Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets (Photo via Imagn Images)

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Player Who Retired Early With Serious Health Concerns Has Tragically Died At 33

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Lou Flavius | Last updated Mar 15, 2026 5:46 PM ET

Former football linebacker Cameron Ontko has sadly passed away at the age of just 33.

Ontko played professionally in the CFL and had a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL after college.

His mother, Brenda Boulton, revealed via social media that he passed away on March 7 as a result of a ruptured ulcer.

His alma mater, California Polytechnic State University, also shared a statement on social media.

“Cal Poly mourns the loss of former linebacker Cameron Ontko,” the school said. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and former teammates.”

Cameron Ontko Retired After Three Seasons

College Football: Wisconsin Cameron Ontko (38) being taken out on stretcher (Photo by John Biever /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

Cameron Ontko transferred to Cal Poly after playing two seasons at Wisconsin.

He participated in the Bucs rookie minicamp before moving on to the CFL, where he spent three years.

The LB retired from football at 26 years in 2018 due to health concerns, both mental and physical.

Ontko recorded 257 tackles, 15 of them for loss, seven knockdowns, two sacks and two interceptions for the Mustangs. He went undrafted but got a shot in Tampa Bay, ultimately failing to make the roster.

Having struck out in his attempts to play in the NFL, Ontko took off for Canada, where he played for the Calgary Stampeders, BC Lions, and Saskatchewan Roughriders.

He walked away from the game after three years, expressing concerns over head injuries.

TPS offers condolences to his family.

May he rest in peace.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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