Ruzich was born on December 24, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio.
He graduated from Groveport Madison High School before attending Ohio State University where he played as a guard for their football team.
[1] Prior to his time at Ohio State, Ruzich served in the United States Army during World War II.
[2] Ruzich was drafted in the fourteenth round of the 1952 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns and later played 36 games over three seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
[1] He announced his retirement from professional football prior to the 1955 NFL season.