Javier Zuluaga
American football player
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Javier Zuluaga is an American former professional football player. He was a fullback and linebacker for the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League (AFL). He played college football for the Navy Midshipmen.
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| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||
| Listed weight | 225 lb (102 kg) | ||||
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| High school | Roncalli (Indianapolis, Indiana) | ||||
| College | Navy | ||||
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Early life
Zuluaga attended Roncalli High School located in Indianapolis, Indiana.[1] He was a co-captain his senior year and helped lead his team to the 1988 3A State Championship.
College career
Originally committed to play football at Southern Illinois, a Marine recruiter convinced Zuluaga to attend the United States Naval Academy and play linebacker for the school's football team.[1] He was co-captain from 1990 to 1993.[2] Zuluaga was known for his hard hitting; during the 1991 season against William and Mary, Zuluaga tackled W&M's quarterback Chris Hakel causing the a bar of the face mask to get to stuck to Hakel's.[3] In 1993, he had 17 tackles against Air Force, Navy won the game 28–24 ending an 11-year losing streak.[4] Zuluaga was among 26 midshipmen recommended for expulsion[5] in a 1992 cheating scandal on an electrical engineering exam.[6] A copy of the test was found the night before and was given out to many of the students.[7] He was later expelled from the school – not for cheating, but for refusing to identify the people who were responsible.[2][8]
Professional career
In 1994, he tried out for the Baltimore CFL Colts, but did not make the roster.[9] On May 17, 1994, he was signed by the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League;[10] he was released August 6, 1994.[11]
Personal life
Zuluaga and his wife have three children. His son Luke ran track and field for the Air Force Falcons.[12]