- Ralph Ortega
NFL player
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DateOfBirth=Birth date and age|1953|7|6|mf=y
Birthplace=Havana, Cuba
DateOfDeath=
College=Florida
Position=Linebacker
DraftedYear=1975
DraftedRound=2 / Pick 29
ProBowls=
DatabaseFootball=ORTEGRAL01
PFR=
years=1975-1978
1979-1980
teams=Atlanta Falcons Miami Dolphins
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CollegeHOF=Ralph Ortega (born 1953 in
Cuba ) is a formerAmerican football player who played linebacker for theAtlanta Falcons and later for theMiami Dolphins . He is one of very few Cuban-bornNFL players of note. Fact|date=January 2007 He currently lives and works in Miami, Florida.High school
Ortega played high school football and was a shot-put specialist on the Track & Field team at
Coral Gables High School from 1968 to 1971. Two of his teammates,Neal Colzie andGlenn Cameron went on to be first round NFL picks of theOakland Raiders (24) andCincinnati Bengals (14) respectively.College
Before his NFL career, Ortega was a star linebacker for the
University of Florida Gators. In 1973, he helped the Gators beat Auburn for the first time at Jordan Hare Stadium in 14 visits. His big play was a crushing tackle that caused a fumble by tailback Chris Linderman inside the Gators' 5 yard line shortly before halftime. The Gators won the game 12-8, with Auburn's only points coming near the end of the game. Head Coach Doug Dickey was carried by players on to the field after the game. At the time it was called "one of the greatest moments in Florida Gators football history".Fact|date=January 2007Buck Ortega
Ralph and ex-wife Joanne's (UF '76) son Buck Ortega (born 1981) also played football in high school and college. He was originally signed by his hometown
University of Miami Hurricanes as a quarterback. He was later moved to tight end where he had a solid if not stellar career for his coach, Larry Coker. As an undrafted free agent, Buck was signed by the Washington Redskins and attended their 2006 summer training camp. He was cut after the pre-season because there were too many players on the Redskins roster. He was immediately picked up by the Cleveland Browns.After being cut by the Browns he was picked by his hometown Miami Dolphins. He is now on the practice squad for the Saints.
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