Graphics: 3DownNation (Photo: Saskatchewan Roughriders)
Former Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back Bob Ptacek died June 29 at age 89, according to team historian Rob Vanstone and the Dayton Daily News.
Ptacek played six seasons with the Riders from 1960 to 1965, helping turn the team around after one of the darkest chapters in its history. In 75 games with the team, he completed 299 of 525 passes (57 percent) for 4,647 yards, 25 touchdowns and 34 interceptions, and rushed 130 times for 446 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught eight passes for 143 yards.
A two-way player, Ptacek was more valued for his contributions on defense. He was named a Western Division all-star as a linebacker in 1961 and a defensive back in 1964, earning All-CFL honors for the second time. He finished his career with 10 interceptions and two fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns.
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A second-team All-Big Ten selection at defensive end for the University of Michigan, Ptacek was originally selected in the eighth round of the 1959 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He played 12 games for the team, recording three carries for 13 yards, before being sent to Saskatchewan in a rare trade between the CFL and NFL. In exchange, the Browns acquired defensive lineman Jim Marshall, who later became a five-time All-Pro with the Minnesota Vikings and is widely considered a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
After retiring, Ptacek worked in vehicle sales and settled in Dayton, Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Donna, with whom he was married for 68 years, as well as four children, six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.
