Bob Pratt
Bob Pratt is the only football player from Kennedy Catholic High School to receive a full scholarship at a Big Ten Conference school.
At then-Kennedy Christian, Bob was a star in football and wrestling. He was an all-state lineman for the Golden Eagles his senior year in 1978-79.
He played basketball one year, then moved to wrestling. His senior year he was undefeated during the regular season and set the school record in pins.
He was captain in both football and wrestling.
Bob received a full scholarship at Northwestern University for football. He started as a true sophomore and for the next two years as well on the offensive line.
He also lettered in wrestling his freshman year, filling in for the starting heavyweight who was injured early in the year. That was his only season on the mats as he concentrated on football.
After earning a bachelor of science degree, he was drafted in 1983 by the USFL Chicago Blitz.
He was also invited to the Baltimore Colts training camp for a tryout.
But unfortunately, at the end of football season, he was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes (juvenile onset) and at the age of 21 lost 70 pounds. Doctors advised him against a pro career.
He was the first player from Kennedy Catholic High to have his football jersey number retired.
He passed away on Sept. 10, 2006.