SLIPPERY ROCK — Since he was 9 years old, Brandon Fusco spent his autumn weekends on a football field.

This year, he’s not.

And he misses it.

Fusco, 31, was on hand for the Slippery Rock University football game Saturday night at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. He was one of 12 members of SRU football history named to the “PSAC 150 Contributors” list in the preseason.

That group was recognized at halftime of SRU’s 49-0 win over Millersville.

“I always love coming back here,” Fusco said. “This university has done a lot for me, both football and otherwise.

“I’ve donated money to this program. I believe in this program and I’m thrilled to be a part of that list.”

The Seneca Valley and SRU graduate hasn’t given up on being part of the NFL again. The eight-year veteran guard was released by the Atlanta Falcons last spring.

The 6-foot-4, 306-pound Fusco has started 87 NFL games, playing six years with the Minnesota Vikings, one each with San Francisco and Atlanta. He suffered a torn pectoral muscle that cost him most of a season in Minnesota and a gruesome ankle injury that ended his season with Atlanta after eight games last year.

“If this is it for me, I’m proud of what I’ve done in the league and I can walk away feeling proud as a man,” Fusco said. “But I still want to play. I’m confident I will play again.

“My agent has been talking with teams and I’ve been working out and staying in shape. I’m ready to play right now and I feel like there’s a chance I’ll still play somewhere this year.”

Fusco’s agent has received interest from Kansas City, New Orleans and Tennessee so far this season.

“The right situation may develop,” Fusco said.

Fusco has been doing some traveling to fill the football void. Among his trips was a jaunt to Southeastern Louisiana University, where former SRU teammate A.J. Hopp is the offensive line coach.

“I got a chance to talk to their team there,” Fusco said. “That was a good experience because I want to get into coaching when I’m done playing.”

Also a big fan of the Kentucky Derby, Fusco bought a house near Churchill Downs in Louisville and has been doing some work on it.

“I go to the Derby every year and I’m so excited to have that house,” he said. “Now I can host some people down there.”

Fusco admitted that his ankle injury from last year — involving a torn ligament and spiral fracture — made him think about life after football.

But he still believes he can play.

“If I thought I was done, I would just retire,” Fusco said. “But I know I can still play.

“It’s important to me to be able to walk away from this game with my body healthy and intact. My body feels great now. This is the best I’ve felt since last preseason.”