Former Crimson Tide Defensive Lineman Gary DeNiro Dead At 64

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Alabama Crimson Tide community is in mourning following news of the death of former defensive lineman Gary DeNiro on Tuesday.

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He was 64 years old.

The native of Youngstown, Ohio and graduate of Chaney High School — who former UA Athletic Director Mal Moore once said looked like he "worked for the mafia" — played for legendary Crimson Tide coach Paul W. "Bear" Bryant from 1977 through 1980.

DeNiro played high school ball as a linebacker for Chaney High coach Ed Matey, who referred to DeNiro as "aggressive" and a "good leader."

He also came from a football family, with his older brother Mike being named an All-American at Texas A&M in his sophomore year before he was killed in a car crash prior to his senior season.

Despite being recruited by Ohio State, DeNiro was ultimately signed by Bryant assistant Dee Powell and reportedly came to Tuscaloosa uncertain of what the future might hold. He just knew he wanted to play for a winner.

Watch the video below to see a 2009 interview with DeNiro

"Ohio State recruited me, but I don't know how much they really wanted me," DeNiro told a newspaper reporter in 1980. "I don't know if I'd have gone there anyway. I thought about Michigan or lowa, Iowa wanted me as a wingback if you can believe that ... I really wanted to go someplace that had a chance to win a national championship every year. There are really only a few schools like that an Alabama is one of them."

During his playing days for the Tide, DeNiro was selected to the SEC All-Freshman team and went on to earn SEC Defensive Player of the Week in 1978 following his performance against the Florida Gators in a 23-12 win on Oct. 14, 1978. In that game — with his father in the stands after making the drive from Youngstown, Ohio — DeNiro notched 10 tackles, with six coming for a loss.

"Given my choice of making All-SEC or winning the national championship, I'll take the national championship every time," DeNiro once said. "The honors I've won since I've been here are nice, but they're not nearly as nice as winning back-to-back national championships.

The following year, DeNiro was named a preseason selection to the Italian All-American Team for 1979.

Over his career, he would tally 140 total tackles.

"You sure will be missed," said former Crimson Tide defensive standout and television personality Tommy Wilcox on social media Wednesday. "He wasn’t big but he played [7 feet] tall. Prayers for you Dee."

Another former Tide football player, John Cook, also provided an anecdote to speak to the character of his teammate.

"Gary pulled me aside as a freshman one day after practice and gave me a stern warning, careful who you lose your temper with," he said. "I got frustrated and shoved Marty Lyons after the whistle. He was so right ... I payed dearly for that mistake."

Arrangements for DeNiro have not been announced as of the publication of this story.

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