John Raymond "Johnny" Strzykalski

• Nickname: “Strike”
• Position: Back/Half Back
• Height: 5'9“
• Weight: 190 lbs.
• Birthdate: December 4, 1921 in Milwaukee, WI
• Died: June 19, 2002 in Hendersonville, NC
• High School: South Division in Milwaukee, WI
• Drafted: 1945, Round 5, Boston Yanks / Green Bay Packers in the 1st round (6th overall) of the 1946 Draft

Though drafted by Green Bay, Strzykalski starred for the San Francisco 49ers from 1946 - their first professional season in the newly formed All-America Football Conference (AAFC) - to 1952. He was named to the Pro Bowl once (1950) and All-Pro team three times (1947, 1948, 1950). In possibly his best year, 1948, Strzykalski ran for 915 yards, ran in 4 TDs, caught 7 TD passes and picked off 3 passes.

According to legend, Strzykalski broke his nose eight times during his 7 year NFL career.

He was involved with the Center for the Study of Retired Athletes, a cooperative program between UNC-Chapel Hill and the NFLPA.
Pictures of Strzykalski as a study participant