He played college football for the Arizona Wildcats and later spent the 1977 season in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.
[7] Despite his injury, Hartwig was able to return for the following season and earned all-metro honors as well as an all-league selection; he was also invited to play in the Central California All-Star Game.
[5][8][9] Hartwig also played basketball and baseball at Central High School, being named an all-county shortstop in the latter in his final season.
[10][11] Hartwig received little attention as a college football recruit but was able to join the University of Arizona after an "extensive letter writing campaign" led by one of his coaches.
[7] He entered his sophomore year as a second-string at his position (behind Scott Piper), but soon after suffered an ankle injury that ended his season and caused him to redshirt.