Fallen hero: Local universities remember football star turned coach
HOUGHTON — Chuck Klingbeil, a Houghton native, who played five years in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, passed away unexpected Tuesday, June 19, at the age of 52.
“We are mourning the loss of a friend and former assistant coach Chuck Klingbeil,” Michigan Tech head coach Steve Olson said. “Chuck had an impact on the lives of many MTU athletes and will be missed.”
Klingbeil had two stints on the Husky football coaching staff. He first served as a defensive assistant coach from 1999 to 2002 before returning for the 2010-13 campaigns.
He began his football career as a defensive lineman at Northern Michigan, where he helped the Wildcats to an NCAA playoff quarterfinal berth in 1987. He earned four letters, was a three-time team Most Valuable Defensive Lineman winner before being named to the 1987 All-GLIAC first team after helping the Wildcats reach the NCAA Division II semi-finals. He went on to star with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. He was named defensive MVP of the 1989 Grey Cup game.
Klingbeil went on to spend five years with the Miami Dolphins of the NFL (1991-95). During his 78 game career, he had 7.5 quarterback sacks, recovered a fumble for a touchdown and recorded 242 tackles.
Klingbeil also helped the Dolphins win two AFC East Division titles and qualify for the playoffs three times.
Recently, Klingbeil served as a volunteer, and later officially as an assistant, football coach at Finlandia University. He worked primarily with the defensive line during his two years (2015-16) on the coaching staff.
“Chuck was one of the most determined, caring and enthusiastic individuals that I have ever been around,” said Finlandia interim head coach Travis Wiltzius. “He had a profound love for the game of football and for every player he coached. Chuck was one of the best defensive line coaches I ever been around.
“It wasn’t just his knowledge of the game, but his ability to spread his passion for the game and brotherhood of a football program. Chuck will be dearly missed by many, but his passion for football and life will live on through everyone he knew. Chuck’s determination, passion and enthusiasm made an impact on Finlandia Football that will remain.”