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{{Short description|American football player (1951–2023)}}
{{Short description|American football player (1951–2023)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
{{Infobox NFL biography
|name=Ron Fernandes
| name = Ron Fernandes
|image=Ron Fernandes.jpeg
| image = Fernandes-Ron-1977.jpg
|caption=Fernandes while in college
| caption = Fernandes in 1977
|number=79, 73, 74
| number = 79, 73, 74
|position=[[Defensive lineman]]
| position = [[Defensive lineman]]
|birth_date={{birth date|1951|9|11}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1951|9|11}}
|birth_place=[[Ypsilanti, Michigan]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Ypsilanti, Michigan]], U.S.
|death_date={{Death date and age|2023|12|5|1951|9|11}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|2023|12|5|1951|9|11}}
|death_place=
| death_place =
|height_ft=6
| height_ft = 6
|height_in=4
| height_in = 4
|weight_lbs=251
| weight_lbs = 251
|high_school=[[Ypsilanti High School|Ypsilanti]]<br/>(Ypsilanti, Michigan)
| high_school = [[Ypsilanti High School|Ypsilanti]]
|college=[[Eastern Michigan Eagles football|Eastern Michigan]]
| college = [[Eastern Michigan Hurons football|Eastern Michigan]]
|draftyear=1973
| draftyear = 1973
|draftround=10
| draftround = 10
|draftpick=260
| draftpick = 260
|pastteams=
| pastteams =
* [[Miami Dolphins]] ({{NFL Year|1973}})*
* [[Miami Dolphins]] ({{NFL Year|1973}})*
* [[New England Patriots]] ({{NFL Year|1973}})*
* [[New England Patriots]] ({{NFL Year|1973}})*
* [[Detroit Wheels]] ([[1974 WFL season|1974]])
* [[Detroit Wheels]] ([[1974 WFL season|1974]])
* [[Indianapolis Colts|Baltimore Colts]] ({{NFL Year|1976}}–{{NFL Year|1980}})
* [[Baltimore Colts]] ({{NFL Year|1976}}–{{NFL Year|1980}})
* [[Washington Federals]] ({{USFL Year|1983}})
|pastteamsnote=yes
| statleague = NFL
|nflnew=ron-fernandes
| statlabel1 = Games played
⚫
|pfr=FernRo20
| statvalue1 = 40
| statlabel2 = [[Starting lineup|Starts]]
| statvalue2 = 14
| statlabel3 = Sacks
| statvalue3 = 10.5
| statlabel4 = Safeties
| statvalue4 = 1
⚫
| pfr = FernRo20
}}
}}


'''Ronald Michael Fernandes''' (September 11, 1951 – December 5, 2023) was an [[American football]] [[defensive lineman]] who played three seasons with the [[Indianapolis Colts|Baltimore Colts]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL).<ref>{{cite news | url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-miami-news/133412780/ | title=Colts' Ron Fernandes received death threat | work=[[The Miami News]] | date=December 7, 1977 | accessdate=October 13, 2023}}</ref> He played [[college football]] at [[Eastern Michigan Eagles football|East Michigan]] and was drafted by the [[Miami Dolphins]] in the 10th round of the [[1973 NFL Draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FernRo20.htm |title=Ron Fernandes |work=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]] |access-date=August 30, 2023}}</ref> He was also a member of the [[New England Patriots]] of the NFL and the [[Detroit Wheels]] of the [[World Football League]] (WFL).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/transactionsf/fern00200.html |title=Ron Fernandes NFL Transactions |work=Pro Football Archives |access-date=August 30, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/playerf/fern00200.html |title=Ron Fernandes |work=Pro Football Archives |access-date=August 30, 2023}}</ref> Fernandes died on December 5, 2023, at the age of 72.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ronald Fernandes Obituary |url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/ronald-fernandes-obituary?id=53772771 |access-date=2023-12-08 |website=Legacy.com}}</ref>
'''Ronald Michael Fernandes''' (September 11, 1951 – December 5, 2023) was a <!-- see talk page, user claims he was Canadian but no source --> professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[defensive lineman]] for three seasons with the [[Baltimore Colts]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL).<ref>{{cite news | url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-miami-news/133412780/ | title=Colts' Ron Fernandes received death threat | work=[[The Miami News]] | date=December 7, 1977 | accessdate=October 13, 2023}}</ref>

==Biography==
===Early years===

Ron Fernandes was born September 11, 1951, in [[Ypsilanti, Michigan]]. His family moved to [[Rocky River, Ohio]], where he attended [[Rocky River High School (Ohio)|Rocky River High School]], earning athletic letters in [[baseball]] and [[American football|football]].<ref name=MG77>Wilt Browning (ed.), ''Baltimore Colts 1977 Media Guide.'' Baltimore, MD: Baltimore Colts Football Club, 1977, p. 20.</ref> He returned to Ypsilanti in the middle of his high school years, attending [[Ypsilanti High School]] where he earned additional letters in [[wrestling]] and football.<ref name=MG77 />

===Football career===

He played [[college football]] for the [[Eastern Michigan Eagles football|Eastern Michigan Eagles]] and was selected by the [[Miami Dolphins]] in the 10th round of the [[1973 NFL draft]].<ref name=PFR>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FernRo20.htm |title=Ron Fernandes |work=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]] |access-date=August 30, 2023}}</ref> 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.<ref name=MG77 /> 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.<ref name=MG77 />

In 1974, Fernandes signed with the [[Detroit Wheels]] of the [[World Football League]] (WFL).<ref name="transactions">{{cite web | access-date=August 30, 2023 | url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/transactions/f/fern00200.html | title=Ron Fernandes NFL Transactions | work=Pro Football Archives}}</ref><ref name="Pfa">{{cite web | access-date=August 30, 2023 | url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/players/f/fern00200.html | title=Ron Fernandes | work=Pro Football Archives}}</ref> 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.<ref name=MG77 />

He made a surprising comeback in [[1976 Baltimore Colts season|1976]], winning a spot on the 43-man roster of the Baltimore Colts, registering five quarterback sacks — one of which was a [[safety (gridiron football score)|safety]] — as a reserve [[defensive end]].<ref name=MG77 /> He came off the bench for the Colts in 13 games during the year.<ref name=PFR />

Fernandes saw action in all 14 of the Colts' games during the [[1977 Baltimore Colts season|1977 season]], cracking the starting lineup as right [[defensive tackle]] for 7 games<ref name=PFR /> in the aftermath of an injury to regular [[Joe Ehrmann]].<ref name=Ibach>Bob Ibach, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-sun-baltimore-colts-lineman/152275670/ "Fernandes is Learning in the Pits,"] ''Baltimore Evening Sun,'' Oct. 15, 1977, pp. 9-[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-sun-fernandes-learns-in-the/152276397/ 10].</ref> Fernandes found the switch of line positions from his natural position of defensive end to be difficult, telling the ''Baltimore Sun,'' "It's a completely different game than at end. You're still three feet apart [from the opponent], but it's a totally different world the way the offensive lineman blocks you. They can hit a tackle any way they want to, from any angle."<ref name=Ibach />

Unfortunately for Fernandes, a knee injury knocked him out of action ahead of the [[1978 Baltimore Colts season|1978 campaign]], and he lost the entire year to injury.<ref name=Miller>Jim Miller, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-sun-forget-john-dutton-advi/152273384/ "Forget Dutton, Advises Fernandes,"] ''Baltimore Evening Sun,'' July 25, 1979, p. E1.</ref>

A comeback was made for the [[1979 Baltimore Colts season|1979 Colts season]], this time shifting positions to right defensive end, where he replaced disgruntled All-Pro [[John Dutton (defensive lineman)|John Dutton]], who refused to return to the team owing to a bitter contract holdout poisoned by comments made by pugilistic owner [[Robert Irsay|Bob Irsay]]. Fernandes started 7 games and appeared in 13 during the year,<ref name=PFR /> with Dutton dealt away by the Colts to the [[Dallas Cowboys]].

He spent the 1980 season on injured reserve and was released by the Colts in August 1981.<ref name="transactions"/>

Fernandes played in three games, starting one, for the [[Washington Federals]] of the [[United States Football League]] in 1983.<ref name="Pfa"/>

===Later years===

After his time in professional football came to an end he returned home to [[Michigan]], where he helped raise a family of two daughters.<ref name=Legacy>{{Cite web |title=Ronald Fernandes Obituary |url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/ronald-fernandes-obituary?id=53772771 |access-date=2023-12-08 |website=Legacy.com}}</ref>

Fernandes died on December 5, 2023, at the age of 72.<ref name=Legacy />


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist|30em}}


{{Dolphins1973DraftPicks}}
{{Dolphins1973DraftPicks}}
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[[Category:Players of American football from Michigan]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Michigan]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Ypsilanti, Michigan]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Ypsilanti, Michigan]]
[[Category:Washington Federals/Orlando Renegades players]]


{{defensive-lineman-1950s-stub}}

Latest revision as of 23:28, 1 November 2024

Ron Fernandes
refer to caption
Fernandes in 1977
No. 79, 73, 74
Position:Defensive lineman
Personal information
Born:(1951-09-11)September 11, 1951
Ypsilanti, Michigan, U.S.
Died:December 5, 2023(2023-12-05) (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
Career NFL statistics
Games played:40
Starts:14
Sacks:10.5
Safeties:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Ronald Michael Fernandes (September 11, 1951 – December 5, 2023) was a professional football player who was a defensive lineman for three seasons with the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League (NFL).[1]

Biography

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

Ron Fernandes was born September 11, 1951, in Ypsilanti, Michigan. His family moved to Rocky River, Ohio, where he attended Rocky River High School, earning athletic letters in baseball and football.[2] He returned to Ypsilanti in the middle of his high school years, attending Ypsilanti High School where he earned additional letters in wrestling and football.[2]

Football career

[edit]

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.[3] 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.[2] 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.[2]

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.[2]

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.[2] He came off the bench for the Colts in 13 games during the year.[3]

Fernandes saw action in all 14 of the Colts' games during the 1977 season, cracking the starting lineup as right defensive tackle for 7 games[3] in the aftermath of an injury to regular Joe Ehrmann.[6] Fernandes found the switch of line positions from his natural position of defensive end to be difficult, telling the Baltimore Sun, "It's a completely different game than at end. You're still three feet apart [from the opponent], but it's a totally different world the way the offensive lineman blocks you. They can hit a tackle any way they want to, from any angle."[6]

Unfortunately for Fernandes, a knee injury knocked him out of action ahead of the 1978 campaign, and he lost the entire year to injury.[7]

A comeback was made for the 1979 Colts season, this time shifting positions to right defensive end, where he replaced disgruntled All-Pro John Dutton, who refused to return to the team owing to a bitter contract holdout poisoned by comments made by pugilistic owner Bob Irsay. Fernandes started 7 games and appeared in 13 during the year,[3] with Dutton dealt away by the Colts to the Dallas Cowboys.

He spent the 1980 season on injured reserve and was released by the Colts in August 1981.[4]

Fernandes played in three games, starting one, for the Washington Federals of the United States Football League in 1983.[5]

Later years

[edit]

After his time in professional football came to an end he returned home to Michigan, where he helped raise a family of two daughters.[8]

Fernandes died on December 5, 2023, at the age of 72.[8]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Colts' Ron Fernandes received death threat". The Miami News. December 7, 1977. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Wilt Browning (ed.), Baltimore Colts 1977 Media Guide. Baltimore, MD: Baltimore Colts Football Club, 1977, p. 20.
  3. ^ a b c d "Ron Fernandes". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Ron Fernandes NFL Transactions". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  5. ^ a b "Ron Fernandes". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Bob Ibach, "Fernandes is Learning in the Pits," Baltimore Evening Sun, Oct. 15, 1977, pp. 9-10.
  7. ^ Jim Miller, "Forget Dutton, Advises Fernandes," Baltimore Evening Sun, July 25, 1979, p. E1.
  8. ^ a b "Ronald Fernandes Obituary". Legacy.com. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
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