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.
Sunday, February 08
Friday, December 19
Thursday, December 04
Saturday, November 29
