Monte Merkel

Monte John Merkel (November 6, 1916 – July 22, 1981) was an American professional football guard who played one season with the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Kansas.

Monte Merkel

No. 13
Position:	Guard
Personal information
Born:	(1916-11-06)November 6, 1916 Keystone, Iowa, U.S.
Died:	July 22, 1981(1981-07-22) (aged 64) Missoula, Montana, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:	215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High school:	St. John's Military (Delafield, Wisconsin)
College:	Kansas (1938–1941)
NFL draft:	1942: undrafted
Career history
Chicago Bears (1942–1943) → Wichita Aero Commandos (1942) Chicago Bears (1946)*
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life and college

Monte John Merkel was born on November 6, 1916, in Keystone, Iowa.^[1] He attended St. John's Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin.^[1]

Merkel was a four-year letterman for the Kansas Jayhawks of the University of Kansas from 1938 to 1941.^[1]

Professional career

After going undrafted in the 1942 NFL draft, Merkel signed with the Chicago Bears on August 1, 1942.^[2] During the 1942 season, he played for the Bears' farm team, the Wichita Aero Commandos.^[3] Merkel played in, and started, one game for the Bears in 1943.^[4] On September 29, 1943, he received orders to report to the United States Navy for training.^[5] After his stint in the Navy ended, Merkel signed with the Bears again on March 29, 1946.^[6] However, he did not end up playing in any games for the Bears that season.^[4]

Personal life

Merkel died on July 22, 1981, in Missoula, Montana.^[4]