EWING – Few players have the courage to return to the football field after going into cardiac arrest during a track practice during their junior year of high school.
Sophomore transfer student, Anthony Cortazzo is a defensive lineman for The College of New Jersey’s football team that almost had his entire life derailed when he suddenly went into cardiac arrest during a routine track practice his junior year of high school. Cortazzo recalls the experience.
“I was running warmup laps,” Cortazzo said. “And I collapsed, going into cardiac arrest. I was revived with CPR and an AED. It was discovered afterward that I was born with congenital heart disease.”
Congenital heart disease is a problem with the heart’s structure and function that is present at birth. It is one of the most common types of birth defects and can cause death if not treated properly.
Cortazzo underwent a five-hour open heart surgery after his ordeal to correct the issues with his heart. He spoke about the process of recovery and getting back to sports.
“It was like a three-month period of absolutely no weight on my chest to let my sternum heal after the surgery,” Cortazzo said. “It was a six-month recovery period in all. I was actually able to come back and finish my senior year of football. I played the last half of my senior year in football and ran track.”
Cortazzo was able to return after his traumatic experience, but later admitted that even though he was able to come back while still in high school, his senior year was rough for him. Coming back from what could have been a fatal experience limited him – understandably – in his ability to do things on the field.
But, entering college, Cortazzo did not lose faith in his ability to play sports at a higher level. He enrolled at Rowan University with the impression that he would be able to walk on and have a shot at a career in college football.
“I went to Rowan with the intention and the understanding that I would be able to play football there, or at least try out,” Cortazzo said. “I believed I would be able to play football somewhere after what happened to me. My junior year I was excited to play, but at Rowan I didn’t even get a chance, so I transferred here.”
Last week, the Lions traveled to play Rowan at their homecoming game. Cortazzo had played in other games for the College during the season, but the game against the Profs meant a little more for him.
“I was excited to go back and play Rowan,” he said. “Going back and playing at Rowan was defiantly intense considering the fact that they never gave me a chance and it was their homecoming. It was great. It couldn’t have gone any better in my opinion.”
Cortazzo played his heart out when he was on the field. He recorded key tackles toward the end of the game to help the Lions come away with a victory.
Fellow defensive lineman Shane Kelley reflected on Cortazzo’s performance.
“He was a monster,” Kelley said. “He made some clutch tackles that really helped out the team and close out the game.”
Coming into TCNJ’s homecoming game, Cortazzo has totaled 17 tackles this season, tying him for ninth most on the team.
TCNJ’s football team will be playing rival Kean University Saturday, Oct. 21st, at noon. For some players taking the field, the game is something a little more special than just another game or just homecoming.
But for Cortazzo, every game means something a little special.
“I was able to talk to coach [Rocky] Hager and he gave me the opportunity to play,” he said. “I didn’t play for two years and my senior year wasn’t much of a year. It had been a while. Playing again is awesome. I love it. I’ve missed it. I defiantly feel like I’ve created a bond with the teammates here which is something I missed from high school.”
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