Joe Stydahar College and Pro Football...

Joe Stydahar, the tremendous two-way tackle from West Virginia University from 1933 to 1935 was born March 17, 1912 in Kaylor, Pennsylvania

Joe Stydahar, a dominant two-way tackle who starred for West Virginia University from 1933 to 1935, was born in Kaylor, Pennsylvania. Even in his collegiate years, Stydahar established a reputation for his disruptive force on the defensive line, consistently wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. As a senior in 1935, his exceptional performances earned him invitations to the prestigious East-West Shrine Game and the College All-Star Game in Chicago.

His talent was evident to his contemporaries. Jay Berwanger, the inaugural Heisman Trophy winner, who played alongside Stydahar in the College All-Star Games, remarked, "I played in two all-star games with him and thought he was the best tackle by far of that collegiate group. He proved to me in those two games that he was a tremendous player." This high praise foreshadowed the professional success that awaited him.

The Chicago Bears recognized Stydahar's immense potential and selected him with their first pick in the inaugural NFL Draft of 1936. This began a remarkable nine-season career in Chicago under the legendary coach George Halas. Stydahar was a cornerstone of the Bears' offensive and defensive lines, rarely leaving the field as a true two-way player. His consistent excellence earned him five consecutive All-NFL selections, underscoring his dominance during this era. Notably, Stydahar often played without a helmet, a testament to the rugged nature of the early game. The Bears experienced significant success during his tenure, winning several NFL championships.

Joe Stydahar's football legacy is cemented by his enshrinement in both the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. This dual recognition highlights his exceptional contributions at both the collegiate and professional levels. Following his illustrious playing career, Stydahar transitioned to coaching, serving as the head coach for the Los Angeles Rams and later the Chicago Cardinals. While his coaching record may not have matched his playing achievements, it demonstrates his continued involvement and passion for the game. Joe Stydahar's impact as a dominant two-way player in the early days of the NFL, coupled with his collegiate achievements, firmly establishes him as one of the game's all-time greats.

The FootballFoundation.org tells of how Stydahar regularly dismantled and caused all kinds of havoc for opposing offenses. As a senior in 1935, Stydahar performed so well that he was asked to play in the East-West Shrine Game and the College All-Star Game in Chicago. Jay Berwanger, the first Heisman Trophy winner, playing in the backfield on those All-Star teams, had this to say about Stydahar: "I played in two all-star games with him and thought he was the best tackle by far of that collegiate group. He proved to me in those two games that he was a tremendous player." The College Football Hall of Fame inducted Joe Stydahar in 1972. After school, the Chicago Bears used their top pick in the first NFL Draft of 1936 to choose Joe to join the team. Stydahar played in Chicago for 9 seasons as a two-way player who seldom left the field for coach George Halas. He made the All-NFL team in five straight seasons and often didn't wear a helmet in the games. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Joe Stydahar in 1967. Joe later went on to be the head coach of the LA Rams and later the Chicago Cardinals.