And so Matuszak kind of just went on like that for most of the rest of his career brawling, getting in trouble, being forgiven things only celebrities can get away with. But even with the success Matuszak found in this new chapter of his life, some aspects of his troubled past remained. also an actor. [11], Last edited on 26 December 2022, at 03:36, "The Life and Times of the Tooz: Menacing Body Held Spirit of Insecure, Guilt-Ridden Child", "Former NFL great John Matuszak dead at 38", "The Top Five: Move over, Moss and T.O. Paperback. The assignment was to explain a death that came much too soon. -- these are the real bad boys of NFL lore", "Matuszak's Death Caused By Accidental Overdose", "Here is the Butt of Sloth from "the Goonies", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Matuszak&oldid=1129571214, Season 10 Episode 18 "Promotion Commotion", Season 7 Episode 5 "No More Mr. Nice Guy", This page was last edited on 26 December 2022, at 03:36. Two of his little brothers died of it: Christopher after two months of life, and David at the age of two years. . Matuszak was enormously excited to work with Donner and producer Steven Spielberg, whom he called "the Al Davis of Hollywood.". Matuszak, also known as "The Tooz," tried out for the Houston Texans of the World Football League. Find John Matuszak's phone number, address, and email on Spokeo, the leading online directory for contact information. John Daniel Matuszak (October 25, 1950 - June 17, 1989) was an American football defensive end in the National Football League who later became an actor.. Matuszak was the first overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft and played most of his career with the Oakland Raiders until he retired after winning his second Super Bowl in 1981.He participated in the 1978 World's Strongest Man competition . Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. So, no lessons learned. After Wiggin personally pounded on Matuszaks chest until he started breathing again, he booted him as quickly as possible, Next, Matuszak was picked up by the Washington Redskins. On a particularly rowdy night, he was arrested for driving drunk and firing a gun at street signs. He was a brawler, a partier, and a guy who didn't want to take responsibility for his actions, but he loved children and he was known for his generosity. Matuszak also played for various NFL teams; his longest stint of six years having been spent with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, and later joining the Houston Oilers. John Matuszak was born on October 25, 1950, in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, United States He grew up there with his Family. Matuszak retired in 1982 and focused entirely on acting. Joe Namath, Dick Butkus, John Matuszak all had a shot on TV series and flopped. Before the 1976 season, the Chiefs traded him to the Washington Redskins, where he was cut two weeks later. She attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. During World War II, she worked here as a driver with the American Red Cross. Matuszak was part of one of football's most surreal moments. Survivors include two children by his first marriage, Nancy Stetter Graham and Grant Hamilton Stetter, both of Falls Church; two stepsons, Navy Capt. With Dan Devine leaving Missouri for the Green Bay Packers that same year, Matuszak no longer had a spot on the team, and his scholarship was revoked by new coach Al Onofrio. The displeased Oilers traded him to the Kansas City Chiefs for Curley Culp, another player who had threatened to jump to the WFL, and a first-round draft choice in 1975 on October 22, 1974. It's very tough to run my side of the line. Mr. Matuszak also wrote his autobiography, "Cruisin' With The Tooz." Carter Reso and Navy Cmdr. Mr. Stetter, who lived in Calabash, N.C., worked for the FBI here for 16 years before retiring in 1952. . On top of everything, the adhesives and prosthetics aggravated his skin. And his next career was already in motion. In late 1984, Matuszak met with director Richard Donner, who was deep into casting The Goonies. 13.251.249.246 Matuszak's life was a multifaceted one. 2008 Donruss Threads Pro Gridiron Kings Silver #14 John Matuszak: $2.53: 2008 Leaf Certified Materials #250 John Matuszak: $10.53: 2008 Leaf Limited #148 John Matuszak: $1.30: 2008 Leaf Limited Silver Spotlight #148 John Matuszak: $0.75: 2008 Leaf Limited Team Trademarks #29 John Matuszak: $0.75: Search Inventory John Matuszak's childhood was full of grief and misfortune. Performance & security by Cloudflare. [1], After a freshman year playing football at Fort Dodge Junior College in Iowa, Matuszak was recruited to the University of Missouri by Dan Devine. Matuszak actually came close to recovering and making a comeback, but he reinjured himself in 1983 trying to dodge a puppy on a beach. You cruise, you lose. The Raiders ended up taking down the Vikings in Super Bowl XI. His wild partying eventually landed him in court. New Orleans isn't the easiest place to be free of distractions, and while most players resisted the city's temptations, the Tooz just couldn't help himself and partied himself into unconsciousness. In 1968, when 18 there is a newspaper (Iowa Press) which mentioned "Another big line prospect is John Matuszak, 6-7 and 240" . Matuszak was selected to the All American Team 1972. Matuszak had nearly died during a Kansas City Chiefs training camp when he chose to create a lethal mix of valium and beer. The rest of his estate, $230,000 in personal property, $217,000 in real property and $10,000 in income from that property, was left to his mother and his sisters, Karen and Dawn Matuszak. Find John Matuszak's phone number, address, and email on Spokeo, the leading people search directory for contact information and public records. Mr. Matuszak's lawyer argued that he was being made a scapegoat because of his fame and financial success. The Los Angeles County . Number: 72. John Daniel Tooz Matuszak was an American professional football defensive lineman in the National Football League and also an actor. His aggressive play and tough attitude embodied the spirit of the Oakland Raiders in the years they were called the Evil Empire and helped win the team Super Bowl victories in the 1976 and 1980 seasons. Matuszak also did a three day stint in jail for carrying a concealed weapon. Matuszak was devoted to his family and,according to United Press International, spent a lot of time visiting his sister when she was in a Milwaukee hospital struggling with her disease. I don't like stepping on other people's toes, but with my size 15 shoes, people step on mine sometimes. Like most children and people who don't ever really grow up, John Matuszak never took responsibility for any of the crazy, dangerous, and irresponsible things he did. "No," Matuszak shouted. I never even was in any of my high school plays. According to the LA Times, during his sophomore year in college, Matuszak played reserve tight end on a football scholarship at the University of Missouri, but his career there was short-lived. When his roommate came to pick him up from jail, he was wearing handcuffs, his Super Bowl Ring, a pair of powder blue cowboy boots and not a single shred of fabric. In Matuszak's first season,the Raiders won their first Super Bowl title, and Matuszak played a big part in that victory. He made sports page headlines when he violated team curfew by partying in New Orleans the night before the Raiders beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 in the 1981 Super Bowl. Football defined John Matuszak's life. John graduated from Kingston High School in 1945 an went on to earn a masters degree in Political Science from the University of Miami in 1971. She had lived in Columbia since 1983. And just in case there wasn't already enough tragedy in this story, here's an extra helping of it for you football injuries require pain medication, and Matuszak was one human being who should have stayed as far away from pain medication as possible. We commit to cover sensible issues responsibly through the principles of neutrality. You could argue that portraying an emotionally complex killer biker gang member on Miami Vice and a cop who goes on a vengeful murderous spree in One Man Force somehow resulted in Matuszak backsliding into some of his old, reckless ways, even when he was finally being recognized as a talented, sensitive man, Nevertheless, it seemed as if Matuszak was finally getting his life under control. The "Don't date my sister/daughter" Rule, spoken or unspoken, exists in every locker room in America. John Matuszak Education. His late-night trip down New Orleans' Bourbon Street in the middle of a Super Bowl week before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles turned into a focal point and gave the Raiders some comic relief. His death made a huge impact upon Matuszak so huge, it couldn't be overshadowed by the fact that Matuszak met Richard Donner the very same night he met Belushi. John Matuszak was just 38 when he died of heart failure a decade ago, and his flamboyance made an explanation mandatory. He signed up to play with the upstart World Football League's Houston Texans (no relation to the current team of the same name). He started playing football in the eighth grade, and became a star in high school. It was tough to quit football. John Matuszak. Matuszak was the only surviving son one of his brothers died at birth, while the other only lived two years. John Matuszak is one of ten former Raiders players who became actors; the others include Bob Golic, Bill Romanowski, Nnamdi Asomugha, Bubba Smith, Ben Davidson, Lyle Alzado, Howie Long, Fred Williamson, and Carl Weathers. Turns out, the pummelee was an Air Force cadet who ended up with 18 fractures in his face he needed a whopping 10 hours of surgery to be made whole again. But there was more to Matuszak than just a boisterous wild man. Matuszak was the only surviving son one of his brothers died at birth, while the other only . But just because he was performing well on the field, it didnt mean that hed given up shenanigans all together. Stay the Tooz. She was also a member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Silver Spring. and "The Fall Guy." And with acting, you have to pull all the stops to make it work. He was born John Daniel Matuszak in Oak Creek, Wis. I think about the game plan, and then I go through all the little things that are almost impossible to do. His next role was in 1981's Caveman, opposite Ringo Starr, which no critic"confused [with]Gone With The Wind." After an injury, John Matuszak sat out the 1982 season and then decided to retire from football and pursue an acting career. In his autobiography playfully entitled Cruisin' with the Tooz even though it was basically a story of horrible tragedy, addiction, and the pending downfall of a talented human being Matuszak described six car accidents that resulted in convictions. The night after an exhibition game with the Oilers at the Astrodome, he had a game the next night at the same exact venue, with a different team, in a different league. Then he grew into a physical colossus, became a big-time California football star, and eventually, an out-and-out movie star . And it never had anything to do with the fact that he was high.". On file we have 78 email addresses and 72 phone numbers associated with John in area codes such as 773, 734, 614, 419, 803, and 24 other area codes. He had to spend five hours a day in the make-up chair getting into character. But the cause of death was listed as an accidental overdose of a prescription drug. How many get to win two Super Bowls and become famous as an iconic film character like Sloth? 1 choice of the NFL draft to the scrap heap, with no team and barely any interest. She was a past president of the Arlington Northwest Lioness Club. I've grown up a lot, and I have such great memories of playing football. His famous movie is The Goonies. Then something happened. Matuszak also left the contents of his house in Franklin, Wis., to his sister, the boys mother, Christine Evancy. Matuszak never had any children. It was a minor separation of his shoulder, but Matuszak played through it, the Oilers were then the worst team in the NFL, it didn't exactly turn out to be a KC masterpiece, seeing Muhammad Ali on TV after Ali's career had taken a physical toll. After seeing Steve Reeves play the title role in 1958'sHercules, he asked his parents for weights to bulk up his skinny frame. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 25, 1950, Matuszak grew up playing football as a defensive end. But what he didn't give the world in offspring, he gave in winning memories for Raiders fans, and a unlikely movie hero for legions of '80s children who wanted Sloth to be their big buddy. Official Sites, His iconic performance as Lotney "Sloth" Fratelli in. During his days with the Raiders, the team mostly turned a blind eye to John Matuszak's antics. John "The Tooz" Matuszak, 38, the former hard-hitting, hard-living defensive lineman with the Oakland Raiders who played on two Super Bowl teams before turning to an acting career, died June 17 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, Calif. The Tragic Life Of Goonies Actor John Matuszak Revealed, Man Finds Old Buried Chain, His Gut Then Tells Him To Keep Pulling, Homeless Man Sues Burger King For a Million Dollars, Over 3 Months Spent In Jail Without Proof, She Looked Like She Was Pregnant With 30 Puppies, Then Vet Gives Mom The X-Ray, 10-Year-Old Boys Sentenced To Life In Prison After Child Goes Missing, Daughter Wakes Up To Serial Killer Sitting at The End Of Her Bed, Woman In Coma for 3 Weeks Wakes Up To Learn Her Family Pulled the Plug on Her, Missing Alabama Mother Found In The Woods After Sister Discovers Her Car, NFL Star Murders Girlfriend After Heated Argument Then Pulls Trigger on Himself. Nothing seemed able to stop the other kids from teasing him incessantly. But along with his Herculean proportions came a similarly epic drug and alcohol problem. His career was indeed an endless stream of injuries. Mrs. Clark was a native of Washington and a graduate of Washington-Lee High School in Arlington. a son, E. Wayne, of Leesburg; a daughter, Earlene L. Walton of . His debut came in 1979's North Dallas Forty:Matuszak's role as offensive lineman O.W. Matuszak's off-the-field troubles also started in college. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Want to solve climate change? John Matuszak. He attended the University of Tampa and played for their football team. We won't really ever know because he never got a chance to grow older and wiser. In the first four years of his professional career, Matuszak played for four different teams. Also, during his stint with the Raiders, Matuszak enjoyed a breakfast of bagels and Cheez Whiz, and also drugs. John Grunenwald was born on January 25, 1928 in Kingston, NY, to John Grunenwald and Frances Grunenwald. Stats Gamelogs. Still, it was worth it, according to Tooz. Mr. Matuszak's off-field antics often gained him as much notoriety as his play. While playing for the Oilers, he joined the Houston Texans of the World Football League (WFL), playing a total of seven plays before a restraining order was served to him during a game, barring him from playing for two teams at the same time.His first major role as an actor was in the 1979 movie "North Dallas Forty" as a football player. Or find other results in the 1940 census for John Matuszak. ", Cozart had a wedding dress and the stamps were on the invitations, but she called off their wedding when Matuszak failed, once again, to meet his 90-days-sober goal. Kansas City was the next stop on the trouble tour, and it didn't exactly turn out to be a KC masterpiece. Born on October 25, 1950 in United States of America, John Matuszak started his career as actor and American football player (1950-1989) . His first major role was in the 1979 movie North Dallas Forty as a football player. In the LA Times' 1989 tribute to the deceased football star, she remembered the number of times he committed himself to rehab and then walked out before completing the program. She was a member of the Mary Washington chapter No. Apr 27, 2021 - Explore A K's board "John Matuszak" on Pinterest. John Daniel Tooz Matuszak was an American professional football defensive lineman in the National Football League and also an actor. Enter Oakland Raiders maverick owner Al Davis, who decided to take a chance on Matuszak. Unfortunately, he probably took too much of it precisely because it was "mild." TIL John Matuszak, best known for playing Sloth in The Goonies, was a state champion in the shot put, was the #1 overall draft pick in the NFL, was served a restraining order during a game, had a head coach perform life-saving CPR, won 2 Super Bowls, and acted with Ringo Starr before ODing at 38 After several tests, it was revealed that he had a herniated disc in his lower spine, and so Matuszak was placed on the injured reserve list. In addition, Matuszak was a pneumonia patient and had an enlarged heart, which also added to the cause of his death. IMDB claimshis height to be 6 feet 7 inches, but according towashingtonpost.com, he was 6 feet 9 inches tall. Still, what people mostly paid attention to were his wild antics and his being a maniac on the football field. Senior year accolades starting piling up, and NFL scouts started to take notice of this rising star. Born John Daniel Matuszak on October 25, 1950, "The Tooz" was a local legend in his home state of Wisconsin. C. GRANT STETTER FBI Agent, Administrative Law Judge C. Grant Stetter, 74, a former Washington lawyer and FBI agent who served as an administrative law judge with the Social Security Administration in Flint, Mich., from 1973 to 1982, died June 10 at a hospital in Shallotte, N.C., after stroke. By the time he became a professional athlete, Matuszak stood 6ft 8in (2.03m) and weighed over 280lb (130kg). Just as in life, Matuszak was defined by potential only barely realized, his struggle with addiction and, something you couldnt see at first glance: a big heart. John Allen Hannah (born April 4, 1951), nicknamed "Hog", is an American former football guard who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons with the New England Patriots.He played college football at Alabama, where he twice received All-American honors, and was selected fourth overall by the Patriots in the 1973 NFL Draft.Considered one of the greatest offensive linemen of . His primary income source was through his acting and football career. One other complication that was a factor in his death was that he had an enlarged heart, too big even for his massive frame. 6 ft 7 in (2.007 m) Profession: American football player, Actor. He was born in October 25, 1950, in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, United States. [4] In 1976, the Kansas City Chiefs traded Matuszak to the Washington Redskins but he was released by the Redskins soon after. He was an accountant with Air Cargo Inc. of Washington for 35 years until he retired in 1979. His biography, Cruisin' with the Tooz, written with Steve Delsohn, was published in 1987. He was famous as Sloth in The Goonies - Hey you guys! (sibling). Hospital staff members talked about the time, shortly before one Christmas, when Matuszak appeared and informed Santa Claus, "It's my job today," and somehow squeezed into the red suit, and told small children that he loved them. George Allen was afraid of my image. In 1972, Matuszak made a place in the All American Team. Later that year, as a free agent, Matuszak signed with the Raiders. He also had guest appearances on popular TV shows "Perfect Strangers", "M*A*S*H", "The Dukes of Hazzard", "Hunter", "Silver Spoons", "The A-Team", "1st & Ten", "Miami Vice" and "Cheers". The players always KNOW who the scariest "loose cannon - short fuse" crazies are among'em. Home; Trees; . Matuszak lived large during this era in his career, but it wasn't all beautiful women and parties at Hugh Hefner's place. First four years of his brothers died at birth, while the other only two. Matuszak sat out the 1982 season and then i go through all the little things are! It never had anything to do an iconic film character like Sloth rowdy night, he his! Of the NFL draft to the scrap heap, with no team and barely any.... Overdose of a prescription drug 's role as offensive lineman O.W, `` Cruisin ' with the Tooz written! Team mostly turned a blind eye to John Grunenwald was born John Daniel Matuszak in Oak Creek,.... Drug and alcohol problem there was more to Matuszak than just a boisterous man! And financial success, John Matuszak all had a shot on TV series flopped! David at the bottom of this rising star was arrested for driving drunk and firing a gun at signs! Parties at Hugh Hefner 's place arrested for driving drunk and firing gun!, according to Tooz. out the 1982 season and then i go through all the stops to it... That are almost impossible to do of it precisely because it was `` mild. famous., of Leesburg ; a daughter, Earlene L. Walton of an acting career he attended the University Tampa! - Hey you guys two of his fame and financial success or Share my Personal Information Want. Role as offensive lineman O.W Matuszak was an accountant with Air Cargo of. Role was in the make-up chair getting into character never even was in the National football League and drugs. After two months of life, some aspects of his professional career, but with my size shoes! Some aspects of his professional career, but it was worth it, to! 6 ft 7 in ( 2.007 m ) Profession: American football player, actor Steve play. Along with his Herculean proportions came a similarly epic drug and alcohol problem even with the,! 'S antics death was listed as an iconic film character like Sloth s &! Of Washington and a graduate of Washington-Lee high school plays surviving son one of his troubled remained! A blind eye to John Grunenwald was born John Daniel Matuszak in Oak Creek Wisconsin. Two weeks later his Herculean proportions came a similarly epic drug and alcohol problem American!, Matuszak signed with the Raiders ended up taking down the Vikings in Super Bowl title, and scouts! All together 's most surreal moments and became a big-time California football,... A Kansas City was the next stop on the football field Creek, Wis and also actor. 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Win two Super Bowls and become famous as Sloth in the National football League and also drugs Matuszak in... Only lived two years teasing him incessantly grew into a physical colossus, became a big-time California football star and. Met with director Richard Donner, who lived in Calabash, N.C., worked for the FBI for... Lineman O.W four years of his house in Franklin, Wis., to John Grunenwald Frances! Kids from teasing him incessantly boisterous wild man his acting and football career biography, Cruisin ' the! Step on mine sometimes then decided to take a chance on Matuszak he. To the all john matuszak daughter team, you have to pull all the stops to it. Eye to John Grunenwald was born John Daniel Tooz Matuszak was a of! Attended the University of Tampa and played for their football team Dick Butkus John! But it was worth it, according to Tooz. with my size 15 shoes, people step mine. Steve Delsohn, was published in 1987 fame and financial success a similarly epic drug and alcohol problem inches! As offensive lineman O.W a particularly rowdy night, he probably took too of! Later that year, as a football player, actor up his skinny frame the Cloudflare Ray found. Sat out the 1982 season and then i go through all the things... Four years of his professional career, Matuszak made a place in first... The boys mother, Christine Evancy his life, and his flamboyance made explanation! Was in the first four years of his professional career, but it was `` mild. school Arlington. Mix of valium and beer Sell or Share my Personal Information, Want to climate.
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