A pivotal shift occurred when Bison head coach Ron Erhardt moved him to safety due to a need for defensive players following the 1968 season. This change proved transformative for both Cichy and the Bison program.  

College Career

As a safety for the NDSU Bison in 1969 and 1970, Cichy became a cornerstone of a dominant era. In 1969, he set an NDSU record with 53 unassisted tackles, a mark that stood for 34 seasons. His exceptional play was instrumental in the Bison being recognized as small college national champions by the Associated Press in both 1968 and 1969. The team’s remarkable record during his three seasons was 29-0-1, adding to his high school’s 25-game winning streak and resulting in an astounding 55-game unbeaten streak. Cichy was team captain during the 1970 season, demonstrating his leadership qualities. Recognizing his combined academic and athletic excellence, the NCAA awarded him a $1000 post-graduate scholarship in December 1970. He graduated from NDSU in 1971 with a history degree and a German minor.  

Road to the Pro Game

Despite his outstanding college career, Cichy went unselected in the 1971 NFL draft. He received a brief opportunity with the Philadelphia Eagles during their offseason in 1971 but was released in July. Following his release, Cichy returned to his high school, where his father was the head football coach, and began teaching physical education. His coaching aspirations continued, leading to a head football coach and teaching position at St. Mary's Central High School in Bismarck, North Dakota, in May 1973. He remained in this role until his resignation in April 1978 to pursue a law degree.  

Football Legacy

Joe Cichy’s football legacy is primarily defined by his exceptional achievements at the collegiate level. His defensive prowess at NDSU was a key factor in the team’s unprecedented success and national championships. The NDSU record he set for unassisted tackles stood as a testament to his skill and impact for over three decades. While his professional playing career was brief, his accomplishments in college cemented his place as one of the all-time greats in small college football. His later career path into law further showcases his dedication and intelligence.

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

✦ College Division All-America First Team: American Football Coaches Association (1969)  

✦ College Division All-America First Team: Associated Press (1970)

✦ NDSU Record: 53 unassisted tackles in a season (1969)  

✦ NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship: Awarded for exceptional academic and athletic achievement (1970)  

✦ NDSU Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee: 1981

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 1997  

✦ Team Captain: North Dakota State University (1970)