Ted Kwalick

Bio

Joe Paterno, Penn State coach, asked to describe Ted Kwalick, said, "He's what God had in mind when he made a football player." Kwalick joined the Penn State varsity at a time the tight end position was being developed in football. It required a man skilled as a blocker and a receiver. Ted had the size for a blocker; height 6-4; weight, 225 pounds. His aptitude for receiving was summed up by an assistant coach, Bob Phillips: "He had very big hands and great hand strength. Could catch the ball one-handed or two-handed. I don't remember that he ever dropped a pass." Ted made several All-America teams in 1967, and was unanimous in 1968, becoming Penn State's first two-time All-America. His career totals, 1343 yards and 10 touchdowns, were Penn State records for a tight end. His longest play was an 89-yarder against Miami in 1968. "I was lucky," Kwalick says, "because my first year was also Joe Paterno's first year. We grew together." He went on to a nine-year pro career with San Francisco and Oakland. He formed his own company, Tight End Sportswear, featuring shirts that show city skylines and great football players.

Career Highlights

• 1968 Heisman - Fourth
• 1968 Unanimous All-America
• 1967 First Team All-America