Norman B. Purucker (June 24, 1917[1] – November 12, 2014[2]) was an American football player.

Norm Purucker
Michigan Wolverines
PositionHalfback
Personal information
Born:June 24, 1917
Youngstown, Ohio
Died:November 12, 2014 (age 97)
Boardman, Ohio
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight180 lb (82 kg)
Career history
CollegeMichigan (1936–1938)
High schoolBoardman (OH)

Early years

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A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Purucker was the son of Frederick Purucker, a pipe fitter at a steel mill,[3] who later worked as a meat cutter at a market.[4] The family moved to Boardman, Ohio, while Purucker was a child. He attended Boardman High School where he was a star in football, basketball and track and field. The Vindicator called him "the greatest all-around athlete in Boardman history."[2] In 1980, he became the first person inducted into the Boardman High School Hall of Fame.[2]

University of Michigan

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Purucker enrolled at the University of Michigan and played at the halfback and punter positions for the Michigan Wolverines football team from 1936 to 1938. He was also a sprinter on the Michigan track team in 1938 and 1939.[2]

Professional football

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Purucker signed with the Green Bay Packers in June 1939.[5][6] but was released in September 1939 after reporting late due to his attendance at summer classes at Michigan.[7] He filed a $2,000 lawsuit against the Packers that he had been promised $175 per game, regardless of whether he played. Purucker further alleged that he was released after sustaining an injury in a game against the Texas All-Stars.[8]

Later years

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In January 1942, Purucker was accepted as a physical instructor with the United States Navy.[9] He later worked as a real estate broker and income tax consultant. He died in Boardman, Ohio, in 2014 at age 97.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Ancestry.com. Ohio, Birth Index, 1908-1964 [database on-line].
  2. ^ a b c d e "Norman B. Purucker". The Vindicator. November 16, 2014.
  3. ^ Census Place: Boardman, Mahoning, Ohio; Roll: T625_1412; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 105; Image: 561. Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line].
  4. ^ Census Place: Boardman, Mahoning, Ohio; Roll: 1841; Page: 31B; Enumeration District: 0100; Image: 413.0; FHL microfilm: 2341575. Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census [database on-line].
  5. ^ "Another Michigan Ace Signed by Packers: Halfback Purucker Is Latest To Join Team". Green Bay Press-Gazette. June 19, 1939. p. 13 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Purucker Joins Packers". The Pittsburgh Press. July 13, 1939. p. 25.
  7. ^ "Purucker Is Released". The Milwaukee Journal. September 12, 1939.
  8. ^ "Years Ago". Youngstown News. December 5, 2014.
  9. ^ "Norm Purucker Accepted by Navy". The Ludington Daily News. January 22, 1942. p. 5.