Tony Bertuca

Anthony Francis Bertuca (born January 4, 1950) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for one season with the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Montana Grizzlies and Chico State Wildcats.

Early life and college

Tony Bertuca was born January 4, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended St. Patrick in that city.

Bertuca played college football at the University of Montana, Wenatchee Valley Junior College, and California State University, Chico. He also played college basketball for Chico State. He graduated from that school with a bachelor of arts degree in Physical Education in 1971.

Professional career Undrafted in the 1971 NFL draft, Bertuca attempted to make the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent. Legendary head coach Paul Brown of the Bengals moved Bertuca from safety to linebacker in camp, telling him that he had NFL potential but lacked seasoning.

With his college football eligibility lapsed, Bertuca attempted to hone his football skills playing for the semi-professional Lake County Rifles of the Central State League, which he did for the 1972 and 1973 seasons. He saw action in all 14 games of the 1974 season. After recording two quarterback sacks in preseason action, Baltimore head coach Howard Schnellenberger praised Bertuca effusively, declaring the upstart to be "a real dynamo."