[2] He played college football for the Eastern Michigan Eagles and was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 10th round of the 1973 NFL draft.

[2] He made a surprising comeback in 1976, winning a spot on the 43-man roster of the Baltimore Colts, registering five quarterback sacks — one of which was a safety — as a reserve defensive end.

[7] A comeback was made for the 1979 Colts season, this time shifting positions to right defensive end, where he replaced disgruntled All-Pro John Dutton, who refused to return to the team owing to a bitter contract holdout poisoned by comments made by pugilistic owner Bob Irsay.

[4] Fernandes played in three games, starting one, for the Washington Federals of the United States Football League in 1983.

[5] After his time in professional football came to an end he returned home to Michigan, where he helped raise a family of two daughters.