TBP 277: Jerry Ostroski, Former Buffalo Bills Star

On this episode of Talking Buffalo Podcast, Patrick Moran chats with former Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Jerry Ostroski on a wide variety of topics spanning his life and career.

Jerry talks about growing up in Pennsylvania not far from Philadelphia, active as a kid who played many sports including baseball, basketball and wrestling. The high school he attended included a few famous alumni, including legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Darryl Hall. While there he became a star player and drew interest from several schools before ultimately making the decision to travel to Oklahoma and play his college ball at Tulsa.

There he became a three-year starter and an All-American as a senior, which afforded him the opportunity to be a part of Bob Hope’s annual Christmas special. Jerry discusses that entire experience with Patrick.

In 1992 Jerry suffered the first of what would be several NFL disappointments when he was drafted by Kansas City, but not until the 10^th round. He was eventually cut by the Chiefs and later signed with the Atlanta Falcons but met the same fate. Jerry explains why years later he considers Atlanta a mistake and what he was doing after that before the Buffalo Bills came calling. Jerry eventually signed with the Bills on their practice squad in 1993 and remained there until around the middle of 1994, when he was elevated to the active roster, got a chance to play and would go on to start in 102 games for Buffalo between 1994-2001.

Jerry talks about his Bills career and some of the most influential people around him that helped shape the type of player he’d go on to become. He admits that the Tennessee playoff loss in 2002 still bothers him to this day, his take on Doug Flutie not starting the game and much more, including the injury that ultimately ended his career.

We also catch up on what Jerry’s been up to since his playing days have ended, including being dad to one college football playing son and a second coming soon. They end with the Fun Fact Finale, where we learn plenty of things about Jerry you probably didn’t know.

You can follow Jerry on Twitter @Ostroski_BigO

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