Bob Lurtsema
| Date of birth: | March 29, 1942 |
|---|---|
| Place of birth: | Grand Rapids, Michigan |
Career information | |
| Position(s): |
Defensive end Defensive tackle |
| College: | Western Michigan |
Organizations | |
| As player: | |
| 1967-1971 1972-1976 1976-1977 |
New York Giants Minnesota Vikings Seattle Seahawks |
Career stats | |
| Playing stats at NFL.com | |
Robert Ross Lurtsema (born March 29, 1942 in Grand Rapids, Michigan) is a former American football defensive end in the National Football League for the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Seattle Seahawks. He played in two Super Bowls with Vikings (Super Bowl VIII in 1974 and IX in 1975). Lurtsema played college football at Western Michigan University. He was widely known at the time by his nickname "Benchwarmer Bob".
During the 1970s and 1980s, Lurtsema could often be seen in TCF Bank(TCF Savings and Loan) TV commercials. He formerly owned Benchwarmer Bob's Sports Cafe, with two locations in the Twin Cities. He was also seen playing the part of a blatantly biased referee in the American Wrestling Association during its last year, most famously in a match between The Trooper and Mike Enos.(His character states he is in the Trooper's corner and repeatedly helps the trooper during the match, and the bias is discussed by the announcers after the match.[1][2]) At one of the final AWA shows, AWA Twin Wars '90 on May 5, 1990, Lurtsema teamed with Brad Rheingans and the Trooper and defeated Tully Blanchard and the Destruction Crew.
Late in a game against the Miami Dolphins on October 1, 1972, Lurtsema received a roughing-the-passer penalty that led to a Dolphins first down and then a game-winning touchdown. It was the third game of the season in which Miami would finish a perfect 17-0.