.

[2] Messmer was also a member of the University of Wisconsin baseball team that toured Japan in 1909.

[8] After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Messmer worked as a surveyor in the Madison area.

[2] He later became an architect in Milwaukee and worked on the design and supervised construction of such buildings as the Elks Club and West Allis City Hall, churches, halls, schools, banks, Concordia College and some industrial buildings.

[3] In 1959, Messmer was chosen unanimously for induction into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame.