Tom Sestak facts for kids

Tom Sestak (born March 9, 1936, died April 3, 1987) was an American football player. He was a strong defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills in the American Football League (AFL). He also played college football at McNeese State University. Tom was so good that he was chosen for the American Football League All-Time Team.

Early Life and College Football

Tom Sestak was born in Gonzales, Texas. His family came from different parts of Europe, including Czechoslovakia and Poland. Growing up, Tom and his two brothers loved playing many sports. Football and track were some of their favorites. He played college football at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. There, he played as a tight end.

Professional Football Career

Because Tom was so talented, the Buffalo Bills picked him in the 1962 draft. The Detroit Lions also wanted him that year. The AFL was a new league, and they often chose players from smaller colleges. This was a smart move, and Tom Sestak showed why. He was chosen to play defensive lineman for the Bills. This was because he was very tall (6 feet 4 inches), fast, and strong.

Dominating the Field

Tom Sestak became a starter in his very first year. He used his amazing strength to control the line of scrimmage. He was a key player until knee injuries ended his career after the 1967 season. Tom was chosen for the All-American Football League teams three times. He was also named a top defensive tackle in 1963, 1964, and 1965.

Championship Wins

Sestak was the main player on a defense that helped the Bills reach the playoffs for four years in a row (1963–1966). They also won two AFL championships in a row, in 1964 and 1965. During the 1964 and 1965 seasons, Tom and his defense stopped opposing teams from scoring a touchdown by running the ball for 17 games straight. This is a record that still stands in professional football!

Special Plays

During his career, Tom Sestak made some exciting plays. Twice, he caught an opposing team's pass (an interception) and ran it all the way back for a touchdown. He also once picked up a fumbled ball and ran it in for a score. His teammates said he played "crazy as hell" because he was so tough. He even played one season with three broken ribs! Because of his knee problems, he often used a stationary bicycle during practice instead of joining the full team drills.

Legacy and Recognition

In the 1960s, only six professional defensive linemen were chosen as top players for three or more years in a row. Tom Sestak was one of them, along with famous players like Bob Lily and Merlin Olsen. Many of these other players are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, Tom Sestak, like many other great AFL players, has not been chosen for the Hall of Fame.

Honors and Awards

In January 1970, Tom Sestak was chosen for the American Football League All-Time Team. In 2009, he was also named a member of the Bills' 50th Anniversary Team. In 2007, Tom Sestak was honored by being inducted into the National Polish American Sports Hall of Fame. In 2011, the Professional Football Researchers Association added Sestak to their "Hall of Very Good" list. Even though he is not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he was a finalist for the NFL's 100th Anniversary Team in 2019.

Later Life

Tom Sestak passed away from a heart attack in 1987.

See also

• List of American Football League players