Andy Stynchula

Andrew Ralph Stynchula (January 7, 1939 – August 1, 1985) was an American football defensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL) for the Washington Redskins, New York Giants, Baltimore Colts, and the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Penn State University.

Andy Stynchula
No. 71, 72, 83, 87
Position:Defensive tackle / Defensive end
Personal information
Born:(1939-01-07)January 7, 1939
Greenwald, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died:August 1, 1985(1985-08-01) (aged 46)
Berry Islands, Bahamas
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
High school:Latrobe (PA)
College:Penn State
NFL Draft:1960 / Round: 3 / Pick: 28
AFL Draft:1960 / Round: 2
Pick: First Selections
(by the Los Angeles Chargers)
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:104
Fumble recoveries:11
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Early years

Stynchula attended Latrobe High School, before moving on to Penn State University. He played as a defensive and offensive tackle.[1]

In 1958, he was the first recipient of the Red Worrell Award, given in Penn State to the player that shows exemplary conduct, loyalty, interest, attitude and improvement during spring practice.

Professional career

Washington Redskins

Stynchula was selected in the third round (28th overall) of the 1960 NFL Draft. He was also selected by the New York Titans in the 1960 AFL Draft. As a rookie, he was named the starter at right defensive end and received Pro Bowl honors.

On April 10, 1964, he was traded along with running back Dick James to the New York Giants in exchange for All-Pro linebacker Sam Huff and a fifth round draft choice (#62-Frank Lambert).[2]

New York Giants

In 1964, he was moved to left defensive tackle. The next year, he was switched to right defensive end and played out his contract option, so he could become a free agent in 1966.[3] On February 16, 1966, to avoid losing him without receiving any compensation, he was traded to the Baltimore Colts in exchange for safety Wendell Harris.[4]

Baltimore Colts

In 1966, he was placed on the injured reserve list after the eighth game of the season.[5] He was released on September 10, 1968.[6]

Dallas Cowboys

On October 31, 1968, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys to the taxi squad. On November 9, he was promoted to the active roster and played in 5 games as a reserve.[7] On July 13, 1969, he announced his retirement.[8]

Personal life

On Thursday, August 1, 1985, he died in a car accident on the northernmost island of the Berry Islands, while on vacation in the Bahamas.[9][10]

References
  1. "Penn State Possesse Other Stars Beside Talented Quarterback". Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  2. "Redskins Trade Stynchula, James To Giants For Huff". Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  3. "Giants Stynchula Plays Out Option". Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  4. "Falcons' Stock Called 'Best'". Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  5. "Colts Are Planning A Party For Gino". Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  6. "Taylor, McDonald, Groza Among Cuts". Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  7. "Cowboys Call Up Vet Lineman". Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  8. "Potluck". Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  9. "Stynchula, Former Colt, Killed in Car Accident". New York Times. August 4, 1985. Retrieved 2008-09-05.
  10. Crash claims area native." Latrobe, Pennsylvania: Latrobe Bulletin, August 3, 1985, p. 10 (subscription required).
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