20 Facts About Walt Patulski

In 1991, Walt Patulski was voted to the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame for his activities as a high school athlete.

At the University of Notre Dame, Walt Patulski was converted into a defensive end.

Walt Patulski was an All-American in 1971, and he won the 1971 Lombardi Award, which is given to college football's best lineman.

Walt Patulski was named to Football News sophomore All-America squad in 1969 and was an honorable mention All-American in 1970.

Walt Patulski started every game in his collegiate career, and totaled 186 tackles, 40 for losses; broke up 10 passes; recovered five fumbles and returned one blocked punt 12 yards.

Walt Patulski made 74 tackles, 22 more than his total for the 1970 season.

Walt Patulski was awarded the game ball for his performance in the Irish initial 1971 contest against Northwestern and was acclaimed as national lineman of the week following the North Carolina game.

Walt Patulski played in the 1971 Cotton Bowl Classic and the Hula Bowl.

Walt Patulski was drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the first overall pick of the 1972 NFL Draft.

Walt Patulski recorded four sacks, a career low two came in a game against the St Louis Cardinals offensive line, who gave up only eight sacks in 1975.

Walt Patulski lined up against St Louis all-pro and Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive tackle Dan Dierdorf.

Walt Patulski played four years with the Bills, and then he was traded to the Cardinals for a second-round draft pick, and played one year with the St Louis Cardinals.

Walt Patulski then suffered career-ending back surgery due to an injury he suffered while with the Chicago Bears.

Walt Patulski is a recipient of the Key to Syracuse for his distinguished community service.

Walt Patulski served as a sales manager of one of Syracuse's banks.

Walt Patulski served for six years as Commissioner of the Syracuse Board of Education, and has been a board member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Walt Patulski has recently been guest speaker at the National Football Foundation.

Walt Patulski was appointed and later elected as Commissioner of Education for the Syracuse School District in 1980.

Walt Patulski was honored on June 19,2014 with an induction into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in Troy, Michigan.

Walt Patulski never spoke to Saban again after his football career ended, despite the opportunities to do so.