Art Michalik

College and military career

Michalik was the son of a Chicago police sergeant. At St. Ambrose University, he played college football and was named honorable-mention Little All-American, all-Midlands Conference, and all-Iowa Conference in 1950. He was also on the wrestling team, winning 33 consecutive matches with only four losses in NCAA and Amateur Athletic Union-sanctioned competition; he finished third and fourth in national AAU tournaments as a sophomore. Although wrestling coach George Strohmeyer felt he could have qualified for the 1952 Summer Olympics, he elected to focus on football upon being selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 17th round of the 1951 NFL draft.

After graduating college in 1951, Michalik was drafted into the United States Marine Corps. He was assigned to Naval Station Treasure Island and appointed as a recreation assistant. He also joined the base's football team and became the starting right tackle. The 49ers expressed interest in signing him upon his discharge after a scout attended the Pirates' 31–14 win against the Pittsburg Buccaneers. He was discharged on October 9, 1953, and permitted to sign with the 49ers in July via accrued terminal leave.

National Football League career

As a rookie in 1953, Michalik helped the 49ers defeat the Los Angeles Rams with a fumble recovery at the Rams' five-yard line and forced a Rams punt that led to 49ers scores. The following week against the undefeated Cleveland Browns, he hit Browns quarterback Otto Graham in the face with six minutes until halftime, resulting in severe facial bleeding. Graham received 15 stitches and had a plexiglass bar—an early example of a modern facemask—attached to his helmet. The Browns won after Graham's return, and all agreed the hit was accidental. He made the Pro Bowl at the end of the season.

Michalik's 1954 season ended when he tore knee ligaments in a tie against the Rams, a game that also resulted in injuries for his teammates and drew condemnation from 49ers owner Tony Morabito and captain Bruno Banducci. At the end of the year, he was urged to retire by team doctors but refused, prompting the 49ers to trade him to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional draft pick. After Steelers center Bill Walsh's retirement, he became the starter at the position and also played kicker, for two seasons.

Professional wrestling career

During his playing days, Michalik also entered professional wrestling and formed a tag team with 49ers player Leo Nomellini. Nicknamed "Boom Boom Michalik", he thrice won the Pacific Northwest Wrestling Tag Team Championship.

Teaching career

Michalik later became a high school coach and teacher at La Quinta High School, Los Amigos High School, Pacifica High School and Garden Grove High School and at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California.

Death

On February 23, 2021, the 49ers announced Michalik's death.

References

References

1. (October 10, 1952). "Michalik's Service Play Attracts Pros". [[Davenport Democrat & Leader]].
2. (April 10, 1951). "Michalik Spurns Possible Chance to Go to Japan". [[Davenport Daily Times]].
3. O'Donnell, John. (July 24, 1953). "John O'Donnell's Sports Chats". [[Davenport Democrat & Leader]].
4. Borba, Harry. (November 9, 1953). "49ers in Continuous Hot Water". [[San Francisco Examiner]].
5. Gambini, Bert. (May 20, 2014). "The Otto Graham Myth and the Evolution of the Face Mask". [[Cleveland Browns]].
6. Smith, Dick. (November 16, 1953). "Browns Prove They Are Top Team With 23-21 Win Over 49ers". [[The Fresno Bee]].
7. (November 16, 1953). "Browns Edge 49ers Before 80,698". [[The San Bernardino Sun]].
8. O'Donnell, John. (December 31, 1953). "John O'Donnell's Sports Chats". [[Davenport Democrat & Leader]].
9. Borba, Harry. (October 4, 1954). "Tittle Believed to Have Broken Hand". [[San Francisco Examiner]].
10. Brachman, Bob. (October 4, 1954). "Banducci, Morabito Blow Up, Charge 'Dirty Play' to Rams". [[San Francisco Examiner]].
11. Livingston, Pat. (June 20, 1955). "'Tough Guy' Gets Chance With Steelers". [[The Pittsburgh Press]].
12. Brachman, Bob. (August 10, 1955). "Ex-49er to Face His Former Mates". [[San Francisco Examiner]].
13. (February 18, 1955). "Nomellini, Michalik Decision Dubuque, Pico in Tag Match". [[Ukiah Daily Journal]].
14. Cornwell, Mike. (October 8, 1987). "Orange County Prep Football: Los Amigos Plans to Zero In on Cheatham". [[Los Angeles Times]].
15. (February 23, 2021). "The #49ers extend their condolences to the family and friends of Art Michalik who has passed. He spent two years with SF (1953-54) and earned All-Pro & Pro Bowl honors in '53.".