Max Zendejas

Early years

Zendejas was born in Curimeo, Mexico, before his parents moved to Chino, California, where he attended Don Antonio Lugo High School.

He accepted a scholarship from the University of Arizona where he became a four-year starter. As a freshman in 1982, he made a 48-yard field goal with 6 seconds remaining in a 16-13 win over then No. 9 University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. The next year, he kicked a 45-yard field with 3 seconds left to beat Arizona State University 18-17 in Tempe, Arizona.

In 1985, he was chosen as the team's most valuable player and also the Sun Bowl MVP. He received honorable-mention All-American honors in 1983 and 1985.

Zendejas graduated after breaking almost every kicking record in school history, including career field goals (79), career points (360), career field goal percentage (.738), consecutive field goals made (11), season field goals (22) and career field goals over 50 yards (13). He finished tied for third on the NCAA career field goal list (77) and fourth on the career scoring list (360).

In 1999, he was inducted into the University of Arizona Sports Hall of Fame.

Dallas Cowboys

Zendejas was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round (100th overall) of the 1986 NFL Draft, because the team was concerned about Rafael Septién's recurring back problems. A healthy Septien won the preseason competition and Zendejas was waived on September first.

Washington Redskins

On October 13, 1986, he was signed as a free agent by the Washington Redskins to take over Mark Moseley's role, who at the time was a 16-year veteran and the oldest kicker in the National Football League. Although he helped the Redskins qualify for the playoffs by making a 27-yard field goal with four seconds left in a 20-17 win over the St. Louis Cardinals, after missing five field goals and five extra point conversions in nine games, he was replaced with Jess Atkinson and was put on the injured reserve list with one week left in the regular season. He was released on August 20, 1987.

Green Bay Packers

After the players went on a strike on the third week of the 1987 season, those games were canceled (reducing the 16 game season to 15) and the NFL decided that the games would be played with replacement players. Zendejas was signed to be a part of the Green Bay Packers replacement team and was kept for the rest of the season, after making all of his 7 field goal attempts.

In 1988, he tied a franchise record with four field goals in a victory over the Minnesota Vikings on October 16. He was released on October 25, after making 9 of 16 attempts and missing the game-tying field goal against the Washington Redskins with 11 seconds left in regulation.

Indianapolis Colts

On July 24, 1990, he was signed by the Indianapolis Colts, who were protecting themselves in the case of a Dean Biasucci holdout. He was waived on August 21.

London Monarchs

In 1991, he was drafted by the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football, but was cut on March 17.

Personal life

His brothers Luis and Joaquin also played professional football. His nephew, Alex Zendejas Jr. was also a placekicker for the University of Arizona.