Del City High School, in a poignant ceremony attended by hundreds, honored the legacy of Vietnam veteran and former NFL player Robert “Bob” Kalsu with the unveiling of a new statue on Friday.
Kalsu, revered for his exceptional academic and athletic prowess, left an indelible mark on Del City High School during his time as a student and football player. Graduating in 1963, he continued his academic and athletic journey at the University of Oklahoma, where he further distinguished himself on the football field.
His talents were soon recognized on a national level when the Buffalo Bills selected him in the first round of the NFL draft. Kalsu’s meteoric rise in professional football was marked by his stellar performance, earning him the prestigious title of rookie of the year in his inaugural season with the Bills.
Del City HS dedicates statue to Vietnam veteran, former NFL player https://t.co/GIGC0siAWS pic.twitter.com/Fq2XDKw0yJ
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However, Kalsu’s promising career was tragically cut short when he answered the call to military service during the Vietnam War. In July 1970, while serving his country, Kalsu made the ultimate sacrifice, losing his life to North Vietnamese mortar fire.
His untimely death marked a somber moment in both the realms of professional sports and military service, as Kalsu became the sole active professional football player to perish in the Vietnam War.
The unveiling of the statue at Del City High School stands as a testament to Kalsu’s enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on his community, both as a revered athlete and a dedicated serviceman. As students, faculty, and members of the community gather to pay homage to Kalsu’s memory, they are reminded of the selflessness and courage exemplified by individuals like him who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
Sarah’s View:
Del City High School pays tribute to Vietnam veteran and former NFL player Robert “Bob” Kalsu with the unveiling of a statue, commemorating his remarkable legacy. Kalsu, known for his academic excellence and athletic prowess, left an indelible mark on the school before pursuing a career in football. Despite his promising start in the NFL, Kalsu’s life was tragically cut short when he sacrificed it in service to his country during the Vietnam War. The ceremony honoring Kalsu’s memory serves as a poignant reminder of the selflessness and courage of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The statue stands as a symbol of gratitude and remembrance, ensuring that Kalsu’s legacy endures for generations to come.