Richard James Klein (February 11, 1934, in Pana, Illinois – December 27, 2005 in Pana, Illinois) was a National Football League and American Football League offensive lineman in the NFL for the Chicago Bears and the Dallas Cowboys, and in the AFL for the Boston Patriots and the Oakland Raiders. He played college football at the University of Iowa.

Early years

Klein attended Schlarman High School and accepted a scholarship from the University of Georgia. He played in the freshman team, before leaving school to join the Navy during the Korean War.

After leaving his military commitment in 1956, he chose to join the University of Iowa over other schools. He was a teammate of Alex Karras and became the starter at right tackle and defensive tackle. ^{[1] [2]}

The next year, he was named an honorable-mention All-American. ^[3] Head coach Forest Evashevski allowed his release with a year of eligibility still remaining, in order for him to join the Chicago Bears in the National Football League.

Professional career

Chicago Bears

Klein was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 29th round (347th overall) of the 1955 NFL Draft, after his original class had graduated, although his college eligibility wasn't completed.

He was a war veteran and didn't start his professional career until 1958. ^[4] He was waived before the start of the 1960 season.

Dallas Cowboys

On September 10, 1960, he was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys. He only played in 7 games (4 starts) because of a broken shoulder. On December 22, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers along with safety Bill Butler, in exchange for safety Dick Moegle.

Pittsburgh Steelers

In 1961, Klein played in 2 games before being released.

Boston Patriots

On October 4, 1961, he was signed as a free agent by the Boston Patriots of the American Football League. The next year, he was named to the AFL All Star team as a defensive tackle. ^[5] On August 7, 1963, his rights were sold to the Oakland Raiders.

Oakland Raiders

Klein played two seasons for the Oakland Raiders, both as a defensive tackle and offensive tackle.

References