Ron Fernandes
 Fernandes in 1977 | |
| No. 79, 73, 74 | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Defensive lineman |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | September 11, 1951 Ypsilanti, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died: | December 5, 2023 (aged 72) |
| Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight: | 251 lb (114 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Ypsilanti |
| College: | Eastern Michigan |
| NFL draft: | 1973 / round: 10 / pick: 260 |
| Career history | |
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Stats at Pro Football Reference | |
Ronald Michael Fernandes (September 11, 1951 – December 5, 2023) was an American professional football player who was a defensive lineman for three seasons with the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League (NFL).[1]
Biography
He played college football for the Eastern Michigan Eagles and was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 10th round of the 1973 NFL Draft.[2] Fernandes was released by the Dolphins ahead of the 1973 NFL season and signed on with the New England Patriots, only to be cut once again before the season began.[3] He was resigned by the Patriots during the season and was on the team's roster for the last 5 games of the year without seeing game action.[3]
In 1974, Fernandes signed with the Detroit Wheels of the World Football League (WFL).[4][5] At the end of the 1974 World Football League season it appeared that Fernandes' career as a professional football player was over, returning to work as a part-time member of the coaching staff at his alma mater.[3]
He made a surprising comeback in 1976, winning a spot on the 43-man roster of the [[Baltimore Colts, registering five quarterback sacks — one of which was a safety — as a reserve defensive end.[3]
Fernandes died on December 5, 2023, at the age of 72.[6]
References
- ^ "Colts' Ron Fernandes received death threat". The Miami News. December 7, 1977. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
- ^ "Ron Fernandes". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ a b c d Wilt Browning (ed.), Baltimore Colts 1977 Media Guide. Baltimore, MD: Baltimore Colts Football Club, 1977, p. 20.
- ^ "Ron Fernandes NFL Transactions". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ "Ron Fernandes". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ "Ronald Fernandes Obituary". Legacy.com. Retrieved December 8, 2023.