George Kisiday Explained

George Kisiday
Number:51
Position:End, tackle
Birth Date:16 April 1923
Birth Place:Ambridge, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Death Place:Ambridge, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height Ft:5
Height In:11
Weight Lbs:210
High School:Ambridge (PA)
College:Duquesne, Columbia
Draftyear:1948
Draftround:22
Draftpick:196
Pastteams:
Pfr:KisiGe20
Statlabel1:Games
Statvalue1:14

George John Kisiday (April 16, 1923  - November 8, 1970) was an American football player who played at the end position. He played college football for Duquesne and Columbia and professional football for the Buffalo Bills and Jersey City Giants.

Early years

Kisiday was born in 1923 in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. He attended and played football at Ambridge High School.

College football and military service

Kisiday played college football for Duquesne at the end position in 1942 and 1947. His college career was interrupted by service in the United States Army during World War II. He transferred to Columbia in 1947 and played at the tackle position for Lou Little's 1947 Columbia Lions football team that was ranked No. 20 in the final AP Poll.

Professional football

He was selected by the New York Giants in the 22nd round (196th overall pick) of the 1947 NFL draft but did not play for the Giants. Kisiday instead signed in February 1948 to play for the Buffalo Bills of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). He was recommended to the Bills by Columbia coach Little.[1] He played for the Bills during their 1948 season and appeared in 14 games. He also played in the American Football League for the Jersey City Giants in 1949.[2] [3]

Family and later years

After his playing career ended, he was hired as an assistant football coach at North Catholic High School in Pittsburgh.[4] He later served as the line coach at the University of Bridgeport.[5] After his coaching career, he served as the recreation director in Ambridge.

Kisiday suffered a heart attack in 1962.[6] He subsequently died of an apparent heart attack in 1970 at age 47 in Ambridge.[2] [7]

Notes and References

  1. News: Kisiday Signed By Buffalo Bills. The Akron Beacon Journal. February 10, 1948. 28. Newspapers.com.
  2. Web site: George Kisiday. Pro Football Archives. April 2, 2021.
  3. Web site: George Kisiday Stats. Sports Reference LLC. Pro-Football-Reference.com. April 2, 2021.
  4. News: Kisiday Signs As North Aide. The Pittsburgh Press. March 12, 1950. 44. Newspapers.com.
  5. News: Found: One Coach Who Enjoys Losing!. Hartford Courant. October 14, 1952. 15. Newspapers.com.
  6. News: Sidelights on Sports. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Al Abrams. May 26, 1962. 12. Newspapers.com.
  7. News: Geo. Kisiday Dies; Dukes Grid Star. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. November 9, 1970. 26. Newspapers.com.