Walt Kichefski

Who was Walt Kichefski?

Walter Raymond Kichefski was a professional football player in the He played in the league from 1940–1942 and again in 1944. Walt played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and "Card-Pitt", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Chicago Cardinals and the Steelers. The teams merger was result of the manning shortages experienced league-wide due to World War II. Walter also served in the military during the war. His name is included on the NFL honor roll, which lists over 1,000 NFL personnel who served in the military during World War II.

He played college football at the University of Miami. He served as head coach there for the last 9 games of the 1970 season, guiding the team to a 2-7 record. He began his Miami coaching career in 1943 as line mentor. After playing the 1944 season with "Card-Pitt", Walt rejoined the Hurricanes and the team went on to win the 1946 Orange Bowl. He later became the head coach of Hurricanes in 1970, following Charlie Tate's resignation. He was later recognized by the school with the title "The Gator Hater", which was aimed at the rivial University of Florida. During his time at Miami, Walt mentored future All-Americans: Ted Hendricks, Bill Miller and Ed Weisacosky. He was finally was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 1969.