The sports world is mourning the loss of former linebacker Cameron Ontko, who passed away at the age of 33. Ontko's journey through the gridiron saw him making an impact in the CFL and briefly with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL. His mother, Brenda Boulton, shared the heartbreaking news that a ruptured ulcer led to his untimely passing on March 7.
Cal Poly, where Ontko transferred after two seasons at Wisconsin, paid tribute to their former player, expressing condolences to his family, friends, and teammates. Ontko's college career was marked by impressive stats, including 257 tackles, 15 for loss, seven knockdowns, two sacks, and two interceptions. Despite going undrafted, his talent earned him a spot at the Bucs rookie minicamp, though he didn't make the final roster.
Undeterred, Ontko took his talents north to the CFL, where he played for the Calgary Stampeders, BC Lions, and Saskatchewan Roughriders over three seasons. His time on the field was cut short in 2018 when he retired at 26, citing health concerns, particularly regarding head injuries.
Cameron Ontko's legacy is one of determination and resilience, a player who left a mark both on and off the field. As we remember his contributions to the game, our thoughts are with those who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, Cameron.