George Genyk facts for kids
Genyk from 1960 Michiganensian
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| Position: | Guard, tackle |
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| Personal information | |
| Born: | June 6, 1938 Detroit, Michigan |
| Died: | April 29, 2017 (aged 78) Phoenix, Arizona |
| Career information | |
| College: | Michigan |
| NFL Draft: | 1960 / Round: 1 |
| AFL draft: | 1960 / Round: 2 |
George William Genyk (born June 6, 1938 – died April 29, 2017) was an important person in American football. He was a player who blocked for his team and also a coach.
George Genyk played college football for the University of Michigan from 1957 to 1959. He was even the captain of the 1959 Michigan team. After college, he was chosen in the draft by the New York Titans. This team later became known as the New York Jets. After his playing days, he coached high school football in Michigan for more than 30 years, helping many young players.
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Early Life and School
George Genyk was born and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He went to Pershing High School. While he was there, he played on the 1953 Pershing Doughboys football team. This team was really good! They scored 303 points while their opponents only scored 55 points. Because of their amazing performance, they were chosen as the state's top Class A football champions.
Football Career Highlights
Playing for Michigan
George Genyk went to the University of Michigan and played for the Michigan Wolverines football team. He played from 1957 to 1959.
In 1957, he received the John F. Maulbetsch Award. This award was given to a freshman football player who showed great "desire, character, and leadership." It also recognized their potential for future success both in sports and in life. In 1958, he also got a Yost Honor Award for doing well in both sports and his schoolwork.
As a junior, George was a starter for the 1958 Michigan Wolverines football team. He played as the starting left tackle in all nine games that season. After the 1958 season ended, his teammates chose him to be the captain of the 1959 Michigan team. This was a big honor!
A new coach, Bump Elliott, took over the team in 1959. George Genyk played as the starting left guard in most of the games that year. He was known as the "Ironman" of the Michigan team because he played almost every minute of their games. He only missed one game because he got a head injury during warmups that needed stitches.
After his final season at Michigan, George was invited to play in the North–South Shrine Game. This was a special game held at the Orange Bowl in December 1959, where top college players competed.
Professional Football Start
After college, George Genyk was drafted by the New York Titans in the 1960 AFL draft. The Titans' general manager signed him to a contract. However, it seems he did not play for the team in the 1960 AFL season.
Coaching and Family
After his time as a player, George Genyk became a high school football coach and teacher. He coached for more than 30 years at different schools, including Milan High School and Saginaw High School. He helped many young athletes learn the game.
George's son, Jeff Genyk, also became a football coach. He was the head football coach at Eastern Michigan University from 2004 to 2008.
George Genyk passed away from cancer in Arizona on April 29, 2017. He was 78 years old.
