Joe Klecko (1987) - Hall of Fame

Joe Klecko

Induction:
1987
Class:
1976

Joe Klecko starred for the Temple football team from 1973 to 1976 when he displayed the defensive talents that led him to professional stardom. He topped the Owls in tackles his last three seasons while earning numerous honors. He twice made the All-East team and received All-American mention as a junior and senior. He was the ECAC's Rookie of the Week after the 1973 Delaware game when he had five sacks and 15 tackles. Temple's middle guard was drafted in the sixth round by the New York Jets, becoming a starter in the ninth game of his rookie season and had more sacks (8) than any other NFL freshman at the time. He has been selected All-Pro three times and became the first defensive player in the NFL to ever be picked for the Pro Bowl at three different positions. He earned his first Pro Bowl trip in 1981 when he led the NFL with 20 ½ sacks and was acknowledged as the NFL's defensive player of the year by Sports Illustrated, Pro Football Weekly and Seagrams Seven Crowns of Sports. He lives in Malvern, PA with his wife and two sons.