Joe Stydahar

Joseph Lee Stydahar


Born:
March 17, 1912
Kaylor, PA

Died:
March 23, 1977
Beckley, WV


Career
1933-34 West Virginia University (College)
1934-35 West Virginia University (College)
1935-36 West Virginia University (College)
1935-36 Pittsburgh Y.M.H.A. (MBC)
1936-37 Pittsburgh Y.M.H.A. (MBC)
1938-39 Clarksburg Oilers (Independent)
1939-40 Clarksburg Oilers (Independent)

Born to Peter and Lucille Stydaher, Joe is better known for his football exploits. He was recruited to play at Pitt, but WVU football coach Greasy Neale managed to sneak in and convince him to go to his school instead.  He played both football and basketball at West Virginia, and was drafted by the Chicago Bears where he played from 1936 to 1946, with a break to serve in World War 2. He also played some pro basketball but football was his main focus. He would ending being the head coach for the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Cardinals. He was eventually inducted into both the Pro Football (in 1967) and College Football (in 1972) Halls of Fame.

After coaching, he took a job with Southwest Forest Industries. While on a business trip to West Virginia in 1977, Stydahar suffered a fatal heart attack. He was just a week past his 65th birthday.

NFL Stats
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StydJo20.htm

Source:
Pro Football Hall of Fame Biography
Grave and Bio


Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/joe-stydahar/