Jerry Sturm

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Jerry Sturm
No. 72, 73, 62, 55
PositionOffensive lineman
Personal information
Born(1936-12-31)December 31, 1936
English, Indiana, U.S.
DiedJune 17, 2020(2020-06-17) (aged 83)
Littleton, Colorado, U.S.[1]
Height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight260 lb (118 kg)
Career information
High schoolTerre Haute (IN) Gerstmeyer
CollegeIllinois
NFL draft1961: undrafted
Career history
Awards and highlights
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Jerry Gordon Sturm (December 31, 1936 – June 17, 2020) was an American professional gridiron football player. After entering college on a basketball scholarship, he joined the college football team at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. He played professionally in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Saskatchewan Roughriders (1958), and Calgary Stampeders (1959–1960), the American Football League (AFL) for the Denver Broncos (1961–1966), and in the National Football League (NFL) for the New Orleans Saints (1967–1970), Houston Oilers (1971), and Philadelphia Eagles (1972). He was an American Football League All-Star in 1964 and 1966.

In 1971, he was offered a bribe of $10,000 to intentionally cause his team to lose a game, at a time when he only made $30,000 annually. Instead of taking the bribe, he informed the FBI and worked with them against the parties conspiring to fix the game.

Early life

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Sturm was born on December 31, 1936, in English, Indiana.[2] When Sturm was 15, in 1952, his family moved from Richmond, Indiana to Terre Haute, Indiana, just before he started high school.[3][4] He attended Gerstmeyer Technical High School, in Terre Haute. As a sophomore (1952–53), he was a backup center on the school's basketball team, that lost in the Indiana state high school basketball championship game, 42–41 (though Sturm did not play in that game).[5][6] As a junior (1953–54), he starred as a 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 200 lb. (90.7 kg) center and helped Gerstmeyer reach the Indiana high school basketball tournament final four for a second consecutive year. Gerstmeyer lost, 60–48. Sturm was called for a number of personal fouls in the first half and did not play in the second half of Gerstmeyer's final four loss to eventual tournament champion Milan High School.[7][8][9][10]

The 1954-55 basketball team was placed on a one-year probation in February 1955. During a late January game, Gerstmeyer coach Howard Sharpe engaged in a dispute with two game officials over which opponent should be taking foul shots. One official pushed an incensed Sharpe off the court twice, conduct for which the official was later censured (both officials also being censured for not calling technical fouls on Sharpe). Sharpe was said to have incited the Gerstmeyer fans against the officials. Sturm told the officials he would "beat them up if he caught them on the street", later apologizing for that statement made during the heat of the incident.[11]

As a sophomore, Sturm played offensive and defensive end on Gerstmeyer's football team, under coach Ben Blair.[4] He later played fullback, weighing 220 lb. by the beginning of his senior year in September 1954.[12][13][14] By the end of his senior year (December 1954), Sturm was 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 237 lb. (107.5). His nickname was Ferdinand. He played on the baseball team as a power hitting and good fielding first baseman, and was also on the track team.[3][15][4] Sturm was also a Golden Gloves heavyweight boxer as a teenager.[16]

College career

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Sturm attended the University of Illinois on a basketball and baseball scholarship.[17] However, as a freshman, he became a tackle on the school's freshman football team.[18] He was injured during the football team's spring practice season his junior year.[19] It has been reported that he was never eligible to play varsity football at Illinois.[20]

Professional football

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Canadian football career

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He began his professional football career in the Canadian Football League. In 1958, he played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Western Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU), and in 1959 and 1960, he played for the Calgary Stampeders of the WIFU. He played offensive tackle in Saskatchewan and Calgary, as well as center in Calgary. In 1960, he was the center for future NFL quarterback Joe Kapp. He was named as an "import" player, not being a Canadian citizen.[21][17][22][23][24][25]

Denver Broncos

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Sturm chose to leave the Stampeders in early July 1961 and the team refused to allow him to rejoin the club. He was among a number of Stampeders who quit the team under new coach Bobby Dobbs's training camp regime. This also was at a time when the one-year old American Football League (AFL) began competing with the CFL for players.[26][27] The AFL's Denver Broncos signed Sturm in early July 1961.[28]

In 1961, Sturm started 10 games at left offensive tackle for the Broncos. He was also used as a running back, and had eight carries for 31 yards, and two pass receptions for -1 yards. These were the only rushing attempts and receptions in his AFL and NFL career.[29][2] In 1962, he started eight games for the Broncos, at left tackle or left guard.[30]

In 1963, the Broncos moved Sturm to center.[31][32] He started all 14 games for the first time in his AFL career.[33] In 1964, he again started all 14 games at center,[34] and was named an AFL All-Star for the first time.[35] It was reported at the time that he was named to the West All-Star Team as a guard, with Jim Otto being named the only center for the West.[36] Despite being an All-Star during a year he played at center, the Broncos moved Sturm to left guard in 1965, where he started in 12 games. He was injured during the season.[37][38][39] They considered moving him back to center in 1966, but instead he became the starter at right guard.[40][41] He started all 14 games in 1966,[42] and was selected an AFL All-Star at guard.[43]

Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints

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In July 1967, the Broncos traded Sturm and receiver Lionel Taylor to the Oakland Raiders for linebacker Rich Jackson, guard Rich Tyson and offensive lineman Ray Schautz.[44] Sturm walked out of the Raiders' training camp in mid-August.[45] The Raiders released Sturm in October 1967, and he signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints in early November.[46] He is not listed on the Raiders 1967 roster.[47]

He played in seven games for the Saints, starting three at tackle, and played on the Saints' special teams.[48][49] In a December game against the Baltimore Colts, he played well at tackle against Colts defensive end Ordell Braase (who was selected to the Pro Bowl and named second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press that season), and the Saints named him their "blocker of the week".[50][51][52] Sturm said the only difference between the NFL and AFL at the time was that the NFL had more quality quarterbacks.[50]

Sturm became the Saints starting left tackle in 1968. He started all 14 games.[53] He suffered a head injury in 1968, that requirement repeated surgeries over the next few years.[54] He trimmed down to 257 pounds (116.6 kg) to play with the Saints, believing he needed to be more fit as he got older.[50] In 1969, the Saints moved Sturm to center, and he continued as the team's starting center in 1970. He started 14 games in 1969, and 10 in 1970.[2][4] The Saints released Sturm after the 1970 season. Sturm had told general manager Vic Schwenk that if Schwenk and new coach J. D. Roberts were both going to continue in those roles the following season, then he would retire.[54]

Houston Oilers and Philadelphia Eagles

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The Houston Oilers claimed Sturm after he was released by the Saints.[54] He played one season in Houston (1971), starting seven games at center, sharing time with Walt Suggs. Sturm was released after the 1971 season.[55][56] In 1973, Sturm revealed that while playing for the Oilers, a friend and former AFL teammate offered Sturm $10,000 to intentionally cause the Oilers to lose a football game. At the time he was only earning $30,000/year in salary. Sturm informed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), rather than take the $10,000.[57]

Sturm retired in 1972, however, the Philadelphia Eagles convinced him to come out of retirement in late November 1972, when their starting center Mike Evans was injured. The Eagles only intended to use Sturm as a long snapper on punts and field goals. Sturm only played in one game, and had a knee injury. He officially retired for good in April 1973.[58][59][60][61][62]

Honors

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In 2019, he was named among the top 100 players in Broncos history.[57]

Personal life

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During his career, he owned a chain of Mexican restaurants and a golf course in Denver.[54] After retiring from football, Sturm owned "The South" restaurant along with his wife, Debbie, in Englewood, Colorado.[63][17] The restaurant serves both Mexican and American food, with an emphasis on providing multiple television screens for live viewing Denver's sports teams during games.[64]

Dementia, CTE and death

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Sturm died on June 17, 2020, in Littleton, Colorado.[65][17] He had been suffering dementia prior to his death.[66] His wife Deborah had difficulty in getting Sturm promptly evaluated under the settlement program through which the NFL would provide financial compensation for the effects of head injuries. She eventually gave up in her efforts during his remaining life because of his immobility from advancing dementia.[67] His family announced that they would donate Sturm's brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation at Boston University to study the effects of brain trauma from Sturm's football career.[66] After his death, an autopsy showed Sturm had severe chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).[67]

During his playing career, in 1968, Sturm's helmet was crushed against his head during a game, weakening the bones in his head. This required a number of surgeries in the ensuing years. He had a special helmet made, but his doctor anticipated the need for more surgeries.[54]

Sturm was survived by his wife Deborah, children Brett and Cynthia, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his children Jerry Lee and Bethany.[17]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Jerry Sturm 1936 - 2020 - Obituary". Legacy.com.
  2. ^ a b c "Jerry Sturm Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  3. ^ a b "Gerstmeyer Opens Net Card". The Terre Haute Tribune. November 23, 1953. p. 15.
  4. ^ a b c d Crawford, Biff (September 18, 1970). "Saints Expect 'Great Season' For Former Black Cat Athlete Jerry Sturm, At Center". The Terre Haute Tribune. p. 20.
  5. ^ "New State Champ For '53 Crowned". The Tell City News (Tell City, Indiana). March 27, 1953. p. 13.
  6. ^ Burgess, Dale (March 19, 1953). "Gerstmeyer Boasts Stong Defense, Balanced Scoring". The Bedford Daily Times-Mail (Bedford, Indiana). p. 2.
  7. ^ Scism, Daniel W. (March 22, 1954). "Sew It Seems, Gerstmeyer condescended to play". The Evansville Courier (Evansville, Indiana). p. 9.
  8. ^ "Gerstmeyer Tries for Title Again After Near Miss". The Hammond Times (Hammond, Indiana). March 18, 1954. p. 21.
  9. ^ Burgess, Dale (March 18, 1954). "Black Cat Coach Praises Andres". The Hammond TImes (Hammond, Indiana). Associated Press. p. 18.
  10. ^ Ham, Dick (March 22, 1954). "State Crown Fits Milan Tribe to 'Perfection'". The Journal and Courier (Lafayette, Indiana). p. 14.
  11. ^ "IHSAA Puts Gerstmeyer On Probation". Rushville Republican (Rushville, Indiana). Associated Press. February 18, 1955. p. 4.
  12. ^ Nesbit, Bob (March 14, 1954). "News-Bits". The Terre Haute Tribune-Star. p. 49.
  13. ^ Fuson, Wayne (March 16, 1954). "Gerstmeyer's Rise Is Sharpe's Doing". The Indianapolis News. p. 24.
  14. ^ Barnet, Bob (September 10, 1954). "Bearcats, Red Birds Must Come Out Swinging". Muncie Star (Muncie, Indiana). p. 25.
  15. ^ Barnet, Bob (December 21, 1954). "No Doodads Sharpie; Gotta Play Us Orthodox". Muncie Star (Muncie, Indiana). p. 18.
  16. ^ "Golden Gloves Results". The Terre Haute Tribune-Star. February 20, 1955. p. 49.
  17. ^ a b c d e "CFL Alumnus Jerry Sturm Passes". CFLAA. June 17, 2020. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  18. ^ Nesbits, Bob (December 2, 1955). "News-Bits". The Terre Haute Tribune. p. 35.
  19. ^ "Gridders Hunt Offense In 3rd Practice Game". The Daily Illini (Urbana, Illinois). April 13, 1957. p. 7.
  20. ^ Kyle, Forrest R. (November 12, 1964). "Sports In Review, Prep-College Track Programs Keep U.S. on Top". The Decatur Daily Review (Decatur, Illinois). p. 13.
  21. ^ "Jerry Sturm Stats - Pro Football Archives". www.profootballarchives.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  22. ^ Matthews, Keith (October 7, 1960). "Disa And Data". The Calgary Albertan. p. 13.
  23. ^ Wheeler, Fred (August 7, 1958). "Golden Bears Play Host To Stampeders Fri. Night". North Bay Nugget (North Bay, Ontario, Canada). Canadian Press. p. 15.
  24. ^ "Joe Kapp Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  25. ^ "Trigger Pulls One By Naming Marlow". Edmonton Journal (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada). Canadian Press. October 15, 1959. p. 12.
  26. ^ Short, John (July 21, 1961). "The Short Circuit". The Calgary Albertan. p. 12.
  27. ^ Beddoes, Dick (July 15, 1961). "Dick Beddoes". The Vancouver Sun (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada). p. 16.
  28. ^ "Jerry Sturm Signed By Denver Broncos". Atlantic City Press (Atlantic City, New Jersey). Associated Press. July 9, 1961. p. 29.
  29. ^ "1961 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  30. ^ "1962 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  31. ^ "Bucking Broncos Ready For Chiefs". Fort Collins Coloradoan. August 23, 1963. p. 13.
  32. ^ Peebles, Dick (September 14, 1963). "Oilers, Broncs Try to Rebound Tonight". The Houston Chronicle. p. 6.
  33. ^ "1963 Denver Broncos Roster & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  34. ^ "1964 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  35. ^ "1964 AFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  36. ^ "Name 5 Rookies For AFL All-Star At New Orleans". Anderson Sunday Herald (Anderson, Indiana). United Press International. January 3, 1965. p. 25.
  37. ^ "Denver Hoping Tides To Turn". The Austin American. Associated Press. August 21, 1965. p. 22.
  38. ^ "1965 Denver Broncos Roster & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  39. ^ "Broncos Activate Offensive Guard". Fort Myers News-Press. Associated Press. October 9, 1965. pp. 3-B.
  40. ^ Olderman, Murray (August 26, 1966). "Pro Charts, AFL–3, Denver Broncos". The Baytown Sun (Baytown, Texas). p. 9.
  41. ^ "1966 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  42. ^ "1966 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  43. ^ "1966 AFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  44. ^ Daley, Walt (July 16, 1967). "Raiders Go Trading,". The San Francisco Examiner. pp. 4, Sec. C.
  45. ^ "Raiders Waive 2". The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon). Associated Press. August 17, 1967. p. 66.
  46. ^ "Saints Activate Jerry Sturm". Daily World (Opelousas, Louisiana). United Press International. November 5, 1967. p. 8.
  47. ^ "1967 Oakland Raiders Roster & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  48. ^ "1967 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  49. ^ "New Orleans Saints' Special Teams Providing Some Heroes". The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana). November 18, 1967. pp. 2-C.
  50. ^ a b c Olderman, Murray (October 16, 1968). "Between You'n'Me, Talent In NFL And AFL Is Virtually Bridged Now". Vicksburg Evening Post (Vicksburg, Mississippi. Newspaper Enterprise Association. p. 10.
  51. ^ "Ordell Braase Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  52. ^ "New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Colts - December 10th, 1967". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  53. ^ "1968 New Orleans Saints Roster & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  54. ^ a b c d e Lundgren, Hal (July 16, 1971). "The Stormy Mr. Sturm". The Houston Chronicle. pp. 3, Sec. 8.
  55. ^ "1971 Houston Oilers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  56. ^ Lundgren, Hal (April 2, 1972). "Urie's Zest for Excitement Includes Bid for Oiler Position". The Houston Chronicle. p. 44.
  57. ^ a b Brennan, Don (June 18, 2020). "Around The NFL". The Province.com (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada). pp. A48.
  58. ^ Forbes, Gordon (November 25, 1972). "Snead BELIEVED–And Does Everything They Said He Couldn't". The Philadelphia Inquirer. pp. 19–20.
  59. ^ "Sturm's Pal Tried for Bribe, Then Handout". The Oregon Journal (Portland, Oregon). United Press International. July 6, 1973. p. 22.
  60. ^ "Sturm Turned Down Bribe To Shave Points". Hazleton Standard-Speaker (Hazleton, Pennsylvania). Associated Press. July 5, 1973. p. 39.
  61. ^ "Eagles retire". Rapid City Journal (Rapid City, South Dakota). Associated Press. April 23, 1973. p. 16.
  62. ^ "1972 Philadelphia Eagles Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  63. ^ "Jerry Sturm: About the Owner". The South Restaurant. Archived from the original on November 13, 2018. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  64. ^ "Watch sports games at The South Mexican Restaurant". The South Restaurant. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
  65. ^ Broncos saddened to learn of passing of former OL, Top 100 Team member Jerry Sturm.
  66. ^ a b "Broncos Top 100 player Jerry Sturm dies at 83". KUSA.com.
  67. ^ a b Hobson, Will (January 31, 2024). "The Concussion Files". The Washington Post.