This week in North Central West Virginia history.
Born March 17, 1912 – Known for football and coaching
Joseph Lee Stydahar was born on March 17, 1912. He moved to Shinnston, West Virginia, as a child and attended Shinnston High School. He played football and basketball there before enrolling at West Virginia University, where he competed in both sports. In 1936, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round. He played as a tackle for nine NFL seasons and helped the Bears win three championships. He was named All-Pro five times. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy. After his playing career, he coached in the NFL, leading the Los Angeles Rams to a championship in 1951. He later coached the Chicago Cardinals and worked as an assistant with the Bears. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. Stydahar died on March 23, 1977, and is buried in Shinnston. The athletic field at Lincoln High School bears his name.
Born March 18, 1921 in Farmington
He was born March 18, 1921 in Farmington, West Virginia. He grew up in a coal‑mining community. He played high school football on a pasture field. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II. He played college ball at Marshall and Auburn. He joined the Cleveland Browns in 1946. He won four AAFC and three NFL championships with the team. He played center and never missed a game. He made All‑Pro from 1951 to 1955. He later played one season with the Detroit Lions and won a title in 1957
