Otis Sistrunk

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Otis Sistrunk (born 1946) was a professional football player who played seven seasons as a defensive lineman, from 1972 to 1978. He played his entire career with the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Sistrunk later became a professional wrestler (in the National Wrestling Alliance). He also appeared in three films in the 1970s.

Sistrunk was one of the few NFL players of his day to not play college football, going directly from high school to the semi-pro Continental Football League in 1965. After three years in the CPFL, a Los Angeles Rams scout spotted Sistrunk and believed the 22-year-old could play in the NFL; eventually Sistrunk wound up in Oakland.

During a Monday Night Football telecast, a television camera beamed a sideline shot of Sistrunk's steaming bald head to the nation. That, along with his lack of a college education, prompted ABC commentator and ex-NFL player Alex Karras to suggest that Otis' alma mater was the "University of Mars." Sistrunk was named to the Pro Bowl in (1974).

Since leaving football, Sistrunk has fashioned a second successful career as an Army civilian employee. Today, he runs Cowan & Memorial Stadium at Fort Lewis, Washington.