Nick Klutka

Nicholas Klutka (January 21, 1921 – April 2, 2003) was an American football end. He played for the Florida from 1939 to 1942, the Second Air Force Superbombers in 1944 and 1945, and the Buffalo Bisons in 1946.

Nick Klutka
Personal information
Born:(1921-01-21)January 21, 1921
New Brighton, Pennsylvania
Died:April 2, 2003(2003-04-02) (aged 82)
Van Wert, Ohio
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:198 lb (90 kg)
Career information
College:Florida
Position:End
Career history
Player stats at PFR

Early years

Klutka was born in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, in 1921 and attended New Brighton High School.[1] He played at the tackle position for the New Brighton football team and was captain of the 1938 team.[2]

College football and military service

Klutka enrolled at the University of Florida in the fall of 1939. He played college football for the Florida Gators from 1939 to 1942.[1] He was Florida's starting right tackle during the 1940 season.[3] He was moved to the end position in 1941.[4] At the end position, Klutka was described as the "outstanding star" of the Florida team and was credited with "turning in great work in 'iron man' stunts".[5][6] He graduated from Florida in May 1943 with a bachelor of arts degree.

After receiving his degree, Klutka joined the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.[1] He played for the 1944 Second Air Force Superbombers football team that was ranked No. 20 in the final AP Poll.[7] He continued to play for the Second Air Force football team in the fall of 1945.[8]

Professional football

In March 1946, he agreed to play for the Buffalo Bisons of the All-America Football Conference.[9] He appeared in 11 games for the Bisons, four as a starter.[10] Klutka played end for the Bisons and also handled placekicking.[11]

Later years

After his playing career ended, Klutia was a high school coach in Van Wert, Ohio. He died in 2003 in Van Wert.[10]

References
  1. "Nick Klutka". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  2. "New Brighton High Downs Beaver, 9-7". The Pittsburgh Press. October 30, 1938. p. 18 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. Holmes Alexander (September 20, 1940). "Lieb Makes Change In Two Tackles On First Team: Klutka, Konetsky Moved up to Starting Positions at Florida". The Tampa Times. p. 18 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. "Jack Jones Is Best Punter At Florida U." The Tampa Tribune. March 26, 1941. p. 13 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. "Florida Grid Squad Prepares For Rough Workouts: Players Round Into Shape In Opening Week; Klutka, Big End, Proves Outstanding Star". The Tampa Tribune. September 9, 1941. p. 13 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. "Gators Start Work For L.S.U. Game". The Tampa Tribune. October 21, 1942. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. "Superbombers Upset by Third Air Force". The Commercial Appeal. December 11, 1944. p. 10 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. "2AF Has Big Line". The San Francisco Examiner. September 2, 1945. p. 16 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. "Klutka Joins Pro Team". The Tampa Tribune. March 30, 1946. p. 10 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. "Nick Klutka Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  11. "Nelson Stars But Hawks Yield Two-Point Decision To Bisons". The Miami News. August 31, 1946. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
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