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O'Dwyer had a great career

No one could question his durability -- or his ability.

Ex-Stevenson High School star Matt O'Dwyer quietly retired from the NFL. He made it official on Sept. 1, his 34th birthday.

He played 10 seasons and was a member of four teams: New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers, who released him in 2005.

"He had an unbelievable career," said his high school coach, Bill Mitz. "All the way through. From his junior year here at Stevenson to the Jets to the Bengals to Bucs."

The 6-foot-4, 315-pound offensive lineman never had a problem showing up for work. One of his claims to fame was making 64 consecutive starts. All told, he started 105 NFL games.

O'Dwyer figured to have a long stint in the NFL. After putting together a stellar career at Northwestern University, he was the 33rd pick (first selection in the second round) in the 1995 NFL draft.

The guard opened holes for several top running backs, including Corey Dillon. In fact, O'Dwyer was on the field when Dillon ran for 278 yards on Oct. 22, 2000 to break Walter Payton's single-game rushing record.

In his 10 seasons, O'Dwyer blocked on lines which produced seven 1,000-yard rushers.

According to Mitz, NFL fame never changed him.

"He's still the same guy. He still comes around and talks to our offensive linemen. He'll take them out to lunch."

His other claim to fame was having a small role in the 2001 film, "Made," which starred Lake Forest's Vince Vaughn.

Meanwhile, several Pioneer Press Lake Shore players are seeing action on Sunday.

Deerfield grad Aaron Moorehead, a fourth-year wide receiver out of the University of Illinois, has appeared in three games and caught 2 passes for 17 yards for the undefeated Indianapolis Colts.

Wide-out Kevin Walter, a Libertyville graduate who also is in his fourth season in the NFL, has caught 2 passes for 12 yards for his new team: Houston Texans. The Eastern Michigan grad played his first three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Ex-Carmel star Jeff Zgonina has appeared in two games for the Miami Dolphins. The defensive tackle is in his 14th NFL season.

Tight end Brad Cieslak, a Stevenson and NIU graduate, is in his second season with the Buffalo Bills. He appeared in two games in 2005.
© 2006 Sun-Times News Group |