From 1990 to 1998, Justin Conrad Strzelczyk was an American football offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League.
His death, at the age of 36, sparked a debate in the NFL about the relationship between football and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Early Life, Family & Education
Justin Strzelczyk, a former NFL offensive tackle, was born on August 18, 1968, in West Seneca, New York, to Connie Strzelczyk and Mary Joyce.
Connie Strzelczyk, also known as “Big Bird,” was a standout basketball player at Montana State University from 1958 to 1960.
Connie moved to Buffalo after playing collegiate basketball for two years and becoming a teacher.
He also took painting jobs over the summer. Furthermore, Justin’s parents divorced when he was only seven years old.
Justin grew up participating in sports such as football, basketball, and hockey. He also played baseball and was a pitcher until he was unable to do so due to shoulder pain.
According to Justin’s mother, his father was the most influential on him to pursue and participate in sports. Connie, his father, died in a drunk-driving accident in May 1998 after being paralyzed.
Furthermore, Justin’s birthday falls under the Leo sun sign. People born under the sign of Leo are known for their ease, loyalty, and self-assurance.
In terms of education, Justin attended West Seneca Senior High School in West Seneca, New York.
Strzelczyk was always active in basketball during his high school years, and with his 6’5′′ height, he played forward.
Justin chose to attend the University of Maine and play college football. During his time on the football team, they won two Yankee Conference championships.
Justin, according to his college teammates, despised steroids and claimed that his weight was obtained through weight training and eating.
Career and Profession
After being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1990 NFL Draft, Justin made the Steelers roster after training camp and relocated to Plum, Pittsburgh.
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Unfortunately, after Steelers right tackle Tunch IIkin was injured and missed the first four games of the 1992 NFL season, Justin was thrust into the starting lineup.
Furthermore, as a starter, Justin appeared in 75 of the 133 games played this season, starting at every line position except the center.
During games, Justin would pick up the red phone from the Steelers’ sideline and yell at the team’s offensive coordinators, Ron Erhardt, Chan Gailey, and Ray Sherman, saying, “Run the damn ball!”
Justin was a key component in the Pittsburgh Steelers run to Super Bowl XXX.
Unfortunately, five months after the 1992 NFL season, while playing against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Monday Night Football tournament, Justin injured his quadriceps and had to undergo season-ending surgery two days later.
Similarly, Justin injured his knee in a bar fight in March 1999 and had to undergo additional surgery, which ended his appearance the following season as well.
As a result, the Pittsburgh Steelers placed Strzelczyk on the injured list and paid him $187,000, a portion of the $1.5 million he was supposed to earn as a Steeler.
Justin injured his bicep on January 24, 2000, while celebrating a hockey victory. Justin was released by the Steelers due to his consistent injuries.
Music Video
Justin played himself in Adam Sandler’s 1997 music video “The Lonesome Kicker,” stealing the kicker’s “snowshoe” and mocking him throughout the video alongside Steelers teammates Kordell Stewart, Jerome Bettis, and Greg Lloyd.
Net worth and Salary
Justin was unquestionably a talented offensive tackle during his time with the Steelers. His professional career, however, was cut short due to his ongoing injuries.
There isn’t much information available about Justin’s earnings from his career. However, after reviewing NFL player salaries, we can conclude that Justin Strzelczyk’s estimated net worth is around $200 thousand.
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Height, and Weight
Talking about his height, he stands 6’6” (1.98 m) tall, and he weighs roughly around 305 lbs (138 kgs).
Issues with the Police
Justin was also known for frequently running into problems with the police after his football career ended.
In November 2000, he was arrested and charged with carrying a firearm without a permit.
The handgun, on the other hand, belonged to a friend with whom he had a disagreement about gun control, which resulted in him wielding the weapon for some time.
Furthermore, Justin, like his father, was known for being a heavy drinker. Justin was cited for Driving Under the Influence in early 2003, which resulted in the suspension of his driver’s license for a year.
Furthermore, after some time, the sentence was reduced to two months.
Justin suddenly refused to consume alcohol and drugs, including prescription medication, in late 2003, which surprised his family members because it was out of character for him.
Death
Justin was supposed to attend a fundraiser in Orchard Park, New York on September 30th, 2004. He brought some crucifixes and over $2,600 in cash but left his phone at home.
Unfortunately, Justin was driving against the flow of traffic at 90 miles per hour (140 km/h) when he collided with a tank truck, and he died as a result of the crash.
He was 36 years old at the time of the accident, which occurred in Herkimer, New York.

Source: Google
Wife and Children
In early 1993, Justin married Keana McMahon. However, the couple’s marital problems were complicated by his heavy drinking. As a result, they divorced in 2001.
Furthermore, Justin and Keana have two children: a son, Justin Strzelczyk Jr., and a daughter, Sabrina Strzelczyk.
Social Media Presence
Justin has no social media presence. However, you can still see posts about him from his fans by following the hashtags listed below.
Instagram– #justinstrzelczyk
Twitter– #justinstrzelczyk
FAQ’s
What was Justin Strzelczyk’s age at the time of his death?
Justin was 36 years old when he passed away.
What are Justin Strzelczyk’s career stats?
Justin Strzelczyk had played 133 games during his career, with an average value of 36 and 75 goals saved.
Quick Facts
Full Name | Justin Conrad Strzelczyk |
Birth Date | August 18th, 1968 |
Birth Place | West Seneca, New York |
Death Date | September 30th, 2004 (36 years) |
Nickname | Jughead, Jugger |
Religion | Not Available |
Nationality | American |
Education | West Seneca West Senior High, University of Maine |
Horoscope | Leo |
Father’s Name | Connie Strzelczyk |
Mother’s Name | Mary Joyce |
Siblings | Melissa |
Height | 6’6” (1.98 m) |
Weight | 305 lbs (138 kgs) |
Build | Muscular |
Shoe Size | Not Available |
Eye Color | Grey |
Hair Color | Dark Brown |
Marital Status | Divorced |
Spouse | Keana McMahon |
Children | Justin Strzelczyk Jr., Sabrina Strzelczyk |
Profession | American Football Player |
Draft | 1990 |
Number | 73 |
Position | Offensive Tackle |
Former Teams | Pittsburgh Steelers |
Net Worth | $200 thousand |
Awards and Achievements | All-Conference First Team, All-American |
Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |