Ralph Cindrich
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Washington, Pennsylvania, U.S.
| Profile | |
|---|---|
| Position | Linebacker |
| Personal information | |
| Born | October 29, 1949 Washington, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| High school | Avella (Avella, Pennsylvania) |
| College | Pittsburgh (1968-1971) |
| NFL draft | 1972: 5th round, 119th overall pick |
| Career history | |
| |
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Stats at Pro Football Reference | |
Ralph Edward Cindrich (born October 29, 1949) is a former sports agent and professional football player. He was a linebacker for the New England Patriots (1972), the Houston Oilers (1973, 1974, 1975), and the Denver Broncos (1974), Cindrich graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1972 and South Texas College of Law in 1978.[1]
In his career as an NFL agent, Cindrich represented players such as Hall of Famer Dermontti Dawson and All-Pros Jeff Christy, Gary Clark, Shane Conlan, James Farrior, Bill Fralic, Kent Hull, John Offerdahl, Jeff Saturday, Mark Stepnoski, Al Toon and Will Wolford. The contract Cindrich negotiated for Wolford with the Indianapolis Colts in 1993 included a clause guaranteeing Wolford to remain the team's highest paid player. The provision was outlawed after the signing of the deal; as such, no other player in history may have that guarantee. The deal was featured prominently featured in Michael Lewis' book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game.
Cindrich was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, to Anthony and Stella Cindrich. In the fall of 1963, he attended nearby Avella High School, where he played on the wrestling and football teams. In 1966 and 1967, Cindrich won Western Pennsylvania Heavyweight Championship, going undefeated and untied,[2] and was twice the Pennsylvania State runner-up in the unlimited weight class.[3][4]
As a linebacker and center for Avella High's varsity football team, he was named All-Western Pennsylvania in 1966 and 1967. In 1967, Cindrich was named the Most Valuable Player of Western Pennsylvania Class B Football while also serving as captain of the state's All-Star "Big 33" team that played against a Texas All-Star football team.[citation needed]
College career
Cindrich was recruited by the University of Pittsburgh. As a wrestler, he won the NCAA Eastern Heavyweight Championship in 1969, in addition to being named an All-American and taking 4th in the NCAA Tournament.[5] Cindrich played solely as a linebacker for the football team and adapted quickly, recording 17 tackles against UCLA in his first start. He also broke his ankle in the same game, ending his season.[6]
After redshirting during the rest of the 1968 season, Cindrich returned as a starter in 1969. In the Panthers' second game on the road against the Oklahoma Sooners, he led the team with 21 tackles.[7] Later that year, he was named to the All-East Team, All-Conference Team, and All-American team. In 1970, Cindrich missed time after a knee injury in the season's opener against UCLA.
The injury to his knee kept Cindrich from playing spring football as a senior in 1971, but he was ready to play once the season started. In the opener, the Panthers traveled to the Rose Bowl and upset the UCLA Bruins, 29–25. Cindrich was named Lineman of the Week by the Associated Press for his twelve tackles and two fumble recoveries in the game.[8] Cindrich was named to the All-East Team, All-Conference Team, and Associated Press All-American team for a second time in 1971.
Professional career
The Atlanta Falcons selected Cindrich 119th overall in the 1972 NFL draft, but he was released near the end of the preseason. A week later, New England claimed Cindrich off waivers and was named AP Player of the Week in a game against the eventual Super Bowl Champion Miami Dolphins. New England cut him before the 1973 season, but he was picked up by the Houston Oilers, whom he played for during the next two seasons. After being cut by the Denver Broncos during the 1975 preseason, the Oilers resigned from Cindrich for the remainder. He retired following the 1975 season.
Cindrich has been inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Hall of Fame, the Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame, the Croatian American Sports Hall of Fame, the Washington County Hall of Fame and the Avella High School Hall of Fame. He was selected to the University of Pittsburgh All Time Football Team, Walk of Fame, and received Washington County's Distinguished Citizen Award in Football.[9]