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    World & Culture

    Nazi labor camp survivor makes football history

    By Christopher Palmer
    Christopher Palmer
    Published: Feb. 9, 2010

    Discover the amazing story of how Fred Bednarski went from growing up in a Nazi labor camp in Austria to revolutionizing the game of American football.

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    • Quote 2
      Katie Walmsley said on Feb. 10, 2010 at 11:57 a.m.
      Wow! What an amazing adventure and life for an immigrant from Poland to be blessed with so much in America!!! Freedom for a higher education can be inspiring.
    • Quote 2
      David Von Hatten said on Feb. 16, 2010 at 4:52 p.m.
      Thanks for posting this inspiring story.
    • Quote 2
      Chris Greenwell said on Feb. 17, 2010 at 11:46 a.m.
      "love you too Fred..." Classic Royal. Mack Brown same kind of coach... UT cares, that's the bottom line.
    • Quote 2
      Jack Maguire, Jr. said on Feb. 17, 2010 at 10:33 p.m.
      As a young Longhorn fan in the 50s, I well remember Fred Bednarski and his strange "side of the foot" kicking style, which was quite a novelty. I also don't remember anybody saying it would become the norm someday either. What a great story! I am glad I finally heard it.
    • Quote 2
      George Logan said on Feb. 18, 2010 at 9:49 a.m.
      I have heard it said that circumstances don't make you or break you; they just reveal who you are. It is evident that what Fred became was a testament to great determination and a keen character. I was a member of the 1957 freshman class under Coach Royal. I remember Fred's sense of humor and his determination to be the best. He was the first soccer style kicker in the SW conference. Your story brought back some good memories. It's a great picture with Coach Royal.
    • Quote 2
      texasfan said on Feb. 18, 2010 at 12:22 p.m.
      Wow, what an inspiration! Great story
    • Quote 2
      Brian said on Feb. 21, 2010 at 7:57 a.m.
      "Horns Illustrated" published a great feature story about Bednarski a few years ago. If I'm not mistaken, the story was then reprinted in "Alcalde." Well worth reading.
    • Quote 2
      John said on Feb. 24, 2010 at 10:13 a.m.
      Interesting note - Fred's son, Fred Junior was a walk-on linebacker in the late 1980's. Surprised that hasn't been mentioned.
    • Quote 2
      Vaughn said on March 22, 2010 at 3:54 p.m.
      Fred is not only a great Polish-American sportsman, but he is also a wonderful example to those around him as a follower of Jesus Christ. He is an example to the young folks in FEFC here in Austin who are looking for someone who is real in this made-for-talking-heads world today. I am proud to count him as more than 'just a friend.'
    • Quote 2
      Edgar East said on Sept. 17, 2010 at 2:51 p.m.
      Hi Fred, remember me? I was Joe's best friend in 4th grade. I used to come to your house on E. Monroe and help your parents with English. Later on, I dated Lucy. I really enjoyed seeing this clip. I have never forgotten the Bednarski family. God bless you, my friend!
    • Quote 2
      loren anderson said on Jan. 27, 2011 at 7:37 a.m.
      you need to correct the Pete Gogolak article in wikipedia, which claims he kicked the first soccer style n college football
    • Quote 2
      futbalmaniac said on April 5, 2011 at 4:23 a.m.
      such a good story !!! :)

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