Ken Panfil worked his way out of Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood to play professional football for the Chicago Cardinals.
The 71-year-old former offensive tackle died of liver cancer Sunday, April 28, in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights.
Mr. Panfil had a strong work ethic that carried him through most everything he did, said his wife, Elaine. “His family didn’t have much, so he was always working,” she said.
College wasn’t in his sights as a youth. “There was no money for it,” his wife said. So after playing high school ball, Mr. Panfil worked odd jobs, helping support his parents.
Two years later, a friend encouraged him to try out for Purdue University’s football team as a walk-on. He worked out with the team for just two weeks when coaches offered him a full scholarship, said his wife.
Mr. Panfil went on to star with the Boilermakers and won several honors, including being named to the Tribune’s All-Midwest team.
Midway through college, he was drafted into the U.S. Army signal corps. He was also drafted by the Los Angeles Rams.
After his military service, Mr. Panfil finished at Purdue, earning a degree in education.
He then headed to the Rams, where he eventually would be involved in one of the game’s most notable trades.
In 1959, the Cardinals traded running back Ollie Matson to the Rams for nine players–including the 6-foot-6, 250-pound Mr. Panfil.
“It probably was the biggest trade at the time. … Everybody laughed at it,” said Don Stonesifer, a friend and former Cardinals player. But getting Mr. Panfil proved a good move, he said.
In 1960, the team moved to St. Louis, and Mr. Panfil moved with it. But by 1962, injuries forced him out of the game.
It also enabled him to transfer his work ethic to another field, steel sales. Mr. Panfil worked for various steel companies for more than 30 years.
Other survivors include two daughters, Vonni Eford and Dina; two sons, Vincent and Barry; and four grandchildren.
THE BIG RED ZONE 
Ken Panfil worked his way out of Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood to play professional football for the Chicago Cardinals.
The 71-year-old former offensive tackle died of liver cancer Sunday, April 28, in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights.
Mr. Panfil had a strong work ethic that carried him through most everything he did, said his wife, Elaine. “His family didn’t have much, so he was always working,” she said.
College wasn’t in his sights as a youth. “There was no money for it,” his wife said. So after playing high school ball, Mr. Panfil worked odd jobs, helping support his parents.
Two years later, a friend encouraged him to try out for Purdue University’s football team as a walk-on. He worked out with the team for just two weeks when coaches offered him a full scholarship, said his wife.
Mr. Panfil went on to star with the Boilermakers and won several honors, including being named to the Tribune’s All-Midwest team.
Midway through college, he was drafted into the U.S. Army signal corps. He was also drafted by the Los Angeles Rams.
After his military service, Mr. Panfil finished at Purdue, earning a degree in education.
He then headed to the Rams, where he eventually would be involved in one of the game’s most notable trades.
In 1959, the Cardinals traded running back Ollie Matson to the Rams for nine players–including the 6-foot-6, 250-pound Mr. Panfil.
“It probably was the biggest trade at the time. … Everybody laughed at it,” said Don Stonesifer, a friend and former Cardinals player. But getting Mr. Panfil proved a good move, he said.
In 1960, the team moved to St. Louis, and Mr. Panfil moved with it. But by 1962, injuries forced him out of the game.
It also enabled him to transfer his work ethic to another field, steel sales. Mr. Panfil worked for various steel companies for more than 30 years.
Other survivors include two daughters, Vonni Eford and Dina; two sons, Vincent and Barry; and four grandchildren.
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