Joe Kopcha
No. 22, 29, 18
Position:Guard
Personal information
Born:(1905-12-23)December 23, 1905
Whiting, Indiana, U.S.
Died:July 29, 1986(1986-07-29) (aged 80)
Hobart, Indiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:221 lb (100 kg)
Career information
High school:Whiting (IN)
College:Chattanooga
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:72
Games started:56
Receiving yards:24
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Joseph Edwards Kopcha (December 23, 1905 – July 29, 1986) was an American professional football player who was a guard for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Chicago Bears.

Kopcha attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he studied to become an obstetrician,[1] and played professional football in order to fund his university studies.[2] Kopcha played for the Detroit Lions when he obtained an internship at Harper Hospital, after previously studying at the Rush Medical College when playing for the Bears.[3] Kopcha used his knowledge to redesign the shoulder pads worn by players, with his basic designs still in use today.[4]

Personal life

Kopcha was of Polish descent.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Layden, Elmer (November 1936). "College Athletics Over-Emphasised? No!". The Rotarian. 49 (5): 60.
  2. ↑ Carroll, John M (2004). Red Grange and the Rise of Modern Football. United States: University of Illinois Press. p. 175. ISBN 0-252-07166-2.
  3. ↑ Heise, Kenan. "Dr. Joseph Kopcha, 80, Guard For Bears In '30s". www.chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  4. ↑ Braunwart, Bob. "DR. JOE: A GUARD'S GUARD" (PDF). www.profootballresearchers.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 December 2010. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  5. ↑ Ronkowski, Steve (March 5, 2012). "Pulaski Day Special: All-Time, All-Polish Bears Team". Windy City Gridiron.


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