Topor was born in East Chicago, Indiana in 1930 and graduated from East Chicago Roosevelt High School in 1949.[2] He played on two Indiana state championship teams and was an Honorable Mention All-American high school player in 1948.[1][3]
In 1951, Topor also "became the center of a faculty dispute over whether Michigan employed double scholastic standards for athletes and nonathletes."[8] Topor left the campus for a time, but he returned in 1952.[9] Head coach Bennie Oosterbaan reported that Topor had both improved his school work and "emerged as a man."[8] In September 1952, a feature story from the Associated Press reported that a fit and dedicated Topor had reinvigorated the Wolverines with a new spirit:
"Not the least of the factors in Michigan's dark horse role in the 1952 football campaign is an improved team spirit. And Coach Benny Oosterbaan and his staff attribute much of this to Ted Topor, the 212-pound senior quarterback from East Chicago, Ind."[8]
Topor started all nine games at quarterback for the 1952 Wolverines and was selected as the team's Most Valuable Player.[10]
Topor was selected by the Detroit Lions in the 1953 NFL Draft. Before starting his professional football career, he was inducted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Topor was one of 226 NFL personnel who served in the military during the Korean War.[11] After serving two years in the military, Topor was discharged in September 1955 and played at the linebacker position for the Detroit Lions in the 1955 NFL season.[12][13][14] However, his football career was cut short by injuries.[2]
^"Waivers on Ricca Asked". Morning Herald. November 1, 1955. ("The Lions announced that Ted Topor, former Michigan linebacker, has replaced Ricca on their roster. Topor had spent the last two seasons in service and returned to the Lions at the start of the season. Detroit had no room for Topor then, but told him to stand by.")
^"Guard Returns To Detroit 11". Ironwood Daily Globe. September 6, 1955.("At the same time, Ted Topor, former Michigan linebacker who was discharged from the Army last Friday, reported to camp.")
^"Topor Adds Wrestler". Hammond Times. November 1, 1963.
^"Steelers Hold First Grid Drill Sunday". Hammond Times. August 4, 1961.
