Joe Kopcha

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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 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

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. .
  3. ^ Heise, Kenan. "Dr. Joseph Kopcha, 80, Guard For Bears In '30s". www.chicagotribune.com. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  4. ^ Braunwart, Bob. "DR. JOE: A GUARD'S GUARD" (PDF). www.profootballresearchers.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 18, 2010. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  5. ^ Ronkowski, Steve (March 5, 2012). "Pulaski Day Special: All-Time, All-Polish Bears Team". Windy City Gridiron.