Joe Kopcha
| No. 29 | |
| Date of birth | December 23, 1905 |
|---|---|
| Place of birth | Whiting, Indiana |
| Date of death | July 29, 1986 |
| Place of death | Hobart, Indiana |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Offensive guard |
| US college | Chattanooga |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1929–1935 | Chicago Bears |
| 1936 | Detroit Lions |
| Career stats | |
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Joseph Edwards "Joe" Kopcha (December 23, 1905, Whiting, Indiana – July 29, 1986, Hobart, Indiana) is a former professional American football player.
Kopcha played eight years in the National Football League, mainly for the Chicago Bears. He was an offensive lineman. Kopcha attended the University of 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]
References
- ^ Layden, Elmer (November 1936). "College Athletics Over-Emphasised? No!". The Rotarian. 49 (5): 60.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Carroll, John M (2004). Red Grange and the Rise of Modern Football. United States: University of Illinois Press. p. 175. ISBN 9780252071669.
- ^ Heise, Kenan. "Dr. Joseph Kopcha, 80, Guard For Bears In `30s". www.chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
- ^ Braunwart, Bob. "DR. JOE: A GUARD'S GUARD" (PDF). www.profootballresearchers.org. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
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