Steve Chomyszak #79

Steve, my father...

Steve Chomyszak passed away on 25 January 1988 at the age of 43 from Pancreatic Cancer.

My father played football only one year in high school, his senior year, for the Johnson City Wildcats as a fullback. After JC it was off to play football for the Syracuse Orangemen, as a lineman.

The New York Jets drafted him in the 1966 draft in the 12th round. Little playing time, and an injury limited his first season. This was when he got a call from the head coach of the 1968 expansion team, the Cincinnati Bengals. The coach was legendary Browns' coach Paul E. Brown. Coach Brown wanted Chomyszak to play in Cincinnati. In 1968, the first season of the Cincinnati Bengals, Chomyszak started as adefensive tackle. He started from 1968-1973.

The Bengals got to be a better team, but never made it too far in the playoffs. The AFL (would become the AFC) in the 1970s were mainly dominated by the Pittsburgh Steelers with four Super Bowl victories. My father made it difficult for the Steelers one year by dislocating Terry Bradshaw's shoulder. Non-intentional, but the game has always been played at a vey high level.

One of the best games my father had as a Bengal couldn't have come at a better time. It was in the playoff game against the Baltimore Colts and the late Johnny Unitis in 1970. My father had 12 unassisted tackles in that game. The Colts' would go on and win the game and also the Superbowl that year, figures! :)

At the time when he played in the NFL, my father was the strongest man being able to bench press 610 lbs. All by hard work and determination.

A Letter To The Press & Sun-Bulletin

This letter was written to the local newspaper regarding an article they wrote about the Top Ten Athletes from this area...

I am writing this letter is in disbelief about an article that appeared in the Sunday edition of the Press & Sun Bulletin on December 19, 1999. The article is titled ‘Broome County Athletes of the Century,’ and it article listed athletes that had (or are having) great careers in their sport. I am not writing to put down any of the choices, however I want to notify you of an athlete that should have been included on the list, without a doubt.
This person is my father, Steve Chomyszak. He played football his senior year for Johnson City High School, and after JCHS, he went to play football for Syracuse University. His play in Syracuse got him drafted in the 12th round of the 1966 NFL draft by the New York Jets. In 1968 Paul E. Brown, the head coach of the expansion Cincinnati Bengals, called my father and asked him to play for the Bengals. From 1968 to 1973 and in 1975 he played in 67 games at defensive tackle for the Bengals, starting the majority. In 1974 he went to play in Buffalo and then later that 1974 season he joined the Philadelphia Bell of the newly founded World Football League. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were interested in him joining the expansion team in 1976, however, after nine N.F.L. seasons it was time to retire at the age of 32.
Just a few of the accomplishments:
- Broke shot put records in Section IV and also for Syracuse U.
- Awarded the Tom Keane Memorial Trophy for most outstanding senior in track and cross-country. April 26, 1966. This was from Syracuse University track.
- Runner up for Press Athlete Of The Year.
- In the 1970 playoff game against the Baltimore Colts with Johnny Unitis my father registered 12 unassisted tackles.
- April 29, 1971 was dedicated as “Steve Chomyszak Day” by then Johnson City mayor, James McCabe.
- He was the strongest player in the N.F.L. at the time, benching an incredible 610 lbs.
- Won N.F.L. Man Of The Year in 1970
- Was elected in the NYS PHSAA IV Hall Of Fame in 1974 for his outstanding achievement in athletics.
I fail to understand how the man who has played in more N.F.L. games than any previous Broome Country athlete could be left off the list. John Fox has written many articles about Steve Chomyszak for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, and his name has graced headlines many times in the past. I find it hard to believe how John Fox, author of the article this past Sunday, continually overlooks so many great accomplishments.
I wish that my father could actually write this letter, but this is impossible. He passed away from cancer on January 25, 1988. I have newspaper articles, a few video highlights, photographs and memories to remind me of him. Being able to see him paid respect would be wonderful; however the article that appeared in the Press & Sun Bulletin on December 19, 1999 was disrespectful. Not to put down any of the accomplishments of the athletes, but the time spent in the N.F.L. by Tony Matisi and Bob Campbell combined doesn’t exceed the number of games my father started. Not to mention that he also was the one that broke Tony Matisi’s Section 4 shot put record in 1962.
I frequently meet people that when they hear my last name asks me if I’m related to Steve Chomyszak. I proudly respond yes. Many times they also tell me how or why they remember him and the feedback is always positive. It is great to know that he has had such a wonderful positive effect on so many people beside myself.
I don’t usually boast about my father, I’ve always felt his accomplishments speak for themselves, but I guess I was wrong.

Sincerely,
Richard S. Chomyszak

About me...

My wife and I are practicing doctors of chiropractic in Binghamton, New York. Please feel free to email me at chomz78@aol.com. Please include either Chomyszak or Chiropractic...

Chomyszak Chiropractic
62 Front Street
Binghamton, NY 13905
607-772-0845

Links

SC79
Bengals
American Chiropractic Association