Tony Cristiani

Tony Cristiani is a former American football defensive lineman who played college football for the University of Miami. He was a two-time All-American and a consensus All-American in 1973. Cristiani was also a member of the Chicago Fire, Detroit Wheels and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Early years
Cristiani comes from a family of circus performers and walked the tightrope at an early age. He attended Brandon High School in Brandon, Florida, and played high school football for the Brandon Eagles, earning all-state honors.

College years
Cristiani received an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Miami, where he played for the Miami Hurricanes football team. He was a consensus first-team All-American in 1973. He had 102 tackles as a senior. Cristiani had 84 tackles and 15 quarterback sacks in 1972. He had 279 total tackles in his career at the University of Miami. Cristiani was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.

Chicago Fire
Crisitani spent time with the Chicago Fire and but was released after three days in camp in 1974.

Detroit Wheels
Cristiani was a member of the Detroit Wheels of the World Football League in 1974

Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Cristiani was signed by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League in May 1975.