Ed Podolak

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ed Podolak
Date of birth: September 1, 1947 (1947-09-01) (age 60)
Place of birth: Flag of the United States Atlantic, Iowa
Career information
Position(s): Running Back
College: Iowa
NFL Draft: 1969 / Round: 2 / Pick 48
Organizations
 As player:
1969
1970-1977
AFL Kansas City Chiefs
NFL Kansas City Chiefs
Stats at DatabaseFootball.com

Edward Joseph Podolak (born September 1, 1947, in Atlantic, Iowa) is a former professional American football player. He played quarterback and halfback at the University of Iowa before being selected by the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 1969 Common Draft.

During a nine-year career from 1969 to 1977, Podolak became the Chiefs' second all-time leading rusher with 4,451 yards and 34 touchdowns on 1,158 carries. He was also known for his work on special teams as a pass receiver and return man, catching 288 passes for 2,456 yards and 6 touchdowns while averaging 8.6 yards per punt and 20.5 yards per kickoff return. His 8,178 career combined yards are the second-most in the team's history. Podolak led the Chiefs in rushing four times, in receiving three times, and in punt returns three times.

In a December 25, 1971, playoff loss to the Miami Dolphins (still the longest game in NFL history), he had a playoff-record 350 total yards: 85 rushing, 110 receiving, and 155 on returns. Podolak, who wore jersey number 14, was inducted into the Chiefs' Hall of Fame in 1989.

Podolak has worked as a radio color commentator for Iowa Hawkeye football games on WHO radio in Des Moines and a statewide radio network since 1982. He worked alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Zabel until 1996 and has worked with Gary Dolphin since 1997.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links