Bob Skoronski '51

Bob Skoronski became the first Prep graduate to play in the NFL. The left tackle and offensive captain of the Packers under legendary coach Vince Lombardi played 11 seasons, all with Green Bay, and was a member of the first two Super Bowl winners in 1967 and 1968, respectively. 

The Ansonia native and former Derby resident, Skoronski played on the JV squad as a junior lineman in 1949. He dressed for the varsity team, but did not see action on Prep’s first unbeaten team that season. However, the 6-foot-3 Skoronski played center and linebacker for coach Fella Gintoff his senior year as Prep went 5-2-1 in 1950. 

Upon graduation, Skoronski went to Admiral Billard Academy in New London for one year before enrolling at Indiana. He started all three seasons for the Hoosiers, and was a co-captain and MVP his senior year before being drafted by the Packers in the fifth round in 1956. He started at left tackle that season under coach Lisle Blackbourn, then spent the next two years in the Air Force. When he rejoined the team in 1959, Lombardi was at the helm and Skoronski served as offensive captain for all five of Lombardi’s NFL championship teams. 

Skoronski made the Pro Bowl in 1967 and retired prior to the 1969 season. He was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 1976.

Skoronski was selected as the center on Prep’s All-Decade team from 1942-1951. His number 25 has been retired by the Jesuits.