Kyle named to Kutztown All-Time Football Team

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Richard Kyle, professor emeritus of history and religious studies at Tabor College, was recognized Nov. 7 as a member of the All-Time Football Team by his alma mater, Kutztown (Pa.) Univer?sity, as it celebrated its 100th season of playing football.

?Most players came from the modern era, but fortunately they remembered an old-timer like me,? said Kyle, who traveled to Pennsyl?vania for a commemorative event that included several meals and a ceremony and introduction in the stadium during halftime.

Kyle was a three-year starter at the NCAA Divi?sion II school (1958-1960), playing both offensive and defensive tackle. He was named the team?s most valuable player as a sophomore and junior and later was inducted into the university?s athletic hall of fame.

Following his graduation in January 1961, Kyle became the first Kutztown player to sign a free-agent professional contract when he joined the Baltimore Colts in 1962.

Kyle played the exhibition season before a leg injury forced his release. He later had tryouts with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions and played semi-professional football.

Thirty-three players were named to Kutztown?s All-Time Football Team; Kyle was the only one to be named to both the offensive defensive teams.

?Of the 33 players, only three predated me and they are deceased,? Kyle said. ?So I was the oldest living player selected.?

Kyle remained connected to college football while teaching at Tabor, serving as the Bluejays? defensive coordinator for 19 years and as interim head coach for the 1974 season.

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