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 | |||||||||||
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| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||
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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
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]
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 spent the 1980 season on injured reserve and was released by the Colts in August 1981.
Fernandes played in three gamee, starting one, for the Washington Federals of the United States Football League in 1983.
After his time in professional football came to an end he returned home to Michigan, where he helped raise a family of two daughters.[6]
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.
- ^ a b c d e f Wilt Browning (ed.), Baltimore Colts 1977 Media Guide. Baltimore, MD: Baltimore Colts Football Club, 1977, p. 20.
- ^ "Ron Fernandes". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ "Ron Fernandes NFL Transactions". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ "Ron Fernandes". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ a b "Ronald Fernandes Obituary". Legacy.com. Retrieved December 8, 2023.