Former four-time Super Bowl champion files for bankruptcy

Former four-time Super Bowl champion Bill Romanowski has filed for bankruptcy in response to his lawsuit with the federal government.

Romanowski was sued by the U.S. Department of Justice last year for allegedly owing over $15M in back taxes. Romanowski is accused of using his Nutrition53 supplement company improperly. The government’s complaint alleges that the Romanowskis used the business to pay: $10,000 rent for their home, rent for their adult children, and pay for personal expenses, such as groceries and plastic surgery.

USA Today says that the Romanowskis filed for bankruptcy on Monday, a day before their scheduled Tuesday hearing. Nutrition53 filed for bankruptcy last year.

Filing for bankruptcy protection buys the Romanowskis more time in the situation. The federal government now has to pause their efforts to collect on the millions they say the Romanowskis owe.

Romanowski, 58, played 16 seasons in the NFL from 1988-2003. He won two Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers and another two with the Denver Broncos. The two-time Pro Bowl selection recorded 1,116 tackles, 39.5 sacks, 18 interceptions and 16 forced fumbles during his playing career.