Ray Frankowski

Raymond William Frankowski (September 14, 1919 – November 27, 2001) was an American professional football player who was a guard in the National Football League (NFL) and the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). He played college football for the Washington Huskies, earning first-team All-American honors as a junior in 1940 and was named a consensus All-American as a senior in 1941.

Biography Early life

Frankowski was born on September 14, 1919, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. He attended Hammond High School in Hammond, Indiana, where he was a star wrestler and football player. On the mat, Hammond was undefeated for three straight years, winning every match by pin within five minutes. Perhaps smoothing the transition was a promise of summertime employment on an Alaskan fishing trawler made to the two young Hoosier guards by a Husky alumnus and booster.

While at Washington Frankowski was again successful with his athletic pursuits, being twice named a member of the All-America team and winning a place on the school's fencing and wrestling teams. Frankowski (top center) on the program for a November 2, 1947 game with the rival San Francisco 49ers.

Professional football career

Frankowski was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 1942 NFL draft, who used the 24th pick of the draft, and played that season with the team. Following his time with the Packers, he would play three seasons with the Los Angeles Dons of the All-America Football Conference.