Don Dufek, Jr. - Athletic Alumni 2017

Donald Patrick Dufek, Jr., Pioneer Class of 1973, enters the Ann Arbor Pioneer Athletics Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding athletic achievements and his enduring commitment to his alma mater.

 

At Pioneer, Don played on the football and ice hockey teams beginning as a sophomore. His athleticism and accomplishments in both sports are exemplary.

 

In his sophomore year, Don was unanimously selected as an All-State linebacker by the AP, UPI, and Detroit Free-Press.

 

Don’s high school ice hockey play resulted in him being drafted by three national-level ice hockey teams. Don chose to play his ice hockey at the University of Michigan where he also played football. The Dufek name was well-known at U-M as his father, Don, Sr., a fullback, was the football team’s MVP in 1950 and MVP of the 1951 Rose Bowl. The Dufek tradition at Pioneer and U-M continued after Don, Jr., as younger brother Bill starred at U-M, becoming an All-American himself.

 

Don, Jr. was a defensive standout at U-M. He played defensive back for the Wolverines from 1973 to 1975 and was named a team co-captain. Don was chosen as a first-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America, and the Walter Camp Football Foundation, and as a second-team All-American by UPI. Twice named an All-Big Ten safety, Don had 249 tackles, nine fumble recoveries and four interceptions for the Wolverines. In addition, Don contributed to U-M winning the Big 10 conference in 1973 and 1974.

 

In ice hockey, Don lettered in all of his four years playing for the Wolverines. A left-wing, Don’s play was so strong that the Detroit Red Wings drafted him after his sophomore season.

 

Just as at Pioneer and U-M, Don had the choice of two professional sports to play after college. Don chose football after he was drafted by Seattle in 1976, making Don one of the original Seahawks in the franchise's first NFL season. Don played for Seattle until 1984, serving as captain of the Seahawks' special teams units in 1981 and 1982 and helping the struggling new franchise begin its rise up the NFL ranks. Today, he is remembered as one of the best special teams performers the team has had.

 

After his professional career ended, Don turned his leadership skills to business, forming Dufek Wolverine Construction. An Ann Arbor resident, Don supports Pioneer Athletics in a variety of ways and maintains his commitment to his alma mater.