Bob Lurtsema

Who is Bob Lurtsema?

Robert Ross Lurtsema is a former American football defensive end in the National Football League for the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Seattle Seahawks. He played in two Super Bowls with Vikings. Lurtsema played college football at Western Michigan University. He was widely known at the time by his nickname "Benchwarmer Bob".

During the 1970s and 1980s, Lurtsema could often be seen in TCF Bank TV commercials. He formerly owned Benchwarmer Bob's Sports Cafe, with two locations in the Twin Cities. He was also seen playing the part of a blatantly biased referee in the American Wrestling Association during its last year, most famously in a match between The Trooper and Mike Enos. At one of the final AWA shows, AWA Twin Wars '90 on May 5, 1990, Lurtsema teamed with Brad Rheingans and the Trooper and defeated Tully Blanchard and the Destruction Crew.

Late in a game against the Miami Dolphins on October 1, 1972, Lurtsema received a roughing-the-passer penalty that led to a Dolphins first down and then a game-winning touchdown. It was the third game of the season in which Miami would finish a perfect 17-0.