Dave Kocourek’s pro career began in 1959 with a brief stop in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers before he landed with the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFL’s first year. He quickly became one of the more productive offensive pieces on Sid Gillman’s early teams, lining up as a flanker and later settling in at tight end. He was a reliable target who could stretch the field and also contribute as a blocker, and from 1961 through 1964 he earned AFL All-Star recognition each season. In 1961, he led the team with 55 catches for 1,055 yards, and he remained a consistent option in the passing game even as the Chargers moved to San Diego and built one of the more explosive offenses in the league.

He was part of the 1963 squad that won the AFL Championship, and he collected four Second-Team All-AFL selections across his time with the team. Kocourek’s size and receiving ability made him a difficult matchup in an era when tight ends were still evolving into more than blockers, and he held up as a starter through the Chargers’ strongest early years. 

After the 1965 season, he joined the Miami Dolphins, although his most productive years were already behind him. During his six seasons with the Chargers, he recorded approximately 3,720 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. He later played briefly for the Raiders, earning a second championship ring, but most of his contributions came in San Diego. He was named to the AFL All-Time Second Team and is remembered as one of the early Chargers who helped establish the franchise’s offensive identity in the 1960s.