Leroy Erwin (Ace) Gutowsky

LeRoy Erwin “Ace” Gutowsky

Detroit Lions Player (1932 – 1938)

Ace Gutowsky was born in Komolty, Russian Empire and moved with his family to Kingfisher, Oklahoma at five weeks of age, becoming an outstanding athlete at Kingfisher High School.  Gutowsky went on to Oklahoma City University where he helped the Goldbugs win all but one game in 1930 to 1931. He went on to play professional football for the Detroit Lions from 1932 to 1938. As a linebacker he helped the Lions to record seven straight shutouts and give up only 59 points in 13 games during the 1934 season. As a fullback, he was a dominant rusher from 1934 to 1936 helping the Lions win the 1935 NFL championship. He played one more season with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1939.  After his career was over he served in the U.S. Army in World War II. Ace Gutowsky was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1979. He passed away on December 4, 1976 at 67 years of age.