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Robert Fred Grottkau (born March 22, 1937) is a former American football guard in the National Football League (NFL) for the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at the University of Oregon.

Early life

Grottkau attended Oakland High School where he played as a fullback. He accepted a scholarship from the University of Oregon. As a sophomore, he was switched to offensive tackle. The next year, he was moved to guard out of necessity and became a two-year starter.

Professional career

Detroit Lions

He was selected by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round (46th overall) of the 1959 NFL draft. In 1960, he played only 5 games.

On August 21, 1961, he was traded along with rookie Houston Entwine to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for offensive lineman John Gonzaga.

Dallas Cowboys

In 1961, he was a reserve player. On July 31, 1962, he was waived after being unable to overcome a knee injury.

Personal life

Grottkau was the offensive line coach at San Jose State University for two years. In 1971, he was named the offensive coordinator and line coach for the University of Iowa.

References

1. "Rookie Guards Will Give Lions Offensive Lift". Retrieved February 3, 2018.
2. "Lion-cowboy Swap". Retrieved February 3, 2018.
3. "Grottkau Steps Down". Retrieved February 3, 2018.

• 1937 births
• Living people
• American football offensive guards
• Dallas Cowboys players
• Detroit Lions players
• Iowa Hawkeyes football coaches
• Oregon Ducks football players
• Players of American football from Oakland, California
• San Jose State Spartans football coaches
• Sportspeople from San Rafael, California
• Players of American football from Marin County, California
• Oakland High School (Oakland, California) alumni