Jack Gotta facts for kids
| Born: | November 14, 1929 Ironwood, Michigan, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Died: | June 29, 2013 (aged 83) Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Career information | |
| CFL status | International |
| Position(s) | WR/DB |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| College | Oregon State |
| Career history | |
| As administrator | |
| 1974 | Birmingham Americans (WFL) |
| 1975 | Birmingham Vulcans (WFL) |
| 1977–1983 | Calgary Stampeders |
| As coach | |
| 1970–1973 | Ottawa Rough Riders |
| 1974 | Birmingham Americans (WFL) |
| 1977–1979 | Calgary Stampeders |
| 1982–1983 | Calgary Stampeders |
| 1985–1986 | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| As player | |
| 1956–1959 | Calgary Stampeders |
| 1960–1964 | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| 1964 | Montreal Alouettes |
| CFL West All-Star | 1957, 1958, 1961 |
| Honors | 3× Annis Stukus Trophy - 1972, 1973, 1978 |
Jack "Jocko" Gotta (born November 14, 1929 – died June 29, 2013) was an important figure in professional football. He was born in America but became a Canadian citizen. Jack was known for his skills as a player, a coach, and a general manager.
Contents
Jack Gotta's Playing Days
Jack Gotta played football at Oregon State in 1952. He also played for the Hamilton Air Force Base team from 1954 to 1956. In 1956, he signed with the Cleveland Browns in the NFL.
Playing in the CFL
After being cut by the Browns, Jack joined the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played for them from 1957 to 1959. In 1960, he moved to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Different Positions
Jack was a versatile player. He mostly played as a tight end, which is a player who can block and catch passes. Sometimes, he also played on defense as a linebacker or safety. He helped fill in when other players were injured. In 1964, he was cut by Saskatchewan and then played briefly for the Montreal Alouettes.
Coaching Career
In 1965, Jack Gotta returned to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but this time as an assistant coach. He stayed there until the end of the 1967 season. Then, he joined the coaching staff of the Ottawa Rough Riders.
Becoming a Head Coach
In 1970, Jack became the head coach for the Ottawa Rough Riders. He took over from the famous coach Frank Clair. Even though the team struggled a bit in his first year, they made the playoffs every year after that. He led Ottawa to a 30-26 record over four seasons.
Winning the Grey Cup
One of Jack's biggest achievements with Ottawa was winning the Grey Cup in 1973. The Grey Cup is the championship trophy of the CFL. He also won the Annis Stukus Trophy twice, in 1972 and 1973. This award is given to the CFL's Coach of the Year.
Coaching in the WFL
In 1974, Jack Gotta moved to a new league called the World Football League (WFL). He became the head coach and general manager for the Birmingham Americans. His team had a fantastic season, finishing with 15 wins and only 5 losses.
World Bowl Champions
The Birmingham Americans, under Jack's leadership, won the only WFL World Bowl in history. They defeated the Florida Blazers 22-21 in a thrilling game. In 1975, the Americans team folded, and new owners started a new team called the Vulcans. Jack stayed on as the general manager. The Vulcans had the best record in the league (9-3) before the WFL stopped operating.
Back to the CFL
Jack returned to the CFL in 1977. He became the head coach and general manager for the Calgary Stampeders. He coached for four seasons, then stepped down as coach but continued as the team's general manager.
Another Coaching Stint
In 1982, Jack returned to coaching the Stampeders after the previous coach resigned. He stayed in Calgary until 1983. He was fired that year after the team missed the playoffs. As the Stampeders coach, he had a record of 44 wins, 46 losses, and 6 ties. He won the Coach of the Year award again in 1978.
Final Coaching Role
In 1984, Jack Gotta worked as a commentator for CFL games on TV. But he soon returned to coaching. In 1985, he became the head coach for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He coached them for two seasons, with a record of 11 wins, 22 losses, and 1 tie.
Later Life
Jack Gotta passed away on June 29, 2013, in Calgary, Canada. He left behind a great legacy in Canadian and American football.
