Joseph Edwards "Joe" Kopcha (December 23, 1905, Whiting, Indiana – July 29, 1986, Hobart, Indiana) is a former professional American football player. Kopcha played eight years in the National Football League, mainly for the Chicago Bears. He was an offensive lineman. Kopcha attended the University of Chattanooga, where he studied to become a obstetrician, and played professional football in order to fund his university studies. Kopcha played for the Detroit Lions when he obtained an internship at Harper Hospital, after previously studying at the Rush Medical College when playing for the Bears. Kopcha used his knowledge to redesign the shoulder pads worn by players, with his basic designs still in use today.