Andy Stynchula Explained

Position:Defensive tackle / Defensive end
Number:71, 72, 83, 87
Birth Date:January 7, 1939
Birth Place:Greenwald, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Death Place:Berry Islands, Bahamas
Height Ft:6
Height In:3
Weight Lbs:250
Draftyear:1960
Draftround:3
Draftpick:28
Afldraftyear:1960
Afldraftround:2
Pick: First Selections
(by the Los Angeles Chargers)
High School:Latrobe (PA)
College:Penn State
Teams:
Highlights:
Statlabel1:Games played
Statvalue1:104
Statlabel2:Fumble recoveries
Statvalue2:11
Pfr:StynAn20

Andrew Ralph Stynchula (January 7, 1939  - August 1, 1985) was an American football defensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL) for the Washington Redskins, New York Giants, Baltimore Colts, and the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Penn State University.

Early years

Stynchula attended Latrobe High School, before moving on to Penn State University. He played as a defensive and offensive tackle.[1]

In 1958, he was the first recipient of the Red Worrell Award, given in Penn State to the player that shows exemplary conduct, loyalty, interest, attitude and improvement during spring practice.

Professional career

Washington Redskins

Stynchula was selected in the third round (28th overall) of the 1960 NFL draft. He was also selected by the New York Titans in the 1960 AFL Draft. As a rookie, he was named the starter at right defensive end and received Pro Bowl honors.

On April 10, 1964, he was traded along with running back Dick James to the New York Giants in exchange for All-Pro linebacker Sam Huff and a fifth round draft choice (#62-Frank Lambert).[2]

New York Giants

In 1964, he was moved to left defensive tackle. The next year, he was switched to right defensive end and played out his contract option, so he could become a free agent in 1966.[3] On February 16, 1966, to avoid losing him without receiving any compensation, he was traded to the Baltimore Colts in exchange for safety Wendell Harris.[4]

Baltimore Colts

In 1966, he was placed on the injured reserve list after the eighth game of the season.[5] He was released on September 10, 1968.[6]

Dallas Cowboys

On October 31, 1968, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys to the taxi squad. On November 9, he was promoted to the active roster and played in 5 games as a reserve.[7] On July 13, 1969, he announced his retirement.[8]

Personal life

On Thursday, August 1, 1985, he died in a car accident on the northernmost island of the Berry Islands, while on vacation in the Bahamas.[9] [10]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Penn State Possesse Other Stars Beside Talented Quarterback . February 19, 2016.
  2. Web site: Redskins Trade Stynchula, James To Giants For Huff . February 19, 2016.
  3. Web site: Giants Stynchula Plays Out Option . February 19, 2016.
  4. Web site: Falcons' Stock Called 'Best' . February 19, 2016.
  5. Web site: Colts Are Planning A Party For Gino . February 19, 2016.
  6. Web site: Taylor, McDonald, Groza Among Cuts . February 19, 2016.
  7. Web site: Cowboys Call Up Vet Lineman . February 19, 2016.
  8. Web site: Potluck . February 19, 2016.
  9. News: New York Times . Stynchula, Former Colt, Killed in Car Accident . 2008-09-05 . August 4, 1985.
  10. https://www.newspapers.com/image/449100628/?terms=%22Andy%20Stynchula%22&match=1 Crash claims area native