Jack Patera's journey in professional football began as a player before transitioning into a coaching role that would define his career. Born on August 1, 1933, in Bismarck, North Dakota, Patera first made a name for himself on the gridiron during his college years at the University of Oregon. As a standout guard, he earned All-American honors, which paved the way for his entry into the National Football League (NFL).
Patera's professional playing career commenced when he was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the 1955 NFL Draft. He played as a guard and linebacker, showcasing his skills on both sides of the ball. After a stint with the Colts, Patera went on to play for the Chicago Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys. His playing career, however, was relatively short-lived, spanning from 1955 to 1961.
Following his retirement as a player, Patera transitioned into coaching, where he found a new avenue to express his football acumen. He began his coaching career as a defensive line coach with the Los Angeles Rams in 1963. His coaching prowess was soon recognized, and he moved on to serve in similar capacities with the New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings. During his time with the Vikings, Patera was part of a coaching staff that led the team to several playoff appearances, including a trip to the Super Bowl.
In 1976, Patera was appointed as the first head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, an expansion team in the NFL. His role as head coach of the Seahawks marked a significant chapter in his career. Patera was tasked with building a team from the ground up, a challenge he embraced with enthusiasm. Under his leadership, the Seahawks quickly developed a reputation for their competitive spirit and innovative play-calling.
Patera's tenure with the Seahawks was marked by several achievements, including being named the NFL Coach of the Year in 1978. That year, the Seahawks finished with a 9-7 record, a remarkable feat for a relatively new team in the league. Patera's coaching style was characterized by his emphasis on discipline and his ability to motivate players to perform beyond expectations.
Despite the early successes, Patera's time with the Seahawks came to an end in 1982. The team struggled in the following seasons, and Patera was relieved of his duties after a disappointing start to the 1982 season. Nevertheless, his influence on the team and his role in laying the foundation for the Seahawks' future successes remained evident.
After leaving the Seahawks, Patera stepped away from coaching and did not return to the NFL in any official capacity. His career in football, both as a player and a coach, left a lasting legacy, particularly in Seattle, where he is remembered as the architect of the Seahawks' early years.
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