Dick Bielski: Difference between revisions

Games played:	114
	Stats at Pro Football Reference

Dick Bielski
	Bielski on a 1955 Bowman football card
No. 36, 31
Position:	Fullback, end, placekicker
Personal information
Born:	September 7, 1932; Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Died:	October 15, 2023 (aged 91); Towson, Maryland, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	224 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school:	Patterson (Baltimore)
College:	Maryland
NFL draft:	1955 / round: 1 / pick: 9
Career history
As a player:
	Philadelphia Eagles (1955–1959); Dallas Cowboys (1960–1961); Baltimore Colts (1962–1963);
As a coach:
	Baltimore Colts (1964–1972); Wide receivers; Washington Redskins (1973–1976); Wide receivers; Baltimore Colts (1977–1981); Wide receivers; Washington Federals (1983–1984); Offensive coordinator;
Career highlights and awards
	Pro Bowl (1961); National champion (1953); First-team All-ACC (1954);
Career NFL statistics
Games played:
Games played:	114
	Stats at Pro Football Reference

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Latest revision as of 21:36, 7 November 2024

Richard Adam Bielski (September 7, 1932 – October 15, 2023) was an American professional football player and coach. He played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Baltimore Colts. Bielski played college football at the University of Maryland.

Early years

Bielski was named an All-Maryland Scholastic Association fullback in Patterson Park High School.

Bielski accepted a football scholarship with the University of Maryland, where he played as a fullback, linebacker, and placekicker.

In 1954 he was a preseason All-American candidate, but injuries affected his level of play during the season. Still, he was able to finish his college career averaging more than five yards per carry. At the end of the year, he was selected to play in the Chicago College All-Star Game, Senior Bowl, and the North-South Shrine Game, where he was voted the outstanding player of the game.

Professional career

Philadelphia Eagles

Bielski was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round with the ninth overall pick of the 1955 NFL draft, becoming the highest-drafted running back from Maryland. During his first years, he made a team record two 50-yard field goals. In 1958, he was converted into an end. After the 1959 season, the Eagles left him off their list of players who were exempt from the 1960 NFL Expansion Draft.

Dallas Cowboys

Bielski was acquired by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960 NFL Expansion Draft.^[1] He was involved in the record for the shortest touchdown pass in league history, after catching an Eddie LeBaron pass from the 2-inch line against the Redskins on October 9, 1960.^[2] He had 4 receptions for 38 yards.

In 1961 he earned his only Pro Bowl berth, with career highs of 26 receptions for 377 yards and three touchdowns. He also took over the placekicker duties from Allen Green for the final five games of the season.

During the 1962 offseason, needing help on defense, the Cowboys traded Bielski to the Baltimore Colts in a three-team deal. The Colts sent a third round draft pick (#33, used to select Mike Fracchia) to the St. Louis Cardinals, and in return the Cardinals sent safety/punter Jerry Norton to the Cowboys.^[3]

Baltimore Colts

In 1962, Bielski played as a placekicker and backup tight end. In 1963, he retired at the end of the season. In a nine-year career he had 107 receptions for 1,305 yards, 229 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He also kicked 58 extra points and 26 field goals.

Coaching career

In 1964, he was hired by the Baltimore Colts as the wide receivers coach under head coach Don Shula.^[4] In 1973, he was named the wide receivers coach with the Washington Redskins.^[5] In 1977, he returned as the wide receivers coach for the Baltimore Colts. In 1983, he was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Washington Federals in the United States Football League. In 1984, he was the team's head coach for the final 17 games of the season, going 3–14.^[6]

Personal life and death

Bielski married his high school sweetheart, Jo Bielski. They had been married 66 years at the time of her death in 2018.

Bielski lived in Ruxton, Maryland near his four children, Debbie, Ricky, Randy, and Jody, and lived with his granddaughter Niccole, her husband Spencer Dreiling and their son Mason.

Dick Bielski died on October 15, 2023, at the age of 91.^[7]

References

^ "1960 NFL Draft". Retrieved April 30, 2020.
^ "Redskins Finally Win One, 26-14". Retrieved April 30, 2020.
^ "Packers Cut Agajanian". Retrieved April 30, 2020.
^ "Colts Discharge Sandusky And Five Assistant Coaches". The New York Times. December 21, 1972. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
^ "Colts, 'Skins coaches no strangers". Beaver County Times. November 5, 1977. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
^ "Ray Jauch fired; Replaced by Bielski". The Windsor Star. March 1, 1984. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
^ Richard Adam Bielski obituary

[1] "1960 NFL Draft". Retrieved April 30, 2020.

[2] "Redskins Finally Win One, 26-14". Retrieved April 30, 2020.

[3] "Packers Cut Agajanian". Retrieved April 30, 2020.

[4] "Colts Discharge Sandusky And Five Assistant Coaches". The New York Times. December 21, 1972. Retrieved April 30, 2020.

[5] "Colts, 'Skins coaches no strangers". Beaver County Times. November 5, 1977. Retrieved April 30, 2020.

[6] "Ray Jauch fired; Replaced by Bielski". The Windsor Star. March 1, 1984. Retrieved April 30, 2020.

[7] Richard Adam Bielski obituary

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[2]

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|American football player and coach (1932–2023)}}
-{{Infobox NFL player
+{{Use American English|date=April 2023}}
-|name=Dick Bielski
+{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
-|image=Dick Bielski - 1955 Bowman.jpg
+{{Infobox NFL biography
-|image_size=200
+| name         = Dick Bielski
-|caption=Bielski on a 1955 Bowman football card
+| image        = Dick Bielski - 1955 Bowman.jpg
-|height_ft =6
+| image_size   = 200
-|height_in =1
+| caption      = Bielski on a 1955 Bowman football card
-|weight_lbs =224
+| height_ft    = 6
-|position=[[Running back]], [[Tight end]], [[placekicker|Kicker]]
+| height_in    = 1
-|number=36, 31
+| weight_lbs   = 224
-|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1932|09|7}}
+| position     = [[Fullback (gridiron football)|Fullback]], [[End (gridiron football)|end]], [[placekicker]]
-|birth_place=[[Baltimore, Maryland]]
+| number       = 36, 31
-|death_date=
+| birth_date   = {{birth date|1932|9|7}}
-|draftyear= 1955
+| birth_place  = [[Baltimore|Baltimore, Maryland]], U.S.
-|draftround= 1
+| death_date   = {{death date and age|2023|10|15|1932|9|7}}
-|draftpick= 9
+| draftyear    = 1955
-|high_school=[[Patterson High School (Baltimore)|Patterson (MD)]]
+| draftround   = 1
-|college=[[University of Maryland, College Park|Maryland]]
+| draftpick    = 9
-|pastteams=
+| high_school  = [[Patterson High School (Baltimore)|Patterson]] (Baltimore)
+| college      = [[University of Maryland, College Park|Maryland]]
+| pastteams    =
 * [[Philadelphia Eagles]] ({{NFL Year|1955}}–{{NFL Year|1959}})
 * [[Dallas Cowboys]] ({{NFL Year|1960}}–{{NFL Year|1961}})
 * [[Baltimore Colts]] ({{NFL Year|1962}}–{{NFL Year|1963}})
+| pastcoaching =
-|pastteamsnote=
+* [[History of the Indianapolis Colts|Baltimore Colts]] ({{NFL Year|1964}}–{{NFL Year|1972}})<br>Wide receivers
-|highlights=
+* [[Washington Redskins]] ({{NFL Year|1973}}–{{NFL Year|1976}})<br>Wide receivers
-* [[Atlantic Coast Conference|All-ACC]] ([[1954 All-Atlantic Coast Conference football team|1954]])
+* Baltimore Colts ({{NFL Year|1977}}–{{NFL Year|1981}})<br>Wide receivers
-* Honorable-mention [[All-America]]n ([[1954 College Football All-America Team|1954]])
+* [[Washington Federals]] ({{USFL Year|1983}}–{{USFL Year|1984}})<br>Offensive coordinator
+| highlights   =
 * [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1962 Pro Bowl|1961]])
+* [[College football national championships in NCAA Division I FBS|National champion]] ([[1953 Maryland Terrapins football team|1953]])
-|statlabel1=Games played
+* First-team All-[[Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]] ([[1954 All-Atlantic Coast Conference football team|1954]])
-|statvalue1=114
+| statlabel1   = Games played
-|nfl=BIE415290
+| statvalue1   = 114
-|pfr=BielDi00
+| pfr          = BielDi00
-|CollegeHOF=
+|death_place=[[Towson, Maryland]], U.S.}}
-}}
-'''Richard Adam Bielski''' (born September 7, 1932) is a former [[American football]] [[running back]] in the [[National Football League]] for the [[Philadelphia Eagles]], [[Dallas Cowboys]], and the [[History of the Indianapolis Colts|Baltimore Colts]].  He played [[college football]] at the [[University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland]].
+'''Richard Adam Bielski''' (September 7, 1932 – October 15, 2023) was an American professional [[American football|football]] player and coach.  He played in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) for the [[Philadelphia Eagles]], [[Dallas Cowboys]], and [[History of the Indianapolis Colts|Baltimore Colts]]. Bielski played [[college football]] at the [[University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland]].
 ==Early years==
-Bielski was an All-Maryland Scholastic Association [[Fullback (American football)|fullback]] with [[Patterson High School (Baltimore, Maryland)|Patterson Park High School]]
+Bielski was named an All-Maryland Scholastic Association [[Fullback (American football)|fullback]] in [[Patterson High School (Baltimore, Maryland)|Patterson Park High School]].
-He signed with the [[University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland]] where he played on offense and defense as a [[Fullback (American football)|fullback]] and [[linebacker]]. He was also an excellent [[placekicker]].
+Bielski accepted a football scholarship with the [[University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland]], where he played as a [[Fullback (gridiron football)|fullback]], [[linebacker]], and [[placekicker]].
-In [[1954 Maryland Terrapins football team|1954]] he was a preseason [[All-America]]n candidate, but injuries affected his level of play during the season. Still, he was able to finish his college career averaging more than 5 yards per carry and was considered one of the best [[Fullback (American football)|fullback]]s in the country along with [[Alan Ameche]]. At the end of the year, he was selected to play in the [[Chicago College All-Star Game]], [[Senior Bowl]] and the [[North-South Shrine Game]], where he was voted the outstanding player of the game.
+In [[1954 Maryland Terrapins football team|1954]] he was a preseason [[All-America]]n candidate, but injuries affected his level of play during the season. Still, he was able to finish his college career averaging more than five yards per carry. At the end of the year, he was selected to play in the [[Chicago College All-Star Game]], [[Senior Bowl]], and the [[North-South Shrine Game]], where he was voted the outstanding player of the game.
 ==Professional career==
 ===Philadelphia Eagles===
-Bielski was selected by the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] in the first round (9th overall) of the [[1955 NFL Draft]], becoming the first [[running back]] from the [[University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland]] to be drafted this high.
+Bielski was selected by the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] in the first round with the ninth overall pick of the [[1955 NFL draft]], becoming the highest-drafted [[running back]] from Maryland. During his first years, he made a team record two 50-yard field goals. In 1958, he was converted into an [[End (gridiron football)|end]]. After the 1959 season, the Eagles left him off their list of players who were exempt from the [[1960 NFL Expansion Draft]].
+===Dallas Cowboys===
-During his first years, he didn't live up to expectations at [[Fullback (American football)|fullback]] and had a greater impact as a [[placekicker]]. Being considered a versatile player, he was converted into a [[tight end]] in [[1955 NFL season|1957]].
+Bielski was acquired by the [[Dallas Cowboys]] in the [[1960 NFL Expansion Draft]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.profootballhof.com/news/1960-draft/ | title=1960 NFL Draft | access-date=April 30, 2020}}</ref> He was involved in the record for the shortest [[touchdown]] pass in league history, after catching an [[Eddie LeBaron]] pass from the 2-inch line against the Redskins on October 9, 1960.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/redskins/longterm/1997/history/allart/dw1960a.htm | title=Redskins Finally Win One, 26-14 | access-date=April 30, 2020}}</ref> He had 4 receptions for 38 yards.
+In [[1961 NFL season|1961]] he earned his only [[Pro Bowl]] berth, with career highs of 26 receptions for 377 yards and three [[touchdown]]s. He also took over the [[placekicker]] duties from [[Allen Green (American football)|Allen Green]] for the final five games of the season.
-After the [[1959 NFL season|1959 season]], the Eagles left him off their list of players who were exempt from the [[1960 NFL Expansion Draft]].
+During the [[1962 NFL season|1962]] offseason, needing help on defense, the Cowboys traded Bielski to the [[History of the Baltimore Colts|Baltimore Colts]] in a three-team deal. The Colts sent a third round draft pick (#33, used to select Mike Fracchia) to the [[St. Louis Cardinals (NFL)|St. Louis Cardinals]], and in return the Cardinals sent [[Safety (American and Canadian football position)|safety]]/[[Punter (football)|punter]] [[Jerry Norton]] to the Cowboys.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2209&dat=19620905&id=obQrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5v4FAAAAIBAJ&pg=7497,254847&hl=en | title=Packers Cut Agajanian | access-date=April 30, 2020}}</ref>
-===Dallas Cowboys===
-Bielski was acquired by the [[Dallas Cowboys]] in the [[1960 NFL Expansion Draft]].<ref>http://www.profootballhof.com/history/release.aspx?release_id=1450</ref> He was involved in the record for the shortest [[touchdown]] pass in league history, after catching an [[Eddie LeBaron]] pass from the 2-inch line against the Redskins on October 9, [[1960 NFL season|1960]].<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/redskins/longterm/1997/history/allart/dw1960a.htm</ref>
+===Baltimore Colts===
-During those early years the Cowboys' roster was in a constant state of flux, but he was part of the nucleus of a good offense, that was composed by [[Eddie LeBaron]], [[Don Meredith]], [[Don Perkins]], [[Franklin Clarke|Frank Clarke]] and [[Billy Howton]].
+In 1962, Bielski played as a placekicker and backup tight end. In 1963, he retired at the end of the season. In a nine-year career he had 107 receptions for 1,305 yards, 229 rushing yards and 12 [[touchdown]]s. He also kicked 58 [[conversion (gridiron football)|extra points]] and 26 [[Field goal (American and Canadian football)|field goals]].
+==Coaching career==
-In [[1961 NFL season|1961]] he earned his only [[Pro Bowl]] berth, with career highs of 26 receptions for 377 yards and 3 [[touchdown]]s. He also took over the [[placekicker]] duties from [[Allen Green (American football)|Allen Green]], for the final five games of the season. Bielski became part of the franchise's legacy of [[Pro Bowl]] [[tight end]]s that includes: [[Jim Doran]], [[Lee Folkins]], [[Mike Ditka]], [[Billy Joe Dupree]], [[Jackie Smith]], [[Doug Cosbie]], [[Jay Novacek]] and [[Jason Witten]].
+In 1964, he was hired by the [[History of the Baltimore Colts|Baltimore Colts]] as the [[wide receivers]] coach under head coach [[Don Shula]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/12/21/archives/colts-discharge-sandusky-and-five-assistant-coaches-colts-discharge.html?_r=0 | title=Colts Discharge Sandusky And Five Assistant Coaches | work=The New York Times | date=December 21, 1972 | access-date=April 30, 2020}}</ref> In 1973, he was named the [[wide receivers]] coach with the [[Washington Redskins]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HyovAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-NoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5186,1342915 | title=Colts, 'Skins coaches no strangers | work=Beaver County Times | date=November 5, 1977 | access-date=April 30, 2020}}</ref> In 1977, he returned as the [[wide receivers]] coach for the [[History of the Indianapolis Colts|Baltimore Colts]]. In 1983, he was hired as the [[offensive coordinator]] for the [[Washington Federals]] in the [[United States Football League]]. In 1984, he was the team's head coach for the final 17 games of the season, going 3&ndash;14.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EF4_AAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZlMMAAAAIBAJ&pg=958,91504& | title=Ray Jauch fired; Replaced by Bielski | work=The Windsor Star | date=March 1, 1984 | access-date=April 30, 2020}}</ref>
+==Personal life and death==
-During the [[1962 NFL season|1962 offseason]], needing help on defense, the Cowboys traded him to the [[History of the Baltimore Colts|Baltimore Colts]] in a three-team deal. The Colts then sent a third round draft pick (#33-Mike Fracchia) to the [[Saint Louis Cardinals]], and in return the Cardinals sent [[Safety (American and Canadian football position)|safety]]/[[Punter (football)|punter]] [[Jerry Norton]] to the Cowboys.<ref>https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2209&dat=19620905&id=obQrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5v4FAAAAIBAJ&pg=7497,254847&hl=en</ref> Dallas then traded an eight-round draft pick  (#104-Keith Kinderman) to the [[Green Bay Packers]] to pick up [[tight end]] [[Lee Folkins]], who replaced Bielski.<ref>https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1368&dat=19620905&id=L3RQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=TxEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3295,1450742&hl=en</ref>
+Bielski married his high school sweetheart, Jo Bielski. They had been married 66 years at the time of her death in 2018.
+Bielski lived in Ruxton, Maryland near his four children, Debbie, Ricky, Randy, and Jody, and lived with his granddaughter Niccole, her husband Spencer Dreiling and their son Mason.
-===Baltimore Colts===
-In [[1962 NFL season|1962]], he played as a [[Fullback (gridiron football)|fullback]] and [[placekicker]]. He spent two seasons with the [[History of the Baltimore Colts|Baltimore Colts]] before retiring. In a nine-year career he had 107 receptions for 1,305 yards, 229 rushing yards and 12 [[touchdown]]s. He also kicked 58 [[conversion (gridiron football)|extra points]] and 26 [[Field goal (American and Canadian football)|field goals]].
+Dick Bielski died on October 15, 2023, at the age of 91.<ref>[https://www.ruckfuneral.com/obituary/richard-bielski Richard Adam Bielski obituary]</ref>
-==Personal life==
-After his playing career, he enter the coaching ranks. He served as an assistant coach with the [[Washington Redskins]] for four seasons,<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HyovAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-NoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5186,1342915&dq=dick-bielski+coach&hl=en Colts, 'Skins coaches no strangers], ''Beaver County Times'', November 5, 1977.</ref> and as a [[wide receivers coach]] for the [[History of the Indianapolis Colts|Baltimore Colts]] under head coach [[Don Shula]],.<ref>[https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F2061FFC3E591A7493C3AB1789D95F468785F9 Colts Discharge Sandusky And Five Assistant Coaches; COLTS DISCHARGE SANDUSKY, 5 AIDES], ''The New York Times'', December 21, 1972.</ref> Bielski coached the [[Washington Federals]] of the [[United States Football League]] as [[offensive coordinator]] and then head coach for the final 17 games of the 1984 season,<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EF4_AAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZlMMAAAAIBAJ&pg=958,91504&dq=dick-bielski+coach&hl=en Ray Jauch fired; Replaced by Bielski], ''The Windsor Star'', March 1, 1984.</ref> going 3&ndash;14.
 ==References==
-{{Reflist|2}}
+{{Reflist|30em}}
+{{navboxes|list=
+{{1951 Maryland Terrapins football navbox}}
 {{1953 Maryland Terrapins football navbox}}
 {{1955 NFL Draft}}
 {{Eagles1955DraftPicks}}
 {{EaglesFirstPick}}
+{{1968 Baltimore Colts}}
 {{Super Bowl V}}
 {{1960 Dallas Cowboys}}
+}}
 {{DEFAULTSORT:Bielski, Dick}}
 [[Category:1932 births]]
-[[Category:Living people]]
+[[Category:2023 deaths]]
-[[Category:Sportspeople from Baltimore]]
+[[Category:American football ends]]
-[[Category:American football running backs]]
+[[Category:American football fullbacks]]
+[[Category:American football placekickers]]
+[[Category:Baltimore Colts coaches]]
+[[Category:Baltimore Colts players]]
+[[Category:Dallas Cowboys players]]
 [[Category:Maryland Terrapins football players]]
 [[Category:Philadelphia Eagles players]]
-[[Category:Dallas Cowboys players]]
+[[Category:Orlando Renegades coaches]]
-[[Category:Baltimore Colts players]]
 [[Category:Washington Redskins coaches]]
-[[Category:Baltimore Colts coaches]]
 [[Category:Eastern Conference Pro Bowl players]]
-[[Category:United States Football League coaches]]
+[[Category:Players of American football from Baltimore]]