– Rutgers football mourns the passing of, a member of the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame. The offensive lineman earned four letters for the Scarlet Knights from 1977-80.An Associated Press All-East selection in 1978, 1979 and 1980, Kurdyla became one of only two offensive linemen in the modern era to win three All-East accolades. In addition, he was named honorable mention Associated Press All-America in 1980 as an offensive tackle, winner of the David Bender Trophy in 1979 and 1980 and inducted into the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997.The Scarlet Knights were 32-13 in his time as a player, including an appearance in the 1978 Garden State Bowl. Following his collegiate career, he signed a free agent contract for the New York Giants. Kurdyla is a product of Newark East Side High School, where he earned all-county, all-city, and all-state honors.