John Gonzaga

John Louis Gonzaga (March 6, 1933 – May 17, 2007) was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and Detroit Lions.

On October 21, 1956, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Francisco 49ers, though he never played a down of college football and he was working in a steel mill.

Gonzaga was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960 NFL Expansion Draft and became the first starter at right defensive end in franchise history, while also leading the team in sacks.

On August 21, 1961, after asking to be traded, he was sent to the Detroit Lions in exchange for offensive guard Bob Grottkau and rookie Houston Entwine.

[2] On September 6, 1966, he was signed as a free agent by the Denver Broncos of the American Football League.