Larry Kaminski

Infobox Pro Football player
Name=Larry Kaminski
Color=Blue
fontcolor=Orange
Jersey=59
DateOfBirth=birth date and age|1945|1|6
Birthplace=Cleveland, Ohio
DateOfDeath=
College=Purdue
Position=Center
DraftedYear=1966
DraftedRound=
AFLAllStar=1967
Awards=NFL Man of Year elect Denver Broncos
Honors= All Big Ten, Honorable Mention All America
Records=
Retired #s=
years=1966-1969
1970-1973
teams=AFL Denver Broncos
NFL Denver Broncos
PFR=KamiLa00
DatabaseFootball=KAMINLAR01

Larry Kaminski (born January 6, 1945) is a former professional American football player.

Kaminski is originally from Cleveland, Ohio where he attended Cathedral Latin High School. As captain of the Lions, he helped lead the team to win the East Senate title and compete in the City Championship- Charity Game. Following his senior year he made numerous honors to include All-Ohio, High School All American, and played in the Ohio All Star game in Canton, Ohio.

Purdue awarded Larry a scholarship to attend the Big 10 University. Larry played all three varsity seasons as both a center and line backer. He was Captain of the freshman team. The Purdue teams coached by Jack Mollenkoph led by Hall of Famer Bob Griese beat Notre Dame and was ranked in the top 10 his senior year. Larry earned first team All Big Ten honors and honorable mention All American. He graduated in 1966 with a BS Industrial Management. (Economics and Marketing).

After graduation, Larry who was undrafted was preparing for a business career when the Denver Broncos asked to sign him as a free agent. He jumped on the opportunity and went to the weight room to beef up to 235 pounds. He made the Broncos roster and started at center for 13 games. After the season he was mentioned for Rookie of the Year honorable mention. Larry's career lasted from 1966-1973. He experienced being a member of the first winning year for the Denver franchise. He also played in the first two wins the AFL had over the venerable NFL when the Broncos beat the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings. He was voted to be a member of the Al AFL Team in 1967 and played in the All Star game in Jacksonville, Florida. Being very active in the Denver community , he was nominated for NFL Man of the Year Honors in 1972 and 1973. Larry was a game captain several times in his tenure with the team. After a series of injuries, he decided to retire in 1974.

After retirement, Larry was awarded an Anheuser Busch franchise in Ski Town USA, Steamboat Springs, CO. He and former Nebraska great, Walt Barnes worked the business for several years. Walt sold out and Larry recruited his two sons to learn the business.Larry became active in the Steamboat community. He was awarded the honor of Steamboat Man of the Year in 1977. He also was named the King of the famous Winter Carnival sharing the thrown with the mom of the skiing legend Werner family-Hazie Werner.Besides being a volunteer coach for some 20 years, a part time economic teacher for Junior Achievement, Larry helped several service groups and schools with career days. His company has won many sales awards and is now managed by Kevin and Chris his sons. His third son Dana lives in Indiana and is an elementary school administrator.

Larry now lives in Kitsap County, WA. He has been the operator of a charter fishing business called Captain Larry's Adventures. He called it quits in 2006 and now enjoys a life of outdoor relaxation, fishing, garden work, cooking, and visiting his six grandchildren. He remarried in 2003.

Larry has been inducted into the Cathedral Latin High School Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Recently, he was inducted into the Steamboat Springs Cowboy Rodeo Hall of Fame for his work as a sponsor and promoter of the famous Rodeo Cowboy Downhill ski event.

"I believe to be successful that one must have a goal, a commitment to that goal, and the discipline to reach that goal. There are no short cuts. Hard work, dedication, and an intense attitude to achieve your plan."

ee also

*Other American Football League players