LAS VEGAS — Brandon Fusco may not be done yet.

The Seneca Valley and Slippery Rock University graduate has spent eight years in the NFL as an offensive lineman, but has not played since starting seven games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2018.

A serious leg and ankle injury curtailed Fusco's season that year. He missed all of the 2019 campaign.

“Brandon needed surgery, then an infection got in there,” retired SRU coach George Mihalik said. “That set him back for months.

“With the COVID situation that year, tryouts were hard to get. Nothing happened for him.”

But Fusco never officially retired.

“I've stayed in football shape and never quit working out,” the 6-foot-4, 300-pound guard said. “Honestly, my body has never felt better. I know I can still play.”

Fusco, 33, worked out for the New York Jets on Tuesday. Though the workout went well, the Jets declined to sign him.

But Fusco believes his name is back out there.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network tweeted that Fusco's workout with the Jets was impressive and may warrant consideration from other teams.

“That's going to circulate and I believe that can help me,” Fusco said. “I watch a lot of (NFL) football and there are some struggling offensive lines out there.

“I can help somebody. I can step in and start in that league right now and play at a high level.”

Mihalik said Fusco is only looking for a chance.

“He doesn't want his career to end on an injury,” Mihalik said. “Brandon's got nothing left to prove. I thought the Jets thing was going to work out for him.

“Their line coach (John Benton) was Brandon's line coach with the 49ers. Their offensive coordinator (Mike LaFleur) was on that 49ers coaching staff. Brandon knew what to expect from that workout and said he killed it.”

Fusco started all 16 games at right guard for the 49ers in 2017.

He would require to be paid a salary at a certain level because he is a veteran player with so many years in.

Fusco owns two homes, one in Las Vegas, the other in Louisville, Ky.

“I'm leading a retired life and a football life,” Fusco said. “I'm still having my fun, but I'm still working out every day, too. I'm staying ready.

“After they declined to sign me, the Jets told me to stay in shape, they may be calling back. I could still hear from other teams, too. I'm not giving up on this.

“If nothing happens for me at some point this season, that will be it. I'll retire and be done with football as a player,” Fusco added. “I just feel like I have more in the tank to give. I love the game and I want to play.”

Current SRU head coach Shawn Lutz believes Fusco deserves a shot.

“There are some bad offensive lines out there and he is hungry to play,” Lutz said. “I hope somebody gives him an opportunity.”

Fusco was a sixth-round draft choice of the Minnesota Vikings in 2011 and played six seasons there. He has played in 90 NFL games, making 87 starts.

A four-year starter at The Rock, his uniform number has been retired there. Fusco was also inducted into the Seneca Valley Sports Hall of Fame last month.th