Joe Perkowski
Joe Perkowski is a former right back/kicker who played in the NCAA as well as the National Football League (NFL) for one season. He is best known for his "overtime kick" against Syracuse in 1961.
Playing career
High school
Perkowski graduated from Coughlin High School, earning a total of 10 letters in football, baseball, track, and basketball combined. In 1957, he captained the Crusaders football team, and led them to their first Wyoming Valley Conference Championship since 1937 with an 8-1 record. The same year, Perkowski would shatter the league's scoring record with 18 touchdowns and 19 extra points, a combined tally of 127 points. He was later elected to the PA Big 33 as a junior, a tournament that only seniors were allowed to compete in. Perkowski would repeat his feat by competing in his senior year.[1]
Notre Dame
In 1958, Perkowski accepted an offer from Notre Dame. He joined their football team and quickly impressed his teammates. Perkowski led scoring in 1961 as a halfback, as well as kicking field goals. [2] Many of the players, including head coach Joe Kuharich were impressed by Perkowski's high level of play.
Controversy over 1961 Syracuse game
In 1961, Notre Dame trailed Syracuse at home 14–15, with three seconds left to play. A desperation 56-yard field goal attempt by Notre Dame fell short as time ran out, effectively ending the game. However, Syracuse were penalized 15 yards for roughing the placekick holder, and Notre Dame was given a second chance despite the clock running out. Perkowski attempted a 41-yard field goal successfully, and Notre Dame won the game 17-15. Many of the Syracuse fans argued that because time had run out, the game was over.[3] The extra play was contested by the Big 10 and the ECAC, even requiring NCAA rules chairman Bob Neyland to intervene. Neither could overturn the call, and Notre Dame was awarded the win. Perkowski was congratulated for his clutch play, in which he would repeat in similar fashion months later against Purdue.
Chicago Bears
In the 1962 NFL Draft, Joe Perkowski was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 13th round (175th pick).[4] He was assigned to the Scranton Pros of the ACFL in 1964, where he scored 8 points and 8 one-point conversions made. The Pros finished last place in the Southern Division, with a record of 1-13. Perkowski would sustain a knee injury around this time, effectively ending his pursuit of a professional playing career.
Awards and honours
| Year | Awards |
|---|---|
| 1998 | Luzerne County Sports HOF |
| 2006 | Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame |
Personal life
Perkowski married his wife Claire Macarelli, who he met whilst attending Coughlin High School. He now lives in Plains, Pennsylvania, with his children Nadine and Matthew, as well as four grandchildren.
Trivia
Perkowski joined Coughlin High School's track team in 1956, and made it to the championship with them.
Perkowski also played on Coughlin High School's championship baseball team in 1957-58.
References
- ↑ "Joe Perkowski". Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame — John Louis Popple Chapter. Retrieved 2022-12-07.
- ↑ "Joe Perkowski College Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved 2022-12-07.
- ↑ Archives, AuthorNotre Dame (2011-11-18). "Notre Dame vs. Syracuse, 11/18/1961". Notre Dame Archives News & Notes. Retrieved 2022-12-07.
- ↑ 1962 NFL, Draft (1962). "1962 NFL Draft" [1962 NFL Draft] (html). The Football Database. Archived from the original on Never. Retrieved Dec 7, 2022. Unknown parameter
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