John Daniel Tooz Matuszak was a talented American professional football player and actor, whose remarkable career spanned multiple decades.
Born in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Matuszak attended the University of Tampa, where he played football for their team, honing his skills and building a strong foundation for his future endeavors.
Throughout his professional football career, Matuszak played for various National Football League (NFL) teams, including the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, where he spent an impressive six years, and later, the Houston Oilers.
However, his stint with the Oilers was marked by a unique situation, as he was simultaneously playing for the Houston Texans of the World Football League (WFL),a move that ultimately led to a restraining order being served to him during a game, prohibiting him from playing for two teams simultaneously.
In addition to his football career, Matuszak also pursued his passion for acting, landing his first major role in the 1979 movie "North Dallas Forty," where he played a football player.
He went on to appear in several notable films, including "Caveman," "The Ice Pirates," and "One Crazy Summer," but it was his iconic role in "The Goonies" that cemented his status as a beloved actor.
Matuszak's television credits were equally impressive, with guest appearances on popular shows such as "Perfect Strangers," "M*A*S*H," "The Dukes of Hazzard," "Hunter," "Silver Spoons," "The A-Team," "1st & Ten," "Miami Vice," and "Cheers."
Tragically, Matuszak's life was cut short when he passed away on June 17, 1989, at the age of 38, due to complications from heart failure.
