George Platukis Explained

George Platukis
Number:33
Position:End / Defensive end
Birth Date:March 15, 1915
Birth Place:West Hazleton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Death Place:Hazleton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:0
Weight Lbs:196
High School:West Hazleton
College:Duquesne University
Draftyear:1938
Draftround:6
Draftpick:44
Pastteams:
Statlabel1:Games played
Statvalue1:47
Statlabel2:Games started
Statvalue2:28
Statlabel3:Receptions / Yds
Statvalue3:33 / 621
Statlabel4:Interceptions
Statvalue4:1
Pfr:PlatGe20

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

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.[2] He played for the Pirates (renamed the Steelers in 1941) for four seasons.[3]

Platukis was traded by the Pittsburgh Steelers in August 1942 to the Cleveland Rams in exchange for John Binotto and Milt Simington.[4] He spent a final season with the Rams.[3]

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.[5]

Personal life

Platukis was married to Irene Pekala. The couple had four children: George Jr., Paulette, Paul and James.[6] He was an ardent fisherman.[5] He died of an apparent heart attack on May 17, 1973, while on a fishing trip near his home with his son and grandson.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: George Platukis bio . databaseFootball . 25 February 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100217050923/http://databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=PLATUGEO01 . 17 February 2010 .
  2. Web site: 1938 NFL Draft Listing . 2023-03-25 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  3. Web site: George Platukis bio. Pro Football Reference. 25 February 2010.
  4. News: Scouting Football Front: Steelers Get Two Rams. August 14, 1942. Reading Eagle. 21. 25 February 2010.
  5. News: Baseball Coach Dies. May 18, 1973. Reading Eagle. 29. 25 February 2010.
  6. Web site: Irene Platukis obituary. March 28, 2007. Hazleton (PA) Standard-Speaker. 25 February 2010.