Sam Tamburo

Samuel Joseph Tamburo Jr. (July 1, 1926 – December 18, 1998) was an American professional football defensive end who played one season with the New York Bulldogs of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Bulldogs in the sixth round of the 1949 NFL draft after playing college football at Pennsylvania State University.

Early life Samuel Joseph Tamburo Jr. was born on July 1, 1926, in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. He played high school football at New Kensington High School, and earned all-state honors in 1943. In 1945, due to Jim Crow laws, Penn State was not allowed to bring its African-American players, Wally Tripplet and Dennis Hoggard, to a late-season matchup against the Miami Hurricanes. Also in 1948, he earned American Football Coaches Association first-team All-American, AP third-team All-American, INS first-team All-American (offense), and Central Press Association second-team All-American honors. Tamburo played in the Hula Bowl after his senior season. He played in all 12 games, starting two, for the Bulldogs during the 1949 season.

Tamburo signed with the New York Yanks of the National Football League (NFL) on June 30, 1950. However, he was later released.

Tamburo then signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was released by the Steelers on September 15, 1950.

Personal life Tamburo died on December 18, 1998, in New Kensington.