George Gonda

George Gonda
Gonda, circa 1941
No. 30
PositionHalfback
Personal information
Born(1919-02-23)February 23, 1919
Grindstone, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedSeptember 19, 1994(1994-09-19) (aged 75)
Woodville, Mississippi, U.S.
Listed height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Listed weight175 lb (79 kg)
Career information
High schoolRedstone Township (Republic, Pennsylvania)
CollegeDuquesne (1938–1941)
NFL draft1942: undrafted
Career history
Stats at Pro Football Reference

George John Gonda (February 23, 1919 – September 19, 1994) was an American professional football halfback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Duquesne Dukes.

Early life

George John Gonda was born on February 23, 1919, in Grindstone, Pennsylvania.[1][2] He played high school football and baseball at Redstone Township High School in Republic, Pennsylvania.[1][3] Redstone was eliminated from the WPIAL baseball playoffs in 1938 after Gonda gave up nine walks in a 6–1 loss.[3]

College career

Gonda enrolled at Duquesne University to play college football for the Dukes. He was on the freshman team in 1938 and the varsity team from 1939 to 1941.[4][1] He opened the 1939 season as Duquesne's starting right halfback.[5] On October 19, 1939, it was reported that Gonda had been moved to fullback.[6][7] The 1941 Dukes went undefeated.[8] At the conclusion of his college career, Gonda played in the Blue–Gray Football Classic.[7]

Professional career

After going undrafted in the 1942 NFL draft, Gonda signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 15, 1942.[8] At the time of his signing, Gonda had obtained a 60-day deferment from the military.[8] After returning from the military, Gonda signed with the Steelers again on October 12, 1942.[9] He played in five games, starting one, for Pittsburgh during the 1942 season, totaling 17 carries for 147 yards and two touchdowns, one reception for seven yards, two punt returns for 17 yards, and one interception on defense for 37 yards.[10]

Gonda served in the United States Navy after the 1942 season.[11][1] After World War II, he played in two games for the Richmond Rebels of the Dixie League in 1946.[1]

Personal life

Gonda taught and coached at schools in Richmond, Virginia.[2] He later moved to Woodville, Mississippi, where he also taught and coached.[2] He served three terms as mayor of Woodville from 1973 to 1985.[2] Gonda died of cancer on September 19, 1994, at a hospital in Woodville.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "George Gonda". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "George John Gonda, 75, former punter for Steelers". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. September 24, 1994. pp. B5. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
  3. 1 2 "Gonda Issues Nine Passes: McKeesport Wins". The Morning Herald. June 1, 1938. p. 12. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Four New Foes On Dukes' Card". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. December 7, 1938. p. 24. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
  5. ↑ "George Gonda To Start For Dukes Friday Night". The Evening Standard. September 27, 1939. p. 20. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
  6. ↑ Hopkins, Tom (October 19, 1939). "Donelli Shifts George Gonda To Fullback". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. p. 22. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
  7. 1 2 "Gonda on North Squad". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. December 4, 1941. p. 25. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
  8. 1 2 3 "Steelers Sign George Gonda". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. January 16, 1942. p. 14. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
  9. ↑ "George Gonda With Steelers". The Evening Standard. United Press. October 13, 1942. p. 10. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
  10. ↑ "George Gonda". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Uncle Sam Beckons Five Steelermen". The Pittsburgh Press. December 4, 1942. p. 45. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
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