Priatko shares memory of being drafted into the NFL

By THOMAS LETURGY
For MVI Sports

Bill Priatko won’t be attending the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh this week. At 94, he’ll most likely be watching the festivities from home.

It’s not because he can’t get around — Priatko is always on the move. He even missed an initial phone call because he was walking the stairs at his North Huntingdon home.

“Physical therapy for a knee replacement,” he said. “You can see more on TV.”

“It’s vastly different,” he added of today’s NFL Draft compared to its humble beginnings 90 years ago in a Philadelphia hotel room. Back then, NFL president Joe F. Carr and team owners gathered to celebrate the league’s best season to that point. Nine teams selected five players each from a list of about 90 names written on a blackboard. There were no scouts, and television was still three years away.

Pittsburgh’s team was known as the Pirates, and its first draft pick — Notre Dame’s famed halfback and punter William Shakespeare — chose a business career instead of playing at Forbes Field.

At the time, North Braddock’s Bill Priatko was just 4 years old.

Priatko grew up on Grant Street in North Braddock, attended Scott High School and later played football at the University of Pittsburgh as a center and guard.

After graduating in the 1950s, he entered the military and didn’t return to football until 1957, all while dealing with knee issues. During his career, he played alongside notable names such as Mike Ditka and Bart Starr.

When Priatko attends Dan McCann Coach’s Corner luncheons hosted by the “Tick” Choherty Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, emcee and KDKA radio host Larry Richert introduces him as the “oldest living Steeler.”

He’s close to that distinction. Neil Worden, also 94 — born Aug. 1, 1931, compared to Priatko’s Oct. 16 birthday — is considered the oldest living former NFL player.

Priatko remains as engaging as ever. He often shares the story of being drafted by the Green Bay Packers out of Pitt for “$7,500 with a $500 signing bonus.”

“My mother said that’s the most she ever saw on a check,” he joked.

He still has his original contract, which resembles an old stock ticker tape when unrolled.

“I thought I was a millionaire,” he said. “That bonus paid for my wedding.”

He even hired a “five-piece Polish band from Braddock for $25 to play my wedding.”

For comparison, fellow 1957 rookie and Heisman Trophy winner Paul Hornung signed for $12,000 with a $2,000 bonus.

Priatko said the NFL was far more demanding in those days. Training camp included nine weeks of preparation, featuring three weeks of twoa- day practices in full pads, followed by six preseason games and continued daily workouts — also in full pads.

In 1957, Priatko was assigned to the Packers’ taxi squad, requiring him to clear waivers. That’s when Steelers coach Buddy Parker brought him back to Pittsburgh.

“I felt great,” he said. “This is my hometown.”

Because the season had already begun, Priatko signed a per-game contract.

“I was paid $416.66 for the rest of the season,” he said.

He valued the opportunity to play alongside players such as Lenny Dawson and Jack Kemp.

“I was grateful to be playing and wear the Steelers uniform,” he said.

Despite knee issues limiting his playing time, Priatko contributed to a Steelers defense that finished as the league’s best in 1957, measured by fewest yards allowed. In the season finale at Comiskey Park, he recorded a sack that helped give Pittsburgh an 11yard edge over Cleveland — earning him a $500 bonus.

Priatko spent one season in Pittsburgh before signing with Cleveland, where he played under Paul Brown. He met Chuck Noll, played with Jim Brown and formed a lasting friendship with Dick LeBeau.

“We talk every week,” he said.

He continues to speak highly of the Steelers organization, especially founder Art Rooney Sr.

“He treated everyone well, like you were the most important guy on the ball club,” Priatko said.

After his playing career, Priatko served as an assistant athletic director at Robert Morris University, where he was later inducted into its Hall of Fame.

And while he won’t be at the draft in person, he’s thrilled it’s in Pittsburgh.

“I absolutely never thought we’d see anything like this,” he said. “We were neanderthals in the old days.”