Hall of Fame Professional Football Player, Coach. For nine seasons (1936 to 1942, 1945 to 1946), he played at the tackle position in the National Football League with the Chicago Bears. Born Joseph Lee Stydahar, he was raised in West Virginia where he attended Shinnston High School and following his transfer from the University of Pittsburgh to the University of West Virginia, he concluded his collegiate football career. With the latter, he earned All-Eastern honors and was a participant of the College All-Star Game. He made history as the first-ever draft pick by the Chicago Bears (6th selection overall) during the initial draft of the NFL in 1936 and also holds the distinction as the first Hall of Fame player to be drafted by a team. When Bears' coach and owner George Halas chose Stydahar, he began to build the foundation of what would become a dynasty which came to fruition during the 1940s. Stydahar was a key member of three world championship teams (1940, 1941 and 1946). He would have had a fourth championship experience, however his service with the US Navy during World War II forced him to miss the 1943 season in which the Bears won the NFL Title. He appeared in 84 regular season games, earning First-Team All-NFL status five-times (1936 to 1940). Following his playing career, he served as head coach of the Los Angeles Rams (1950 to 1952) and Chicago Cardinals (1953 to 1954). He guided the Rams to two consecutive NFL Title Game appearances (1950 and 1951), which includes their 1951 NFL Championship. He compiled a 20 win 28 loss and 1 tie coaching record. He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972.
Hall of Fame Professional Football Player, Coach. For nine seasons (1936 to 1942, 1945 to 1946), he played at the tackle position in the National Football League with the Chicago Bears. Born Joseph Lee Stydahar, he was raised in West Virginia where he attended Shinnston High School and following his transfer from the University of Pittsburgh to the University of West Virginia, he concluded his collegiate football career. With the latter, he earned All-Eastern honors and was a participant of the College All-Star Game. He made history as the first-ever draft pick by the Chicago Bears (6th selection overall) during the initial draft of the NFL in 1936 and also holds the distinction as the first Hall of Fame player to be drafted by a team. When Bears' coach and owner George Halas chose Stydahar, he began to build the foundation of what would become a dynasty which came to fruition during the 1940s. Stydahar was a key member of three world championship teams (1940, 1941 and 1946). He would have had a fourth championship experience, however his service with the US Navy during World War II forced him to miss the 1943 season in which the Bears won the NFL Title. He appeared in 84 regular season games, earning First-Team All-NFL status five-times (1936 to 1940). Following his playing career, he served as head coach of the Los Angeles Rams (1950 to 1952) and Chicago Cardinals (1953 to 1954). He guided the Rams to two consecutive NFL Title Game appearances (1950 and 1951), which includes their 1951 NFL Championship. He compiled a 20 win 28 loss and 1 tie coaching record. He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972.
Bio by: C.S.
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