Al Gursky

One of the few Berks County natives to play in the NFL, Al was a standout running back/linebacker at Governor Mifflin High School (1955-57). He was named to the All-Berks team as a junior and senior, played in the Big 33 game and was selected as the top Berks County player (1957). He went on to Penn State University, playing freshman football and red-shirting one season before becoming a three-year starter at running back, linebacker and defensive back. He played on Penn State football teams that had an overall record of 24-8 and appeared in three bowl games. Gursky scored touchdowns in the 41-12 victory over Oregon in the Liberty Bowl (1960) and the 30-15 victory over Georgia Tech in the Gator Bowl (1961). He shares the Penn State record for most pass receptions in a game by a running back (8), is No. 9 on the all-time list for an interception return (77 yards) and is No. 1 among season leaders in punt returns, with a 21.6 yard average (1961). He was drafted in the 12th round by the New York Giants and earned a roster spot as a linebacker (1963). In the championship game against the Chicago Bears, he replaced Tom Scott, who suffered a broken arm on the third play of the game, and played the rest of the way for the Giants in their loss to the Bears 14-10. Al injured his knee during the preseason (1964) and retired from competition.