University of Delaware Athletics
Hall of Fame
Joe Purzycki
- Induction:
- 2014
- Class:
- 1971
JOSEPH J. “JOE” PURZYCKI
Football (1966-69)
Football Assistant Coach (1978-80)
One of the top cornerbacks and influential captains in the history of Delaware football, Joe earned All-American honors while leading the Blue Hens to consecutive Middle Atlantic Conference titles, Lambert Cup trophies, and Boardwalk Bowl victories during his career.
The Newark, N.J. native was a three-year starter for Hall of Fame coach Tubby Raymond and captained the 1969 squad that went 9-2 and was ranked No. 10 nationally. A great motivator and a ball-hawking defender, he earned Associated Press All-American and All-MAC honors in 1969 when he recorded a UD record and league-high nine interceptions. He finished his career with a school-record 13 picks and in 1989 was named to the UD 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
The 1971 Delaware graduate later served as an assistant on Raymond’s staff and led the Hens to the 1979 national title. He is a member of the UD Wall of Fame (1986), the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame (2005), the Delaware African-American Hall of Fame (2005), and the Newark (N.J.) Athletics Hall of Fame. Following graduation, he joined the high school coaching ranks and later served as a defensive backfield coach at Delaware in 1978-80, leading the Blue Hens to the 1979 national title and the 1978 squad to a national runner-up finish.
He later served as head coach at Delaware State and James Madison before becoming an executive in the banking industry.
Football (1966-69)
Football Assistant Coach (1978-80)
One of the top cornerbacks and influential captains in the history of Delaware football, Joe earned All-American honors while leading the Blue Hens to consecutive Middle Atlantic Conference titles, Lambert Cup trophies, and Boardwalk Bowl victories during his career.
The Newark, N.J. native was a three-year starter for Hall of Fame coach Tubby Raymond and captained the 1969 squad that went 9-2 and was ranked No. 10 nationally. A great motivator and a ball-hawking defender, he earned Associated Press All-American and All-MAC honors in 1969 when he recorded a UD record and league-high nine interceptions. He finished his career with a school-record 13 picks and in 1989 was named to the UD 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
The 1971 Delaware graduate later served as an assistant on Raymond’s staff and led the Hens to the 1979 national title. He is a member of the UD Wall of Fame (1986), the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame (2005), the Delaware African-American Hall of Fame (2005), and the Newark (N.J.) Athletics Hall of Fame. Following graduation, he joined the high school coaching ranks and later served as a defensive backfield coach at Delaware in 1978-80, leading the Blue Hens to the 1979 national title and the 1978 squad to a national runner-up finish.
He later served as head coach at Delaware State and James Madison before becoming an executive in the banking industry.
Delaware Football Postgame Press Conference - WKU 10/3/25
Saturday, October 04
Delaware Football Weekly Press Conference - Week 6
Wednesday, October 01
Field Hockey vs Ohio State
Monday, September 29
Field Hockey vs William & Mary
Friday, September 26
