Gary Knafelc (pronounced Knaw-full with a “hard” K sound) was a Packers’ receiver from 1954-1962, with his career culminating in two NFL championships under Vince Lombardi.
In the photo we have today, Knafelc is shown following a touchdown catch to win the season-opener against the Detroit Lions at old City Stadium on September 25, 1955. On the game’s last play, according to the 1960 yearbook, “Knafelc went straight downfield for 10 yards and then cut sharply directly in front of the goal post on the eight yardline. (QB Tobin) Rote’s bullet was high, but Knafelc stretched to make a sure “klutch” catch as Jack Christianson and Yale Larry hit him from both sides. He burst out of their grasp and went in standing up. The east stands emptied onto the field and Knafelc was given a shoulder-ride, while the officials, some smiling, stood around and wondered how to clear the field. It was a 20-17 Packer win.”
Knafelc, upon retiring from football, remained in Green Bay as a businessman, and became the Lambeau Field public address announcer from 1963 until he retired from that duty just a couple of seasons ago.
