George Platukis

George Paul Platukis (March 15, 1915–May 17, 1973) was an American football end who played five seasons in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Rams. He later became a high school teacher and baseball coach.

George Platukis
No. 33
Position:End / Defensive end
Personal information
Born:(1915-03-15)March 15, 1915
West Hazleton, Pennsylvania
Died:May 17, 1973(1973-05-17) (aged 58)
Hazleton, Pennsylvania
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:196 lb (89 kg)
Career information
High school:West Hazleton High School
College:Duquesne University
NFL Draft:1938 / Round: 6 / Pick: 44
Career history
Career NFL statistics as of Week 11, 1942
Games Played:47
Games Started:28
Receptions / Yds:33 / 621
Interceptions:1
Player stats at NFL.com
Player stats at PFR

Early life

Platukis was born in West Hazleton, Pennsylvania and attended West Hazleton High School.[1]

He matriculated at Duquesne University.[1]

Football career

Platukis was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the sixth round of the 1938 NFL Draft.[1] He played for the Pirates (renamed the Steelers in 1941) for four seasons.[2]

Platukis was traded by the Pittsburgh Steelers in August 1942 to the Cleveland Rams in exchange for John Binotto and Milt Simington.[3] He spent a final season with the Rams.[2]

Post-football career

After completing his football career, Platukis returned to Hazleton, Pennsylvania where he became a high school teacher and head baseball coach at his alma mater, West Hazleton High School.[4]

Personal life

Platukis was married to Irene Pekala. The couple had four children: George Jr., Paulette, Paul and James.[5] He was an ardent fisherman.[4] He died of an apparent heart attack on May 17, 1973, while on a fishing trip near his home with his son and grandson.[4]

References
  1. "George Platukis bio". databaseFootball. Archived from the original on 17 February 2010. Retrieved 25 February 2010.
  2. "George Platukis bio". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved 25 February 2010.
  3. "Scouting Football Front: Steelers Get Two Rams". Reading Eagle. August 14, 1942. p. 21. Retrieved 25 February 2010.
  4. "Baseball Coach Dies". Reading Eagle. May 18, 1973. p. 29. Retrieved 25 February 2010.
  5. "Irene Platukis obituary". Hazleton (PA) Standard-Speaker. March 28, 2007. Retrieved 25 February 2010.
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