Javier Zuluaga is an American former professional football player. He was a fullback and linebacker for the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League (AFL). He played college football for the Navy Midshipmen.
Early life Zuluaga attended Roncalli High School located in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was a co-captain his senior year and helped lead his team to the 1988 3A State Championship.
College career Originally committed to play football at Southern Illinois, a Marine recruiter convinced Zuluaga to attend the United States Naval Academy and play linebacker for the school's football team. He was co-captain from 1990 to 1993. Zuluaga was known for his hard hitting; during the 1991 season against William and Mary, Zuluaga tackled W&M's quarterback Chris Hakel causing the a bar of the face mask to get to stuck to Hakel's.DAVE FAIRBANK, D. P. (1991, Sep 22). W&M-navy briefs: Remarks haunt middies coach. Daily Press, pp. C.8-C8. In 1993, he had 17 tackles against Air Force, Navy won the game 28–24 ending an 11-year losing streak.Routon, R., & Editor, S. (1993, Oct 10). After all those losses, navys happy to show AFA how it feels / midshipmen savor chance to vent their resentment. The Gazette, pp. C.4-C4. Zuluaga was among 26 midshipmen recommended for expulsion in a 1992 cheating scandal on an electrical engineering exam.Navy athletes may face expulsion. (1994, Apr 24). Chicago Tribune (Pre-1997 Fulltext), pp. 2-2. A copy of the test was found the night before and was given out to many of the students. He was later expelled from the school – not for cheating, but for refusing to identify the people who were responsible.
Professional career In 1994, he tried out for the Baltimore CFL Colts, but did not make the roster. On May 17, 1994, he was signed by the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League; he was released August 6, 1994.Transactions. (1994, Aug 06). The Salt Lake Tribune, pp. C.3-C3
Personal life Zuluaga and his wife have three children. His son Luke ran track and field for the Air Force Falcons.
References
External links Arena Football League stats at statscrew.com