Cameron Ontko, a standout small-school college linebacker who briefly took his game to the NFL before playing three years in the CFL, died March 7. He was 33.
A social media post by Ontko’s mother, Brenda Boulton, indicated his cause of death as a ruptured ulcer.
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"Cal Poly mourns the loss of former linebacker Cameron Ontko," his alma mater wrote in a statement shared on social media. "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and former teammates."
A native of Ohio, Ontko began his collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin. In two seasons with the Badgers (2010-11), he saw most of his action on the defensive scout team.
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In 2012, Ontko transferred to Cal Poly, a Big Sky Conference (FCS) school based in San Luis Obispo, California. He recorded 257 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, seven pass knockdowns, two sacks, and two interceptions over 35 games with the Mustangs.
After his senior year (2014), Ontko was named to the Big Sky’s First Team Defense. At 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds, Ontko’s plus speed at the outside linebacker position was not enough to overcome his perceived lack of size in the NFL Draft.
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In May 2015, Ontko participated in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie minicamp, effectively a tryout for a spot on the team’s roster or practice squad for the 2015 season. He rubbed elbows with quarterback Jameis Winston, the first overall pick in that year’s draft, but did not make the team.
Undeterred, Ontko went on to play 29 games over three seasons in the Canadian Football League for the Calgary Stampeders (2015), BC Lions (2016) and Saskatchewan Roughriders (2017).
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Ontko retired at 26, citing concerns over the long-term effects of hits to the head on retired football players.
"Very sad to hear of the passing of (Ontko)," wrote John Murphy, who worked in Saskatchewan's personnel department during Ontko's tenure with the team, via 3DownNation. "From Cal Poly to NFL and CFL, met him several times along his path to pro football. Great guy, energizer bunny-type personality and on the field, just praying for everyone that knew Cam and his friends and family."
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