October 1999. Holecek first registered a jarring sack on Dan Marino that led to Gabe Northern's fumble return for a touchdown, then with Buffalo clinging to a 23–18 lead late, Holecek registered his first career interception. Facing a three-receiver set, Holecek dropped back in zone defense, and picked off Dan Marino. Holecek said "obviously, with Dan Marino, it's a special play." In September 2011, Holecek was inducted into the Chicago Sports Hall-of-Fame. Holecek received accolades for his grit and determination and for dealing with adversity by successfully rehabbing three major knee injuries. Other inductees in his class included Jim Calhoun, Bobby Hull, Glenn Doc Rivers, Barry Sanders and former Notre Dame and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier. In August 2014, the Butkus Foundation honored Holecek at a Chicago Bears game for his work has a Chicago youth sports leader. Presented the 'Ray Meyer Coach Award' in 2015 at the Giant Awards — the former Chicago Park District superintendent Ed Kelly's sports program that honors accomplished Chicagoans in various fields. In January 2016, Holecek was named one of six finalists for the 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl National Coach of the Year award. The award honors the nation's top high school football coach for exceptional coaching abilities and leadership skills, as well as acknowledging his role as a positive influence to young Americans on and off the field. Also that month, LA was honored with the 11th Annual MaxPreps "Tour of Champions" award presented by the Army National Guard. The award honors select state champions who are also national ranked according to MaxPreps national computer rankings. In November 2018, Holecek was awarded 22nd Century Media's 2018 Football 'Coach of the Year'. Awarded the USA Today 'Coach of the Year' for the ALL-USA Illinois Football Team in December 2018. Philanthropy Holecek served as the Buffalo Bills spokesman for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Holecek was involved in the Western New York Children's Literacy Program "Rush For Reading”. Holecek's Loyola Academy teams volunteer and visit Misericordia, often playing pick-up games with children and adults with developmental disabilities. Loyola annually hosts Misericordia at a fall home game. Holecek's Loyola Academy team participates annually in the Special Olympics Chicago: Polar Plunge References External links Vision of Greatness Loyola Coaching Decision Loyola Info Fighting Illini Monday Night Football Player of the Week Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame Professional Statistics NFL Profile (note tackle stats not official