Dennis Onkotz

Dennis Henry Onkotz (born February 6, 1948) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions, twice earning consensus All-American honors. He suffered a career ending injury during his first and only season with the Jets.

Early life Onkotz was born on February 6, 1948, in Northampton, Pennsylvania. He attended Northampton Area High School where he was a top player on the football, baseball and basketball teams. He graduated in 1966, as a member of the National Honor Society. In football, Onkotz led the Lehigh Valley League in scoring in 1965, and was All-League.

In 1966, Onkotz was honored by the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame as a scholar-athlete. In 2006, he was inducted into the Northampton Area School District Athletic Hall of Fame.

College career Onkotz attended Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). He was named a consensus or unanimous All-American at linebacker in 1968 and 1969. Onkotz was the only player to be on United Press International's (UPI) All-America team both years. He was a second-team All-American as a sophomore in 1967. An all-around athlete, Onkotz helped earn Penn State the nickname "Linebacker U," as the first great linebacker in the school tradition; but thanks to his speed he also held the unlikely position of punt returner, with an impressive average of over 13 yards per return.

Future NFL Hall of Fame linebacker, and Penn State teammate, Jack Ham said "'[Linebacker U] started with Dennis Onkotz.'" His coach described him as very intelligent, being seldom out of position and rarely missing an assignment.

Onkotz led the team in tackles in 1968 and 1969. Onkotz amassed 287 tackles, which at one time ranked third on the Lions' career list (but as of 2024 is just outside of the top five

In three seasons, he helped the Lions to a 30–2–1 record and three bowl games, including two Orange Bowl wins.

In 1995, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. However, during a goal line stand on defense against the Los Angeles Rams in his rookie season, the Rams' fullback hit Onkotz and his leg snapped. He was in a cast for five months, with pins in his leg. The severely broken leg effectively ended his professional career after just nine games played. Onkotz was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and after a year attempted a comeback, but did not make the team. He tried another unsuccessful comeback with the Denver Broncos.

Personal life After his short professional career, Onkotz attended graduate school at Penn State.