Former Central Michigan quarterback Tommy Lazzaro, affectionately known as “Touchdown Tommy,” tragically passed away at 27 years old. The Colorado native was killed in a hunting accident on Dec. 22 at Eglin Air Force Base in Destin, Florida.
Lazzaro’s passing was confirmed on Dec. 22 through the US Army 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group member’s Emerald Coast funeral home eulogy. According to reports from News 10, Lazzaro was pronounced dead at the scene following what the Walton County Sheriff’s Office described as a “tragic hunting accident.”
The specific circumstances surrounding the accident have not been released, but authorities confirmed that it occurred on the Air Force base grounds. A celebration of the former Chippewas’ life is scheduled for Dec. 28 at Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Lazzaro appeared in 20 games during his collegiate career in 2016, 2018, and 2019. His play was instrumental in helping the team reach the 2019 Mid-American Conference [MAC] Championship Game, resulting in an 8-6 season. During his time with the Chippewas, Lazzaro threw for 758 yards and five touchdowns while showcasing his dual-threat ability with 542 rushing yards and 11 scores on the ground. His leadership and versatility earned him the nickname “Touchdown Tommy,” a reflection of his impact both in the air and on the ground.
In 2019, Lazzaro finished No. 10 in the MAC in rushing touchdowns [8], tenth in TDs from scrimmage, and had a 99.4 passer rating. The university released a statement paying tribute to their former QB and former head coach, Jim McElwain, who coached Lazzaro during his best college season.
“When we took over the program, Tommy was truly our leader in so many ways,” McElwain said. “CMU Football was blessed to have him and will always remember him for all he did for many of us. He will be missed by all of the Chippewas.”
Lazzaro previously spoke about his loyalty to the program after his former offensive coordinator Charlie Frye called him ‘a piece to the puzzle’ of the program’s success. “This place has given me a home, an education, a place to meet some of my best friends,” he said after a game against Ball State. “Guys I’ll know for the rest of my life.”
Lazzaro played for the Dodge City Conquistadors before moving on to Central Michigan. Their program also wrote, “Dodge City CC mourns the loss of former player Tommy Lazzaro. We send our deepest condolences & prayers to his family. Lazzaro helped the Conqs to a 9-3 record & KJCCC title in 2015 as he threw for over 2,200 yards that season.”
News of Lazzaro’s passing sent shockwaves through the Central Michigan football community and beyond. Tributes began pouring in on social media, with program TV and radio host Adam Jaksa writing, “Heartbreaking news for the CMU football community. He [Lazzaro] was a key part in CMUs 2019 turnaround year, which led them to the MAC title game, where he scored two touchdowns.”
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