Rico Curtis

Last updated

Rico Curtis
No. 37
Position: Fullback / Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1977-06-01) June 1, 1977 (age 48)
San Bernardino, California, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Career information
High school: Serra
(San Diego, California)
College: San Diego State (1996–1999)
NFL draft: 2000: undrafted
Career history
As a player:
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
As a coach:
  • San Diego Riptide (2005)
    Assistant coach
As a staff member / executive:
  • San Diego Riptide (2005)
    Community outreach and player personnel coordinator
Career highlights and awards
  • NIFL champion (2007)
  • First-team All-af2 (2002)
  • No. 37 retired by the San Diego Riptide
  • First-team All-MWC (1999)
  • 2× Second-team All-WAC Pacific Division (1997, 1998)

Ricardo Lee "Rico" Curtis II (born June 1, 1977) is a former American football fullback and linebacker. He played three seasons for the San Diego Riptide in the af2 from 2002 to 2004, breaking the single-season record for tackles in his first season and retiring as the league's all-time leading tackler. Curtis returned to play for the San Diego Shockwave in the National Indoor Football League (NIFL) in 2007, leading them to an NIFL title before the league folded. He played college football at San Diego State and signed with the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League (NFL) as an undrafted free agent in 2000 but did not play for them.

Contents

Early life

Ricardo Lee Curtis II was born on June 1, 1977, in San Bernardino, California. [1] His family moved to Orange, Texas, less than a year later, though they moved back to Southern California when he was in the tenth grade. [1] Curtis began playing football at the age of four. [2]

Curtis attended Serra High School in San Diego, where he played football as a defensive lineman. [2] He set a school record with a 95-yard interception return for a touchdown in a game against St. Augustine High School. [1] As a senior, Curtis earned first-team all-CIF San Diego Section Division II honors. [3] He committed to play college football at San Diego State over offers from UCLA, Colorado State, and Washington State, in an effort to remain close to his family. [2] [4] San Diego State head coach Ted Tollner compared Curtis to Tim McDonald, a defensive back whom he had previously recruited to USC. [5]

College career

1996

Ahead of his freshman season at San Diego State in 1995, Curtis was identified by head coach Ted Tollner as one of four true freshmen who could see playing time. [6] He was ultimately redshirted though, instead making his collegiate debut in the 1996 season opener against Idaho. [7] After playing well in the first two games of the season, Curtis was named the starting free safety over Jason Moore ahead of their third game against Oklahoma. [8] [9] After three starting linebackers went down with injuries, Curtis slid into the nickelback (or "stud") role in the Aztecs' improvised 4–2–5 defense. [10] He made his first career interception in their 31–21 win over Fresno State on November 23, picking off a pass by Jim Arellanes. [11]

1997

Curtis was moved to the strong safety position ahead of his sophomore season in 1997, competing with junior Scott Auerbach for the starting spot. [12] [13] Auerbach started the season opener and Curtis took over for the remainder of the season. [14] In the second game of the year, a defeat to Washington, Curtis led the Aztecs with 10 tackles. [15] On September 27, he recorded 16 tackles and a forced fumble in their overtime loss to Air Force. [16] [17] On October 18, Curtis recorded his second career interception during their 20–17 overtime victory over UNLV; he also debuted at tight end in double tight end formations to provide extra blocking. [18] Curtis earned second-team all-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Pacific Division honors after recording 112 tackles and seven tackles for loss. [19] [20] He was also voted by his teammates as the special teams MVP and shared the Most Improved Player award with Jesus Reyes. [21]

1998

On September 12, 1998, in a defeat to USC, Curtis intercepted Trojans quarterback Carson Palmer on a pass meant for tight end Antoine Harris. [22] Ahead of their next game against Arizona, Curtis was moved to free safety to relieve Pete Balistreri, who was dealing with a surgically repaired knee. [23] Curtis admittedly struggled at his new position in their defeat to Arizona. [24] [25] He improved the following week, helping the Aztecs beat Tulsa, 24–14, for their first win of the season. [25] Curtis earned praise from head coach Ted Tollner for his performance, who said he had "the best secondary tackling [they] have had." [25] On October 24, he recorded 11 tackles and an interception during a 21–20 overtime win over Utah. [26] Curtis recorded another interception two weeks later during a 10–0 win over Fresno State, picking off Billy Volek in the end zone on a pass intended for Bulldogs running back Paris Gaines. [27]

After an 0–3 start to the season, San Diego State rallied to win seven of their last eight regular season games and earned their first bowl bid since 1991. [28] The team was matched up against North Carolina in the Las Vegas Bowl, the first game of the 1998 bowl season. [28] "This is my first bowl game and I'm still kind of shocked," said Curtis. [28] "This is so big to me. I hope I don't disappoint anybody." [28] The Aztecs ultimately lost the game, 13–20. "Everyone played with so much heart, especially on defense," Curtis said afterwards. "I'm so proud of our team. They just made plays and we didn't." [29] Curtis led the team with 90 tackles and three interceptions on the season, earning second-team all-WAC Pacific Division honors for the second year in a row. [30] [31]

1999

Ahead of his senior season in 1999, Curtis was moved back to his "natural position" of strong safety by the coaching staff. [32] [33] He was named to the Jim Thorpe Award watchlist and was one of five San Diego State players selected to the preseason all-Mountain West Conference team. [34] [35] Curtis recorded nine tackles, one sack, and one pass deflection in the season opener, a 41–12 win over Division I-AA opponent South Florida. [36] [37] On September 25, he recorded an interception in the Aztecs' 41–13 victory over Kansas, though he fumbled the ball back to the Jayhawks on the same play. [38] The following week, he set a new career high with 14 tackles, including one for loss, in a 23–22 defeat to Air Force. [39] [40] [a] Ahead of the Aztecs' seventh game, a matchup against Colorado State, Curtis was moved yet again to free safety due to multiple injuries at the position. [43] [44] He recorded 12 tackles and an interception in their 17–10 victory over the Rams. [45] Curtis also played linebacker towards the end of the season. [46] [47] He recovered a fumble in his final collegiate game, a 39–7 victory over Wyoming. [47]

I'm just trying to relish the moment. It's hard right now. I can't believe it. It's been a great ride, with great coaches and great family. I'll miss it.

— Curtis reflecting on his career at San Diego State following his final collegiate game [48]

Curtis finished the season with 83 tackles, two interceptions, and two sacks, earning first-team all-Mountain West honors. [42] [49] He was voted the Aztecs MVP by his teammates at the end-of-year awards banquet, as well as outstanding defensive back and defensive team captain. [50] Curtis was also invited to the Hula Bowl postseason all-star game, where he played on the 'Aina team. [51]

Curtis finished his career at San Diego State with 355 total tackles, which was at the time the second-highest mark in school history, behind only Whip Walton. [50] [52]

Professional career

San Diego Chargers

After going unselected in the 2000 NFL draft, Curtis was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent. [53] However, he did not make the final roster, as he was cut in July. [54]

San Diego Riptide

2002

Curtis signed with the San Diego Riptide, an expansion team in the af2, ahead of the 2002 af2 season. [55] He was assigned to the Riptide in December 2001, along with former Oceanside High School star Jerry Garrett, becoming the first two players in team history. [56] Curtis and Garrett were then presented at the team's introductory press conference on January 15, 2002. [55]

Curtis was a member of the starting lineup in the Riptide's home opener – a 49–43 overtime defeat to a fellow expansion team, the Bakersfield Blitz, on April 6. [57] On April 20, he recorded 12.5 tackles in a 54–34 loss to the Tulsa Talons. [58] Curtis was then named the af2 Built Ford Tough Man of the Week after a two-touchdown performance against the Louisville Fire on May 4 in which he scored on both sides of the ball: a 35-yard touchdown reception on offense and a 17-yard fumble returned for a touchdown on defense. [59] [60] Overall, he had three catches for 74 yards, along with 10.5 tackles and three pass deflections, in the 68–27 win. [60] On June 8, Curtis scored three offensive touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown catch from nine yards out with 26 seconds remaining, to lead the Riptide to a 46–43 victory over the Bakersfield Blitz. [61] [62] He also recorded a game-high 10 tackles and hauled in an interception on defense, earning af2 Ironman of the Week honors for his performance. [62] On July 20, Curtis made eight tackles during a 45–42 loss to the Arkansas Twisters, bringing his season total to 118.5 and breaking the af2 single-season record for tackles, which was set by Cornelius Coe in 2000. [63] [64] In the regular season finale the following week, he caught a 20-yard touchdown and made two more tackles before suffering an injury in their 58–41 loss to the Quad City Steamwheelers, extending his single-season record to 120.5 tackles. [65] [66] Curtis also finished the year with 13 pass breakups, two interceptions, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries, as well as nine offensive touchdowns. [67]

The Riptide finished their inaugural season with a 7–9 record. [65] The team faced the Bakersfield Blitz in the first round of the playoffs, where Curtis caught a touchdown and helped San Diego to a 40–27 victory. [68] However, San Diego was defeated in the next round by the Peoria Pirates. Curtis earned first-team all-af2 honors and was selected by his teammates as the Riptide Most Valuable Player and Ironman of the Year. [67] [69] He was also named a Professional Star of the Month for August by the San Diego Hall of Champions, along with John Dutton, Morris Hatalsky, Chris Riley, and Joel Tudor. [70]

2003

Curtis opened the 2003 season listed at 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), 245 lb (111 kg). [71] On May 3, he scored a one-yard touchdown run in a 49–35 win over the Bakersfield Blitz. [72] Through the first 12 games of the season, Curtis recorded just 19 solo tackles and 18 assists. [73] In the season finale on July 25, he scored a two-yard game-winning touchdown run with 24 seconds left to lead the Riptide to a 31–28 victory over the Green Bay Blizzard. [74] [75] However, San Diego finished the season with a 6–10 record and failed to qualify for the playoffs. [74]

2004

Curtis entered his third year in the af2 under a new head coach, as the Riptide hired Mouse Davis to replace Cree Morris ahead of the 2004 season. [76] "We're being put in a position to win," said Curtis of the change. "I'm the same guy no matter who the coach is, but I'm going to be playing as hard as I can because I know this guy has the background – he's been there. It's going to be a lot easier to trust what he says." [77] On April 23, Curtis caught a 25-yard touchdown pass and scored again on a fumble recovery in a 59–34 win over the Central Valley Coyotes. [78] On May 22, he recorded an interception in a 62–52 win over the Quad City Steamwheelers. [79] On July 17, Curtis recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown in a 50–34 win over the Green Bay Blizzard. [80] The Riptide finished with an 8–8 record, tying for second place in the West Division. [81]

In April 2005, Curtis announced his retirement as a player after three seasons with the Riptide, at the same time joining the team's staff as the community outreach and player personnel coordinator and assistant coach. [2] In their press release, the team called Curtis "the most recognizable player to develop from the Riptide franchise." [2] His #37 jersey was retired by the team during halftime ceremonies of a game against the Amarillo Dusters, becoming the first retired number in franchise history. [21]

San Diego Shockwave

Curtis signed with the San Diego Shockwave, an expansion team in the National Indoor Football League (NIFL), ahead of the 2007 NIFL season. [82] He helped the team to a 56–9 home win over the Los Angeles Lynx in the season opener for their historic first victory. [83] In the fourth quarter of the game, Curtis recovered a fumble and returned it five yards for a touchdown. [84] The Shockwave finished the dysfunctional and chaotic 2007 season with a league-best 10–1 record, but was left out of the independently-organized Indoor Football Championship Bowl between the Fayetteville Guard and the Wyoming Cavalry. [85] [86]

On March 28, 2022, Curtis' #37 jersey was retired by the San Diego Strike Force of the Indoor Football League (IFL) during their home opener at Pechanga Arena – the same building where he played for the Riptide. [87]

Personal life

Curtis majored in psychology at San Diego State, and both of his parents attended every home and away game during his junior and senior seasons. [1] [2] His cousin, Kevin Smith, played cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys. [88]

Notes

  1. ↑ Other sources credit Curtis with 17 tackles. [41] [42]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "2002 San Diego Riptide Information Guide" (PDF). San Diego Riptide. 2002. p. 31. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 20, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2023– via FunWhileItLasted.net.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 ""Hitman" Retires from Riptide" (Press release). San Diego Riptide. April 27, 2005. Retrieved November 5, 2023– via Our Sports Central.
  3. ↑ "All-Division CIF-San Diego Section football teams". The Star-News . June 21, 1995. p. 9. Retrieved September 30, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  4. ↑ Sullivan, Mike (January 27, 1995). "Aztecs gets four more verbals from recruits". Times-Advocate . p. 26. Retrieved September 30, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  5. ↑ Sullivan, Mike (February 2, 1995). "Local talent shows in Aztec recruits (II)". Times-Advocate . p. 24. Retrieved September 30, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  6. ↑ Garrison, Boyce (August 25, 1995). "Aztecs Notebook". Times-Advocate . p. 25. Retrieved September 30, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  7. ↑ Garrison, Boyce (September 9, 1996). "Aztecs' newcomers get thumbs up from Tollner". North County Times . p. 18. Retrieved October 13, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  8. ↑ Garrison, Boyce (October 16, 1996). "Jones will let play do talking (II)". North County Times . p. 27. Retrieved October 13, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  9. ↑ Garrison, Boyce (November 15, 1996). "Rico's a Stud (II)". North County Times . p. 32. Retrieved November 5, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  10. ↑ Garrison, Boyce (November 15, 1996). "Rico's a Stud (I)". North County Times . p. 29. Retrieved November 3, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  11. ↑ Garrison, Boyce (November 24, 1996). "Blackwell racks up more SDSU receiving records". North County Times . p. 24. Retrieved November 5, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  12. ↑ Garrison, Boyce (April 26, 1997). "Questions abound for SDSU". North County Times . p. 27. Retrieved November 5, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  13. ↑ Garrison, Boyce (August 26, 1997). "RB's Sheldon Pope waiting for return to old form at SDSU (II)". North County Times . p. 18. Retrieved November 5, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
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  16. ↑ Garrison, Boyce (September 28, 1997). "Aztecs' bid for win intercepted (II)". North County Times . p. 36. Retrieved November 6, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  17. ↑ Garrison, Boyce (September 28, 1997). "Special teams step up". North County Times . p. 36. Retrieved November 6, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
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  19. ↑ "Lubick, Franchione WAC's top coaches". Billings Gazette . November 26, 1997. p. 17. Retrieved November 7, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  20. ↑ McKillip, Paul (September 5, 1998). "Wisconsin at San Diego St". Kenosha News . p. 24. Retrieved November 8, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
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  23. ↑ Garrison, Boyce (September 23, 1998). "Wildcats a tough test for Russell (II)". North County Times . p. 27. Retrieved November 11, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
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  27. ↑ Boogaard, Andy (November 8, 1998). "Senior safety Hall promises this: 'Dogs will win out". The Fresno Bee . p. 38. Retrieved November 11, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
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  29. ↑ Garrison, Boyce (December 20, 1998). "Mistakes cost SDSU in Las Vegas Bowl loss to UNC (II)". North County Times . p. 37. Retrieved November 13, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  30. ↑ Crowley, John (September 6, 1999). "San Diego State 1999 Season Preview". ESPN . Archived from the original on November 12, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  31. ↑ Garrison, Boyce (November 25, 1998). "Just one Aztec defender is All-WAC". North County Times . p. 23. Retrieved November 11, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  32. ↑ Garrison, Boyce (April 9, 1999). "Mt. Carmel High graduate needs Sharpe spring for Aztecs". North County Times . p. 23. Retrieved November 14, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  33. ↑ Garrison, Boyce (August 21, 1999). "Watkins ready to fill Aztecs' hole at free safety (II)". North County Times . p. 29. Retrieved November 17, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  34. ↑ "'U' safety candidate for Thorpe". Star Tribune . August 21, 1999. p. 34. Retrieved November 17, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
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  40. ↑ Garrison, Boyce (October 8, 1999). "Tandberg finally getting his kicks". North County Times . p. 28. Retrieved November 18, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  41. ↑ Archuleta, Greg (October 9, 1999). "Lobos Trying To Spruce Up Their Image (II)". Albuquerque Journal . p. 27. Retrieved November 18, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  42. 1 2 "1999 Season in Review". GoAztecs.com. San Diego State Athletics. April 5, 2000. Archived from the original on November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
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  49. ↑ "Utes' Frank, Cougars' Staley Earn MWC Honors". The Salt Lake Tribune . December 1, 1999. p. 32. Retrieved November 18, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  50. 1 2 "Curtis Named MVP at Football Awards Banquet". GoAztecs.com. San Diego State Athletics. December 2, 1999. Archived from the original on November 19, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
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  53. ↑ Paris, Jay (April 18, 2000). "Leaf in for rehab work". North County Times . p. 21. Retrieved November 2, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
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  60. 1 2 "Capriati to play in Acura". North County Times . May 8, 2002. p. 28. Retrieved November 23, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  61. ↑ "Riptide rallies to defeat Blitz". North County Times . June 9, 2002. p. 31. Retrieved November 26, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  62. 1 2 "English, Larson and Alvarez sign contracts". North County Times . June 13, 2002. p. 26. Retrieved November 26, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  63. ↑ Liston, J.R. (July 21, 2002). "Riptide defeated in its home finale". North County Times . p. 33. Retrieved November 27, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  64. ↑ Hill, Dan (July 25, 2002). "Steamwheelers hope to squelch 'bad taste'". Quad-City Times . p. 15. Retrieved November 27, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  65. 1 2 "Riptide ends regular season with loss". North County Times . July 28, 2002. p. 36. Retrieved November 27, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  66. ↑ Hill, Dan (July 28, 2002). "Wheelers finish strong (II)". Quad-City Times . p. 62. Retrieved November 27, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  67. 1 2 "Curtis Named To All-af2 First Team" (Press release). San Diego Riptide. August 10, 2002. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023– via Our Sports Central.
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  70. ↑ "Another award for Lucidi". North County Times . September 18, 2002. p. 23. Retrieved December 1, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
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  73. ↑ Weiner, Don (June 22, 2003). "Haslip's efforts can't save Riptide". North County Times . p. 32. Retrieved December 30, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  74. 1 2 Weiner, Don (July 26, 2003). "Riptide ends season by beating Blizzard". North County Times . p. 26. Retrieved January 6, 2024– via Newspapers.com.
  75. ↑ "Claunch is MVP in San Diego win". Billings Gazette . August 1, 2003. p. 18. Retrieved January 6, 2024– via Newspapers.com.
  76. ↑ Weiner, Don (January 22, 2004). "With Mouse, Riptide plans to roar in '04 (I)". North County Times . p. 17. Retrieved January 6, 2024– via Newspapers.com.
  77. ↑ Weiner, Don (January 22, 2004). "With Mouse, Riptide plans to roar in '04 (II)". North County Times . p. 20. Retrieved January 6, 2024– via Newspapers.com.
  78. ↑ "Friday's game: San Diego 59, Fresno 34". The Fresno Bee . April 25, 2004. p. C10. Retrieved August 9, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
  79. ↑ "af2". Quad-City Times . May 24, 2004. p. D4. Retrieved August 9, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
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  82. ↑ Brents, Phillip (March 30, 2007). "SWC's Benson hopes to give new San Diego Shockwave a jolt". The Star-News . p. 23. Retrieved October 6, 2023– via California Digital Newspaper Collection.
  83. ↑ Brents, Phillip (April 6, 2007). "Local talent gets Shock-wave treatment (I)". The Star-News . p. 21. Retrieved October 13, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  84. ↑ Brents, Phillip (April 6, 2007). "Local talent gets Shock-wave treatment (II)". The Star-News . p. 22. Retrieved October 13, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  85. ↑ Gold, Jon (July 3, 2007). "San Diego calls foul on Cavs-Guard deal". Casper Star-Tribune . p. D2. Retrieved August 16, 2025– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
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  87. ↑ Rathfon, Kyle (March 24, 2022). "Strike Force will Celebrate 20 Years of Arena Football in San Diego at Home Opener" (Press release). San Diego Strike Force. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  88. ↑ Lucas, Mike (September 20, 1997). "Bad break doesn't keep UW lineman down". The Capital Times . p. 18. Retrieved November 5, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
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