Otis Sistrunk facts for kids
Otis Sistrunk in January, 2005
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| Position: | Defensive tackle, Defensive end | ||
| Personal information | |||
| Born: | September 18, 1946 Columbus, Georgia, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | ||
| Weight: | 265 lb (120 kg) | ||
| Career information | |||
| High school: | Spencer (Columbus) | ||
| College: | None | ||
| Undrafted: | 1972 | ||
| Career history | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||
Otis Sistrunk (born September 18, 1946) is a former American football player. He played as a defensive lineman for the Oakland Raiders. He spent his entire seven-year career with the Raiders, from 1972 to 1978. After his football career, Sistrunk also became a professional wrestler for a short time.
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Otis Sistrunk's Football Journey
Otis Sistrunk was born in Columbus, Georgia. He was one of the few NFL players of his time who did not play college football. After high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps.
After leaving the military, Sistrunk worked at a meat-packing plant. He also played semi-pro football for two years. He then joined the Norfolk Neptunes in 1969.
In 1971, a scout from the Los Angeles Rams noticed Sistrunk's talent. Soon after, the Oakland Raiders signed him in 1972. He played for the Raiders until 1978.
In 1982, Otis Sistrunk was honored. He was inducted into the American Football Association's Semi Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The "University of Mars" Nickname
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During a Monday Night Football game, a camera showed Otis Sistrunk on the sideline. His bald head was steaming in the cold. The Raiders' team program listed his education as "U.S. Mars." This was short for the United States Marine Corps.
However, a TV commentator named Alex Karras made a joke. He suggested that Sistrunk's school was the "University of Mars." This funny nickname stuck with him!
Super Bowl Champion!
Otis Sistrunk was a very good player. He was chosen for the Pro Bowl in 1974. In 1976, he played under coach John Madden. Sistrunk was a key part of the Raiders team that won Super Bowl XI. They defeated the Minnesota Vikings in that big game.
He retired after the 1978 season. In his career, he played 98 games. He recovered seven fumbles and made three interceptions.
Sistrunk's Wrestling Career
After football, Sistrunk had a short career in professional wrestling. He joined the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). In 1981, he teamed up with Michael Hayes.
Together, they won the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship. They defeated Jimmy Snuka and Terry Gordy. However, Sistrunk soon decided he did not enjoy wrestling. He retired, and the championship was left without a holder.
Wrestling Achievements
- Georgia Championship Wrestling
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- NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Michael Hayes
Life After Sports
After leaving football, Sistrunk worked as a beer salesman for two years. Then, he started working for the United States Army as a civilian employee. He worked at Fort Benning, Georgia, for twelve years.
Today, Sistrunk manages Cowan Memorial Stadium. This stadium is at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. He also helps with athletic training programs there.
Otis Sistrunk has family members who also played football. His nephew, Caesar Rayford, was a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys. He is also a distant cousin to former NFL player Manny Sistrunk.
See also
- List of gridiron football players who became professional wrestlers
