Temple University Athletics
Joe Klecko (1973-1976)
Joe Klecko To Be Inducted Into Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
7.20.12 | Football
Starred on the Owls' defensive line from 1973-1976; Temple Athletics HOF 1987 Inductee
PHILADELPHIA – Former Temple defensive tackle and NFL Pro Bowler Joe Klecko will be one of 16 members to be inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame's ninth class on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at the Society Hill Sheraton (1 Dock St., Philadelphia, Pa.).
Klecko starred as a middle guard for the Owls from 1973-1976. In his final three seasons wearing the Cherry & White, he led the team in tackles, helping himself earn numerous honors. As a junior and senior, he was selected to the All-East team and also received All-American mention. His accomplishments at Temple and beyond led him to being inducted into the Temple Athletics Hall of fame in 1987.
Drafted by the New York Jets in 1977, he made an immediate presence in the NFl, as he became a starter in the ninth game of his rookie year and went on to have eight sacks, which was more than any other NFL first-year player that season.
Klecko went on to play 12 seasons (1977-1988) in the NFL, spending stints with the Jets and the Indianapolis Colts. Over the span of his professional career, he was selected to the Pro Bowl four times (1981, 1983-1985). What was most impressive about that, is he became the first player in league history to be selected to the Pro Bowl at three different positions (DE, NT, DT). As a Jet, he anchored “The New York Sack Exchange”, one of the most feared defensive lines in NFL History. Klecko is one of only three Jets to have their jersey number retired.
Joining Klecko in the Class IX Induction Ceremony will be: Dan Baker, Debbie Black, Doug Collins, Eddie Plank, Eric Lindros, Gertrude Dunn, Harold Johnson, Horace Ashenfelter, Johnny Callison, Johnny McDermott, Maxie Baughan, Mike Piazza, Tommy Thompson, Wali Jones and Legacy Youth Tennis.
For more details, click here.
About the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame:
The Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame is open to athletes, coaches, media, administrators and other contributors in all areas of professional, college, amateur, high school and youth sports. Candidates must have been born in or performed in the Philadelphia area and meet certain eligibility requirements in order to be considered. A list of eligibility requirements is available online at: http://www.phillyhall.org/nomination.html
The Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Founded in 2002, it is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit Organizations, the Maxwell Club, the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums and the International Association of Sports Museums and Halls of Fame. For More information visit: http://www.phillyhall.org/
Klecko starred as a middle guard for the Owls from 1973-1976. In his final three seasons wearing the Cherry & White, he led the team in tackles, helping himself earn numerous honors. As a junior and senior, he was selected to the All-East team and also received All-American mention. His accomplishments at Temple and beyond led him to being inducted into the Temple Athletics Hall of fame in 1987.
Drafted by the New York Jets in 1977, he made an immediate presence in the NFl, as he became a starter in the ninth game of his rookie year and went on to have eight sacks, which was more than any other NFL first-year player that season.
Klecko went on to play 12 seasons (1977-1988) in the NFL, spending stints with the Jets and the Indianapolis Colts. Over the span of his professional career, he was selected to the Pro Bowl four times (1981, 1983-1985). What was most impressive about that, is he became the first player in league history to be selected to the Pro Bowl at three different positions (DE, NT, DT). As a Jet, he anchored “The New York Sack Exchange”, one of the most feared defensive lines in NFL History. Klecko is one of only three Jets to have their jersey number retired.
Joining Klecko in the Class IX Induction Ceremony will be: Dan Baker, Debbie Black, Doug Collins, Eddie Plank, Eric Lindros, Gertrude Dunn, Harold Johnson, Horace Ashenfelter, Johnny Callison, Johnny McDermott, Maxie Baughan, Mike Piazza, Tommy Thompson, Wali Jones and Legacy Youth Tennis.
For more details, click here.
About the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame:
The Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame is open to athletes, coaches, media, administrators and other contributors in all areas of professional, college, amateur, high school and youth sports. Candidates must have been born in or performed in the Philadelphia area and meet certain eligibility requirements in order to be considered. A list of eligibility requirements is available online at: http://www.phillyhall.org/
The Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Founded in 2002, it is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit Organizations, the Maxwell Club, the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums and the International Association of Sports Museums and Halls of Fame. For More information visit: http://www.phillyhall.org/
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