Joseph Philip “Joe” Blahak was born on August 29, 1950, and died on April 25, 2016.

He was a professional football player.

Joe played defensive back for several National Football League (NFL) teams in the mid-1970s.

Blahak played college football at Nebraska under head coach Bob Devaney, and was a member of the 1970 and 1971 undefeated national championship teams.

Joe played high school football at Scotus Central Catholic High School in Columbus, Nebraska.

In 1971, in his junior season at Nebraska, Joe Blahak was involved in a controversial play on national television.

During the “Game of the Century” against #2 Oklahoma on Thanksgiving, Joe was accused of clipping Sooner punter Joe Wylie during a punt return that Johnny Rodgers returned 72 yards for a touchdown, but was not penalized.

Joe was to force a fumble and recovered another in the game.

Joe also ended Alabama’s best scoring chance in the 1972 Orange Bowl by intercepting a Terry Davis pass in the end zone; Nebraska crushed the #2 Crimson Tide 38–6 for the consensus national title.

During his senior season, the 1972 team finished fourth and won a third consecutive Orange Bowl, defeating Notre Dame, 40–6.

Joe was one of ten Huskers selected in the 1973 NFL Draft, taken in the 8th round by the Houston Oilers, the 183rd overall pick.

Joe Blahak passed away at 65 yrs old.