| Robert Popelka | |
| Position1: | Defensive back |
| Birth Date: | 20 November 1949 |
| College: | Southern Methodist University |
| High School: | Temple High School |
| Playing Years1: | 1970–1972 |
| Playing Team1: | SMU Mustangs |
| Career Highlights: | |
| Nfldraftedyear: | 1973 |
| Nfldraftedround: | 14 |
| Nfldraftedpick: | 359 |
| Nfldraftedteam: | Cleveland Browns |
Robert E. Popelka (born November 20, 1949) is a former American football player.
Popelka was raised in Temple, Texas, and played college football as a defensive back for Southern Methodist University. Popelka played tailback in high school but was converted to defense at SMU.[1] In 1971, he intercepted a pass and returned it 76 yards for a touchdown to help SMU to an 18-17 upset victory over Texas Tech.[2] [3] He was a consensus first-team selection to the 1972 College Football All-America Team.[4] He was also twice selected as an All-Southwest Conference player. SMU coach Hayden Fry said of Popelka: "Robert is the best defensive back in America. He has the tools and equipment to do it all. He has 9.7 speed, great quickness, and excellent judgment and timing."[5] He also won the Southwest Conference's Kern Tips Memorial Award in 1972 as the conference's outstanding senior football player.[6] [7]
Popelka was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 14th round of the 1973 NFL draft,[8] He was considered to be too small and too slow for the NFL.[9]
Popelka was inducted into the SMU Hall of Fame in 1983.[10]