Dick Bielski

Richard Adam Bielski (September 7, 1932 – October 15, 2023) was an American professional football player and coach who played in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Baltimore Colts.

A native of Baltimore, Bielski was named an All-Maryland Scholastic Association fullback at Patterson Park High School. He accepted a football scholarship to the University of Maryland, where he played fullback, linebacker, and placekicker. In 1954 he was a preseason All-American candidate, though injuries affected his play during the season. He finished his college career averaging more than five yards per carry and was selected to play in the Chicago College All-Star Game, the Senior Bowl, and the North-South Shrine Game, where he was voted the outstanding player of the game.

Bielski was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 1955 NFL draft with the ninth overall pick, becoming the highest-drafted running back from Maryland. He went on to play for the Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Baltimore Colts. Beyond his playing days, Bielski also worked as a coach.