chattanooga MOCS

Joe Kopcha was a lineman who led Chattanooga to three-straight Southeastern Intercollegiate Athletic Association Titles from 1927-29.  The Mocs posted a 30-7-2 record in his four years and he was named to the UC/UTC All-Century Team in 2003.  He won 10 varsity letters with the Moccasins while competing in football, basketball, baseball, track and swimming.

Kopcha went on to play six seasons in the National Football League, with Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. Kopcha played for the Bears in 1929 before enrolling in Medical School in Alabama.  He put his studies on hold and returned to the Bears in 1932 where he won two NFL Championships. 

Kopcha, an offensive lineman, was named second team All-Pro in 1932 and first team from 1933-35.  The Chicago Tribune named him No. 45 on its list of the 100 greatest Bears of all-time in 2019.  He was also on the Football Digest 1930's NFL All-Decade Team.

He continued his medical studies at the Rush Medical College while playing for the Bears.  He used his knowledge to redesign the shoulder pads worn by players, with his basic designs still in use today.  Kopcha finished his career with the Detroit Lions when he obtained an internship at Harper Hospital.