Robert Michael Mischak (2017) - Hall of Fame

Robert Michael Mischak

Induction:
2017
Class:
1954

Bob Mischak was a force on the gridiron for three varsity seasons, while also lettering in baseball for two years. He participated in the 1954 College All-Star Game and owns one of just 14 kickoff returns for a touchdown in West Point history.

Throughout his time at Army, he led the nation in kickoff returns in 1951, set a Michie Stadium record for longest kickoff return (97 yards) against Dartmouth that same year, and held five Army kickoff records at the time of his graduation. In 1952, he was moved to offensive end, where he caught 12 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown. He also denied Duke a late-game go-ahead score after making a touchdown-saving tackle short of the goal line at the Polo Grounds in 1953, which helped seal a dramatic 14-13 Army victory.

The next season he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns during the 23rd round of the 1954 NFL draft and served as the starting offensive guard for the New York Giants in the 1958 NFL Championship Game against the Baltimore Colts before going on to play tight end for New York Titans and Oakland Raiders of the American Football League (AFL). A 1961 and 1962 Pro Bowl selection, Mischak was also named an Associated Press First-Team All-AFL selection in 1961 and 1962.

Mischak returned to serve as an assistant coach at West Point from 1966 to 1973 and helped the Cadets compile a winning record during five of his seven years on staff to include five victories over Navy along with capturing Army’s first Commander in Chief’s Trophy in 1972. He then became a member of Oakland Raiders’ organization as a tight ends coach and served as Player Personnel Director from 1973 to 1987. During his time on the West Coast, the Raiders won three Super Bowls and played in eight AFC Championship games.