Oct. 9, 2014

John Holecek - LB 1991-1994

Following a stellar Fighting Illini career in which he earned first and second-team All-Big Ten recognition, John Holecek was selected in the fifth round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. During his first two seasons in the NFL, Holecek battled knee injuries, which kept him sidelined the majority of both seasons. However, he was able to bounce back from three knee reconstructions and he was awarded the 1999 NFL Ed Block Courage Award. Holecek played the 2001 season with the Chargers and 2002 season with Falcons. In eight seasons, Holecek made 262 tackles, 3.5 sacks, had two interceptions and forced three fumbles.

Holecek was part of one of the greatest group of linebackers in Big Ten history when he joined Kevin Hardy, Dana Howard and Simeon Rice in leading a rugged Fighting Illini defense. He remains fifth on the Illini career list with 436 tackles.

In 2012, Holecek was inducted into the Chicago Sports Hall of Fame for his football success as a player in high school, college and the NFL, and also as a high coach football coach at Loyola Academy. In 2006, he became the head football coach at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois. Since becoming head coach, Holecek led Loyola to a Prep Bowl Championship title and finished second in the Class 8A State Championship twice, in 2011 and 2013.