John Fitzgerald (offensive guard)

John Fitzgerald is a former college American football player. He played offensive guard for the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma from 1997-2000. During his career, he was named an NCAA All American during his Sophomore, Junior & Senior Seasons. He was also named Daktronics All-West Region all three seasons and All-Lone Star Conference each season. Fitzgerald was also the Lone Star Conference Offensive Lineman Of The Year in 1998. Injury prevented a career in the National Football League.

In 1999, "The Daily Oklahoman" honored Fitzgerald by naming him to the All-Century State College Football team. This was a team honoring the best College Football Players in the State of Oklahoma from 1900-1999. Fitzgerald was named to that team following his Sophomore season.

In 2005, UCO honored Fitzgerald by naming him to the All-Century University Of Central Oklahoma team. This was a team honoring the best football players in the 100 years of football played by the University of Central Oklahoma.

In 2006, the Lone Star Conference celebrated its 75th Anniversary by selecting the 75 Greatest Football Players in the history of the Conference. Fitzgerald was one of 6 Bronchos named to this elite team.

During Fitzgerald's career at UCO, the Bronchos won 35 games. During 1997, UCO finished with a record of 9-2 and won the Lone Star Conference North Division Championship. In 1998, they had the most success of that four year span. The Bronchos finished the season 13-0 and ranked #1 in the nation. They won the Lone Star Conference North Division Championship as well as the overall Conference Championship. They also won the NCAA West Regional Championship. In 1999, UCO started out 8-0, but finished with 3 losses. They still won the Lone Star Conference North Division Championship and also earned their 2nd straight overall Conference Championship. In 2000, UCO finished 5-5.

Fitzgerald was invited to the NFL Combine and trained with NFL guru Chip Smith at Competitive Edge Sports in Atlanta, Georgia. While in Atlanta, Fitzgerald trained with NFL stars Rudi Johnson, Alge Crumpler, Champ Bailey and Brian Urlacher. The NFL, however, was not meant to be as he suffered a shoulder injury that put an end to his National Football League future.

Fitzgerald was also a standout track and field athlete while at Central Oklahoma. Fitzgerald twice qualified for the NCAA Indoor & Outdoor National Championships in the shotput and discus throw. During his time at UCO, Fitz had a personal best in the discus of 180 feet 4 inches and a best in the shot of 52 feet 10.75 inches.

External links

* [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/2001draft/bios/johnfitzgerald.htm USA Today Profile for John Fitzgerald]
* [http://www.bronchosports.com/downloads1/10497.pdf?ATCLID=522931&SPSID=37871&SPID=3135&DB_OEM_ID=7300 Central Oklahoma Football Media Guide]
* [http://www.bronchosports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=37871&SPID=3135&DB_OEM_ID=7300&ATCLID=224613 Central Oklahoma All-Century Team]
* [http://www.competitiveedgesports.com Competitive Edge Sports (here you can search for alumni of this training facility)]
* [http://www.tarletonsports.com/pdf4/48398.pdf?ATCLID=654664&SPID=735&DB_OEM_ID=2500&SPSID=12760 Lone Star Conference 75th Anniversary Team]