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Carl Karilivacz
Carl Karilivacz (November 20, 1930 – August 30, 1969) was an American professional football player who was a defensive back for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the Detroit Lions, the New York Giants, and the Los Angeles Rams. He played college football at Syracuse.[1][2] Professional careerDetroit LionsKarilivacz was drafted in the 23rd round of the 1953 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions to play wide receiver. He was switched to defense during training camp.[3] Over five seasons with the Lions, he played in 58 games with 52 starts, including three championship games in 1953, 1954, and 1957. While the 1954 championship game ended in a loss, the other two resulted in the Lions, and Karilivacz, being crowned NFL champions.[1] New York GiantsTom Landry, the player-coach of the New York Giants, had been looking for a player to play right cornerback[3] and made a trade for Karilivacz on September 15, 1958, exchanging him for a 1959 fourth-round pick. The Lions later used this pick to select Bob Grottkau 46th overall.[4] Karilivacz played twelve games in his singular season with the Giants, scoring one touchdown on a 23-yard fumble return.[1] Los Angeles RamsAfter the Giants acquired cornerback Dick Lynch, Karilivacz signed with the Los Angeles Rams.[3] Over two seasons with the Rams, he played in 15 games with 7 starts.[1] Pittsburgh SteelersKarilivacz spent a brief amount of time in the 1961 offseason with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was released by the Steelers on September 12.[4] DeathKarilivacz died at his home of a heart attack on August 30, 1969.[5] References
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