Warminster’s Don Bitterlich, a graduate of William Tennent High School, kicked the first points in Seattle Seahawks history, but became better known for his longtime passion for the accordion, writes Matt Breen for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Bitterlich began playing the accordion at seven and later attended Temple University on a soccer scholarship.
Despite never having watched a football game, Bitterlich was recruited by coach Wayne Hardin to serve as placekicker because of his powerful left leg. In 1973, he attended football camp while balancing soccer and his accordion performances.
He went on to set multiple records at Temple, participated in an all-star game in Japan, got drafted by the NFL in 1976, and scored the first points in Seattle Seahawks history, a team now facing the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
Today, Bitterlich is best known for his accordion, which he has played for over 50 years. He has performed at German festivals, restaurants, banquets, and marathons, playing over 100 gigs last year at age 72.
“These days, most people around hear me playing the accordion, and they don’t know that I kicked in the NFL,” he said.
Read more about Warminster’s Don Bitterlich, his football career, and his passion for the accordion in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on BUCKSCO Today in February 2026.
