Born: | November 20, 1949 |
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Career information | |
Position(s) | Defensive back |
College | Southern Methodist University |
High school | Temple High School |
NFL draft | 1973, Round: 14, Pick: 359 |
Drafted by | Cleveland Browns |
Career history | |
As player | |
1970–1972 | SMU Mustangs |
Career highlights and awards | |
Robert E. Popelka (born November 20, 1949) is a former American football player.
Popelka was raised in Temple, Texas, and played college football as a defensive back for Southern Methodist University. Popelka played tailback in high school but was converted to defense at SMU. [1] In 1971, he intercepted a pass and returned it 76 yards for a touchdown to help SMU to an 18-17 upset victory over Texas Tech. [2] [3] He was a consensus first-team selection to the 1972 College Football All-America Team. [4] He was also twice selected as an All- Southwest Conference player. [5] SMU coach Hayden Fry said of Popelka: "Robert is the best defensive back in America. He has the tools and equipment to do it all. He has 9.7 speed, great quickness, and excellent judgment and timing." [6] He also won the Southwest Conference's Kern Tips Memorial Award in 1972 as the conference's outstanding senior football player. [7] [8]
Popelka was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 14th round of the 1973 NFL Draft, [9] He was considered to be too small and too slow for the NFL. [10]
Popelka was inducted into the SMU Hall of Fame in 1983. [5]