By Darin 
We post many articles about players in the Pro and College Football Halls of Fame, but many other individuals are not yet recognized with plaques and bronze busts in museums. In our Unsung Heroes series, we hope to preserve the pigskin history of these stalwarts, many of whom have been forgotten.
Bob DeMarco
Robert Albert DeMarco was born on September 16, 1938, in Jersey City, New Jersey, and would go on to forge a remarkable 15-season career as a cornerstone center in the National Football League.
College Career DeMarco began his collegiate career at Indiana University before transferring to the University of Dayton, where he lettered for two seasons (1959–1960). He was elected team captain in his senior year. He earned national recognition, being named to the Kodak All-American Team in 1960 (Third-team All-American) and playing in both the Blue-Gray and Senior Bowl games. He graduated in 1961 with degrees in business management and economics.
Road to the Pro Game His collegiate performance led to selections in two professional drafts: the 14th round (157th overall) of the 1960 NFL Draft by the Chicago Cardinals (who became the St. Louis Cardinals) and the 1960 AFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. DeMarco signed with the Cardinals, beginning his pro journey as a guard before quickly settling in as a dominant center.
Pro Teams Played On DeMarco spent his formative nine seasons (1961–1969) with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was traded in 1970 and played two years for the Miami Dolphins (1970–1971), where he started every game for the 1971 AFC Championship team that appeared in Super Bowl VI. He continued his career with the Cleveland Browns (1972–1974) and concluded his playing days with the Los Angeles Rams (1975).
Football Legacy DeMarco’s legacy is defined by his durability and consistent elite performance throughout the 1960s, serving as a reliable anchor for every offensive line he joined. He played in 185 career games and was notably on the field for the longest NFL playoff game in history (the 1971 AFC Divisional Playoff between Miami and Kansas City).
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
- Played 15 seasons, appearing in 185 games (163 starts).
- 3x Pro Bowl selection (1963, 1965, 1967).
- 1x Associated Press (AP) First-team All-Pro (1967).
- 2x AP Second-team All-Pro (1963, 1968).
- St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame inductee (2018).
Big thanks to reader Peter Stellato for the suggestion and Pro-Football-Reference.com for the sources of info.