Jerry Ostroski Explained

Jerry Ostroski
Number:60
Position:Guard
Birth Date:12 July 1970
Birth Place:Collegeville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:3
Weight Lbs:320
College:Tulsa (1988–1991)
Draftyear:1992
Draftround:10
Draftpick:271
Pastteams:
Highlights:
Statlabel1:Games played
Statvalue1:106
Statlabel2:Games started
Statvalue2:102

Gerald Ostroski Jr. (born July 12, 1970) is a former American football offensive lineman who played for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL).

College career

After a standout high school career[1] at Owen J. Roberts High School, Jerry Ostroski played college football at The University of Tulsa, starting every game as a sophomore, junior, and senior. He was selected first-team All-American in 1991 after leading TU to a 10–2 season and victory in the Freedom Bowl. In 1999, Ostroski was named to Tulsa's All-Century Team.[2] On October 27, 2018, Tulsa retired Ostroski’s No. 55 jersey.[3]

Professional career

Ostroski was drafted in the tenth round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.[4] Ostroski played 106 games (8 years) in the NFL, all with the Bills; he started 102 games at the center, offensive guard, and offensive tackle positions. In his 7th year, 2000, the last of three under head coach Wade Phillips, when the Bills had an 8–8 won-lost record, Ostroski became their starting center, replacing Dusty Zeigler who went to play with the Giants, playing between left guard Ruben Brown and right guard Jamie Nails in all 16 games.[5] However, in 2001, Bill Conaty became the center and Ostroski showed his versatility again and moved to right guard.

After recovering from a broken leg in the 2001 preseason, he injured a knee late in the season versus the Atlanta Falcons. Ostroski won the Ed Block Courage Award[6] in 2001.[7]

Due to his knee injury, Ostroski retired on August 27, 2002.[8]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Freedom Bowl : After Monday, Ostroski Hopes He Will Be Playing on Sundays : Tulsa: Offensive guard, the school's first All-American in 19 years, has his eyes on the NFL, particularly the Philadelphia Eagles.. December 25, 1991. Los Angeles Times.
  2. Web site: TULSA FOOTBALL ALL-CENTURY TEAM. August 8, 1999. Oklahoman.com.
  3. Web site: Tulane at Tulsa: Former All-American Jerry Ostroski honored with jersey retirement. Kelly Hines Tulsa. World. Tulsa World. 27 October 2018 .
  4. Web site: 1992 NFL Draft Listing . 2023-05-07 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  5. Web site: 2000 Buffalo Bills Starters, Roster, & Players. Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  6. Web site: The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation | Love, Hope and Courage. www.edblock.org.
  7. Web site: Moats selected as Bills ed Block Courage Award recipient . 2014-04-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140403095942/http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Moats-selected-as-Bills-Ed-Block-Courage-Award-recipient/349a9bec-b011-48cd-a6b4-04219df39ffd . 2014-04-03 . dead .
  8. Web site: Jerry Ostroski NFL - Atlanta Falcons - ESPN . 2014-04-07 . 2014-04-08 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140408220243/http://search.espn.go.com/jerry-ostroski/nfl/atlanta-falcons/47-4294876889 . dead .