Blake Costanzo

Blake Costanzo (born April 14, 1984) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Lafayette Leopards and was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2006.

Costanzo was also a member of the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears.

Early life He played high school football at Ramapo High School in his New Jersey hometown as a linebacker and a tight end. He helped lead his team to two state championships. He played linebacker and tight end, and was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year Award. In his high school career, he recorded 210 tackles, 24 sacks, and 11 blocked punts. He was named three times to the All-League first-team, as well as the All-Bergen County first-team. In 2001, he was named the Defensive Player of the Year after recording 111 tackles, 15 sacks, and five blocked punts.

College career

2002 In 2002, Costanzo recorded 34 tackles and finish fourth among the Leopard freshmen in tackles. He also made two sacks, while leading the team in forced fumbles with two.

San Francisco 49ers (first stint)

Costanzo was signed by the San Francisco 49ers in 2011.

In 61 career games, Costanzo has recorded 71 tackles on special teams with eight forced fumble/fumble recoveries (four force fumbles, four fumble recoveries). In the 2011 season, Costanzo recorded 17 special teams tackles, which ranks second on the 49ers.

Chicago Bears

Costanzo was signed by the Chicago Bears in 2012 on a two-year deal. General manager Phil Emery commented, "Blake has done some dynamic things as a special teams player, as is evident from his four forced fumbles with one of them in a playoff game against New Orleans this past year."

Costanzo ended the 2013 season leading the Bears with 17 special teams tackles.

San Francisco 49ers (second stint)

On June 3, 2014, Costanzo signed a one-year deal to return to the 49ers. He was released later in the year.

Career statistics

NFL Source Retrieved on September 2, 2014

College Year Defense GP GS Tackles FF/FR Sacks Int TDs 2002 12 0 34 2/1 2.0 0 0 2003 11 11 94 0/0 4.0 1 0 2004 12 12 93 1/1 5.5 0 0 Totals 35 23 221 3/2 11.5 1 0

Personal life He is currently an assistant coach at Paramus Catholic High School (New Jersey).