Jarrod Bunch facts for kids

Jarrod Ray Bunch, born on August 9, 1968, is a former American football player. He also coached the football team at Beverly Hills High School. Jarrod played college football for the Michigan Wolverines from 1986 to 1990. The New York Giants picked him in the first round of the 1991 NFL draft. He was the 27th player chosen overall. In 1992, he was named the New York Giants Offensive Player of the Year. Jarrod had a knee injury in 1993 that affected his playing. After surgeries, the Giants ended his contract. He then joined the Los Angeles Raiders for a short time. Jarrod retired from football in 1995. Today, he leads the NFLPA's group for former players in Los Angeles. He lives in Beverly Hills, California, with his wife, Robin Emtage.

Growing Up and High School

Jarrod Bunch was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, in 1968. When he was five, he had an accident with a lawnmower and lost a toe on his right foot. He went to Ashtabula High School. There, he was a fantastic football player. He also set school records in pole vault and discus. Jarrod was the first student from his school to get a scholarship to play football at a top college. He was also the first and only one to be picked in the first round of the National Football League draft.

Playing for the Michigan Wolverines

Jarrod Bunch started at the University of Michigan in 1986. He played college football as a fullback for the Michigan Wolverines football teams from 1987 to 1990. He first wanted to play as a tailback. But since Jamie Morris was already in that spot, Jarrod became a fullback.

He started many games as a fullback during his time at Michigan. In 1990, he was the captain of the team. That year, the team won nine games and lost three. They also beat Ole Miss in the 1991 Gator Bowl. The team finished the season ranked #7 in the final AP Poll. Over four years at Michigan, Jarrod ran for 1,346 yards. He also caught 30 passes for 215 yards and scored four touchdowns.

Jarrod earned a bachelor's degree in Sports Management and Communications. He used his scholarship to attend graduate school too.

Playing Professional Football

The New York Giants chose Jarrod Bunch in the first round of the 1991 NFL draft. He was the 27th pick overall. As a new player, he played in all 16 games, mostly on special teams. In the 1992 NFL season, he became a starter. He started 13 games as a fullback. That year, he ran for 501 yards and scored four touchdowns. His average of 4.8 yards per run was one of the best in the NFL.

In 1993, Jarrod hurt his knee during training camp. This injury limited his playing time. He ran for 128 yards and scored three touchdowns that year. Before the 1994 NFL season, Jarrod had surgeries on his knees and feet. Because of his injuries, he could not pass a physical exam. The Giants then released him. He later signed with the Los Angeles Raiders. However, his injuries continued to be a problem. He played in only three games for the Raiders. The Raiders released him in October 1994, which ended his NFL playing career.

Coaching and Later Life

In May 2020, Jarrod Bunch joined the National Football League's "Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship." This program helps coaches from different backgrounds. On May 18, 2018, he became the head coach of the Beverly Hills High School football team.

After his football career, Jarrod Bunch became an actor and producer. He has his own company called Bunch Time Productions. He and his wife, Robin Emtage, moved to Beverly Hills, California, in 2002. Jarrod played a young George Foreman in the Emmy award-winning HBO film, Don King: Only in America. He has also appeared in many TV shows. These include "The Forgotten," "ER," CSI Miami, Rizzoli & Isles, and Entourage. He was also in Quentin Tarantino's movie "Django Unchained." Jarrod has also been in over 100 national commercials.

Film and TV Appearances

• Reach Me (2014)
• Django Unchained (2012)
• Rizzoli & Isles - "I Kissed a Girl" (2010) TV Episode
• The Forgotten - "Football John" (2010) TV Episode
• Once Fallen (2010)
• Doozers (2010)
• Stileto (2009)
• Good Time Max (2006)
• The Death and Life of Bobby Z (2006)
• Entourage - "What About Bob?" (2006) TV Episode
• Two for the Money (2005)
• ER - Refusal of Care (2005) TV Episode
• JAG - "This Just in from Baghdad" (2004) TV Episode
• The Kings of Brooklyn (2004)
• 100 Centre Street - "Daughters" (2001) - "Let's Make a Night of It" (2001) TV Episodes
• Way Off Broadway (2001)
• Chosen' (2001)
• The Dancer' (2000)
• The Last Supper (2000)
• Third Watch - "Patterns" (1999) TV Episode
• The Best Man (1999)
• After Hours Happy Hour (1999)
• 18 Shades of Dust (1999)
• New York Undercover - "Catharsis" (1998) TV Episode