Bob DeMarco
Sport: Football
Born: September 16, 1938
Town: Wood-Ridge
Robert DeMarco was born September 16, 1938 in Jersey City and grew up in Wood-Ridge. He attended St. Mary’s High School in nearby Rutherford and started as a sophomore on the Gaels’ undefeated 1953 gridiron squad. A two-way player in high school, Bob anchored St. Mary’s offensive and defensive lines. He was recruited by the University of Indiana but later transferred to Dayton.
Although he still had one year of eligibility remaining in 1960, Bob was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 14th round. After backing up center Don Gillis for two seasons, he earned the starting job in 1962 and went on to earn first-team All-Pro honors in 1967 and 1969. Bob played in three Pro Bowls during his nine years in St. Louis. At 6–3 and under 250 pounds, he was somewhat undersized during his era.
Heading into the 1970 season, Bob—now in his 30s—could not come to terms with the Cardinals and they decided to release him. He was invited to play with the Steelers by Chuck Noll but opted to sign with the Dolphins, who were offering a higher salary. Both teams were young and on the rise. Bob helped Miami reach the playoffs for the first time that winter. A year later, the Dolphins went all the way to the Super Bowl.
Bob’s career as a starting player came to a close in 1972, but he remained in the league for four more years, with the Browns and Rams. Bob retired from football after the 1975 season and returned to St. Louis. He worked in the electronics and finance industries. He spent 20 years as a salesman for a chemical company.
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