John Stofa was a quarterback who was called “The Original Bengal” for being the first player to sign with the newly established Cincinnati Bengals in 1967.
- Died: April 24, 2022 (Who else died on April 24?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 79.
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Football career
Stofa played college football at the University of Buffalo in the 1960s, also playing baseball there. He signed with the Miami Dolphins in 1966, playing with them for two seasons before his history-making trade to the Bengals. In the Bengals’ second game, against the Denver Broncos, Stofa threw the team’s first touchdown pass as part of their 24-10 win. He returned to the Dolphins after a season with the Bengals, retiring in 1970. Later, Stofa spent a season with the Jacksonville Sharks in the World Football League and then worked in insurance. He was a member of the University of Buffalo Athletic Hall of Fame.
Tributes to John Stofa
Full obituary: The Enquirer
