Jump to content

Phil Villapiano: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→top: +college
 
(4 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|American football player (born 1949)}}
{{Short description|American football player (born 1949)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2023}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Phil Villapiano
| name = Phil Villapiano
| image = Phil Villapiano (20960113189) (cropped).jpg
| image = Phil Villapiano (20960113189) (cropped).jpg
| position = [[Linebacker]]
| position = [[Linebacker]]
| number = 41
| number = 41
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1949|2|26}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1949|2|26}}
| birth_place=[[Long Branch, New Jersey]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Long Branch, New Jersey]], U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 2
| height_in = 2
| weight_lbs = 225
| weight_lbs = 225
| draftyear = 1971
| draftyear = 1971
| draftround = 2
| draftround = 2
| draftpick = 45
| draftpick = 45
| high_school = [[Ocean Township High School|Ocean Township]] {{nowrap|([[Ocean Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey|Ocean Township, New Jersey]])}}
| high_school = [[Ocean Township High School|Ocean Township]] {{nowrap|([[Ocean Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey|Ocean Township, New Jersey]])}}
| college = [[Bowling Green Falcons football|Bowling Green]]
| college = [[Bowling Green Falcons football|Bowling Green]]
| teams =
| teams =
* [[Oakland Raiders]] ({{NFL Year|1971}}–{{NFL Year|1979}})
* [[Oakland Raiders]] ({{NFL Year|1971}}–{{NFL Year|1979}})
* [[Buffalo Bills]] ({{NFL Year|1980}}–{{NFL Year|1983}})
* [[Buffalo Bills]] ({{NFL Year|1980}}–{{NFL Year|1983}})
| highlights =
| highlights =
* [[Super Bowl champion]] ([[Super Bowl XI|XI]])
* [[Super Bowl champion]] ([[Super Bowl XI|XI]])
* 4× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1974 Pro Bowl|1973]]–[[1977 Pro Bowl|1976]])
* 4× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1974 Pro Bowl|1973]]–[[1977 Pro Bowl|1976]])
| statlabel1 = [[Interception]]s
| statlabel1 = [[Interception]]s
| statvalue1 = 11
| statvalue1 = 11
| statlabel2 = [[Touchdown]]s
| statlabel2 = [[Touchdown]]s
| statvalue2 = 1
| statvalue2 = 1
| nflnew=Phil-Villapiano
}}
}}


Line 32: Line 32:


==Early life==
==Early life==
Villapiano played [[high school football]] at both [[Asbury Park High School]] and [[Ocean Township High School]] in [[Ocean Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey|Monmouth County, New Jersey]]. He played college football at [[Bowling Green State University]], and while there was selected as Mid-America Conference Player of the Year.<ref>Phil Villapiano, {{Cite web |url=http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=VILLAPHI01 |title=Phil Villapiano Past Stats, Statistics, History, and Awards - databaseFootball.com |access-date=2007-12-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007033750/http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=VILLAPHI01 |archive-date=2008-10-07 |url-status=dead }}, database Football. Accessed December 15, 2007.</ref><ref>Harvin, Al. [https://www.nytimes.com/1973/01/12/archives/an-offseason-game-new-jersey-sports.html "An Offseason Game; New Jersey Sports"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', January 12, 1973. Accessed November 16, 2008. "Some of the other Jersey residents on the team, according to Davis, are Bob Tucker, the New York Giants' tight end from Lincroft; Phil Villapiano, Oakland Raider linebacker from Ocean Township, and Ron Johnson, Giant running back, now a resident of Fort Lee."</ref>
Villapiano played [[high school football]] at both [[Asbury Park High School]] and [[Ocean Township High School]] in [[Ocean Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey|Monmouth County, New Jersey]]. He played college football at [[Bowling Green State University]], and while there was selected as Mid-America Conference Player of the Year.<ref>Phil Villapiano, {{Cite web |url=http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=VILLAPHI01 |title=Phil Villapiano Past Stats, Statistics, History, and Awards - databaseFootball.com |access-date=2007-12-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007033750/http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=VILLAPHI01 |archive-date=2008-10-07 }}, database Football. Accessed December 15, 2007.</ref><ref>Harvin, Al. [https://www.nytimes.com/1973/01/12/archives/an-offseason-game-new-jersey-sports.html "An Offseason Game; New Jersey Sports"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', January 12, 1973. Accessed November 16, 2008. "Some of the other Jersey residents on the team, according to Davis, are Bob Tucker, the New York Giants' tight end from Lincroft; Phil Villapiano, Oakland Raider linebacker from Ocean Township, and Ron Johnson, Giant running back, now a resident of Fort Lee."</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
Line 40: Line 40:
*1976 Member of the [[Oakland Raiders]] [[Super Bowl XI]] winning team
*1976 Member of the [[Oakland Raiders]] [[Super Bowl XI]] winning team


Known for his coverage and long time friendship to Steelers Hall of Fame inductee Franco Harris in one of the top plays in the history of the NFL, in 1972, a play known as the “Immaculate Reception.”
Villapiano was known for his pass coverage and his long friendship with Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame inductee [[Franco Harris]] and was a defender in one of the top plays in the history of the NFL, in 1972, a play known as the "[[Immaculate Reception]]". Villapiano was the linebacker assigned to cover Franco Harris during that play on December 23, 1972.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2012/09/23/Phil-Villapiano-No-whining-from-him/stories/201209230246 |title=Phil Villapiano: No whining from him |author=Bouchette, Ed |date=September 23, 2012 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref>


One of the fastest linebackers of his era, Phil specialized in making big plays - none bigger than his momentum changing goal-line tackle against the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI, where he forced the fumble that was recovered by Willie Hall.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/02/one_raiders_star_walked_the_walk_with_the_gift_of.html |title=One Raiders star walked the walk with the gift of his Super Bowl ring |author=Izenberg, Jerry |date=February 4, 2017 |newspaper=The Star-Ledger |access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref> Villapiano was the linebacker assigned to cover Franco Harris during the [[Immaculate Reception]] on December 23, 1972.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2012/09/23/Phil-Villapiano-No-whining-from-him/stories/201209230246 |title=Phil Villapiano: No whining from him |author=Bouchette, Ed |date=September 23, 2012 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref>
One of the fastest linebackers of his era, Villapiano specialized in making big plays - none bigger than his momentum changing goal-line tackle against the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI, where he forced the fumble that was recovered by Willie Hall.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/02/one_raiders_star_walked_the_walk_with_the_gift_of.html |title=One Raiders star walked the walk with the gift of his Super Bowl ring |author=Izenberg, Jerry |date=February 4, 2017 |newspaper=The Star-Ledger |access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref>


In March 2018, Villapiano was inducted into the Reese's Senior Bowl Hall of Fame. The next month Phil was voted as the Jersey Shore's Greatest Sports Personality Winner. Phil Villapiano was also selected as a 2019 Senior Class candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In March 2018, Villapiano was inducted into the Reese's Senior Bowl Hall of Fame. The next month Phil was voted as the Jersey Shore's Greatest Sports Personality Winner. Phil Villapiano was also selected as a 2019 Senior Class candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Line 53: Line 53:
==Activities after playing career==
==Activities after playing career==


In January 2018, Phil was recognized as a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. Later, in March 2018, Phil was named to the Hall of Fame for the College Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL. Later in the summer of 2018, Phil was named as the greatest sports personality for the Jersey Shore in a month long contest that included some of the most prolific names in New Jersey's outstanding sports history. As a 2019 Senior Class candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Villapiano has achieved acknowledgement as a solid finalist and is considered a strong candidate for future induction.
In January 2018, Phil was recognized as a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. Later, in March 2018, Phil was named to the Hall of Fame for the College Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL. Later in the summer of 2018, Phil was named as the greatest sports personality for the Jersey Shore in a month long contest that included some of the most prolific names in New Jersey's outstanding sports history. As a 2019 Senior Class candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Villapiano has achieved acknowledgement as a solid finalist and is considered a strong candidate for future induction.


In March 2018, Villapiano joined with former NFL stars [[Harry Carson]] and [[Nick Buoniconti]] to support a parent initiative called Flag Football Under 14, which recommends no tackle football below that age out of a concern for the brain health of the young players. He said, "At some point, those of us who have had success in this game must speak up to protect both football players and the future of the game, and supporting 'Flag Football Under 14' is our best way to do that."<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/18/health/nfl-no-tackle-football-kids/index.html Former NFLers call for end to tackle football for kids], CNN, Nadia Kounang, March 1, 2018.</ref>
In March 2018, Villapiano joined with former NFL stars [[Harry Carson]] and [[Nick Buoniconti]] to support a parent initiative called Flag Football Under 14, which recommends no tackle football below that age out of a concern for the brain health of the young players. He said, "At some point, those of us who have had success in this game must speak up to protect both football players and the future of the game, and supporting 'Flag Football Under 14' is our best way to do that."<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/18/health/nfl-no-tackle-football-kids/index.html Former NFLers call for end to tackle football for kids], CNN, Nadia Kounang, March 1, 2018.</ref>
Line 61: Line 61:
The Villapiano Fan Club consists of members all across the country run by his family and close friends, are always hosting events during Raiders season.
The Villapiano Fan Club consists of members all across the country run by his family and close friends, are always hosting events during Raiders season.


Phil has also been actively involved in many philanthropic causes such as Save the Jersey Shore post Hurricane Sandy, an executive in the Jimmy V foundation, and numerous programs in his local community of Rumson, NJ and at his alma mater, Bowling Green State University. In recognition of the 100th anniversary of Bowling Green State University Football, Villapiano and nine other former BGSU football players were inducted into the university's Cast of Honor, recognizing the "Best of the Best" by hanging their names and numbers in [[Doyt Perry Stadium|Doyt L. Perry Stadium]].
Phil has also been actively involved in many philanthropic causes such as Save the Jersey Shore post [[Hurricane Sandy]], an executive in the Jimmy V foundation, and numerous programs in his local community of Rumson, NJ and at his alma mater, Bowling Green State University. In recognition of the 100th anniversary of Bowling Green State University Football, Villapiano and nine other former BGSU football players were inducted into the university's Cast of Honor, recognizing the "Best of the Best" by hanging their names and numbers in [[Doyt Perry Stadium|Doyt L. Perry Stadium]].


==References==
==References==
Line 71: Line 71:
* {{cite web |url=https://jimjax4.wordpress.com/2018/04/30/oakland-raiders-great-phil-villapiano-a-hall-of-fame-man-living-a-hall-of-fame-life/ |title=Oakland Raiders great Phil Villapiano; a Hall of Fame man, living a Hall of Fame Life |author=Jax, Jim |date=April 30, 2018 |website=jimjax4 [blog]}}
* {{cite web |url=https://jimjax4.wordpress.com/2018/04/30/oakland-raiders-great-phil-villapiano-a-hall-of-fame-man-living-a-hall-of-fame-life/ |title=Oakland Raiders great Phil Villapiano; a Hall of Fame man, living a Hall of Fame Life |author=Jax, Jim |date=April 30, 2018 |website=jimjax4 [blog]}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.niashf.org/inductees/phil-villapiano/ |title=Phil Villapiano |website=National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.niashf.org/inductees/phil-villapiano/ |title=Phil Villapiano |website=National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame}}
* {{cite interview |url=https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2018/3/23/17157836/in-interview-with-raider-great-phil-villapiano |title=Interview with Raiders Great, new Senior Bowl Hall of Famer Phil Villapiano |interviewer=Linebacker41 |subject=Phil Villapiano |website=Silver and Black Pride [blog]}}
* {{cite interview |url=https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2018/3/23/17157836/in-interview-with-raider-great-phil-villapiano |title=Interview with Raiders Great, new Senior Bowl Hall of Famer Phil Villapiano |interviewer=((Linebacker41)) |subject=Phil Villapiano |website=Silver and Black Pride [blog]}}


{{Raiders1971DraftPicks}}
{{Raiders1971DraftPicks}}

Latest revision as of 01:24, 25 November 2024

Phil Villapiano
No. 41
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1949-02-26) February 26, 1949 (age 75)
Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school:Ocean Township (Ocean Township, New Jersey)
College:Bowling Green
NFL draft:1971 / round: 2 / pick: 45
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Interceptions:11
Touchdowns:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference Edit this at Wikidata

Philip James Villapiano (born February 26, 1949) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Bowling Green Falcons.

Early life

[edit]

Villapiano played high school football at both Asbury Park High School and Ocean Township High School in Monmouth County, New Jersey. He played college football at Bowling Green State University, and while there was selected as Mid-America Conference Player of the Year.[1][2]

Career

[edit]
  • 1971 AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year
  • 1975 & 1976 All-NFL Pro Bowl
  • 1972-1976 All-AFC Pro Bowl
  • 1976 Member of the Oakland Raiders Super Bowl XI winning team

Villapiano was known for his pass coverage and his long friendship with Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame inductee Franco Harris and was a defender in one of the top plays in the history of the NFL, in 1972, a play known as the "Immaculate Reception". Villapiano was the linebacker assigned to cover Franco Harris during that play on December 23, 1972.[3]

One of the fastest linebackers of his era, Villapiano specialized in making big plays - none bigger than his momentum changing goal-line tackle against the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI, where he forced the fumble that was recovered by Willie Hall.[4]

In March 2018, Villapiano was inducted into the Reese's Senior Bowl Hall of Fame. The next month Phil was voted as the Jersey Shore's Greatest Sports Personality Winner. Phil Villapiano was also selected as a 2019 Senior Class candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Personal life

[edit]

Phil has three children; Andrea, Phil, and Michael. Michael was a quarterback at Brown University.[5] Phil's wife, Susan, died of breast cancer on November 22, 2016.[6]

His nephew Joe Villapiano is a college football coach and has been the offensive coordinator at Cornell University since 2017.

Activities after playing career

[edit]

In January 2018, Phil was recognized as a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. Later, in March 2018, Phil was named to the Hall of Fame for the College Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL. Later in the summer of 2018, Phil was named as the greatest sports personality for the Jersey Shore in a month long contest that included some of the most prolific names in New Jersey's outstanding sports history. As a 2019 Senior Class candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Villapiano has achieved acknowledgement as a solid finalist and is considered a strong candidate for future induction.

In March 2018, Villapiano joined with former NFL stars Harry Carson and Nick Buoniconti to support a parent initiative called Flag Football Under 14, which recommends no tackle football below that age out of a concern for the brain health of the young players. He said, "At some point, those of us who have had success in this game must speak up to protect both football players and the future of the game, and supporting 'Flag Football Under 14' is our best way to do that."[7]

Phil was inducted into the Italian Hall of Fame and is a candidate for induction into the NJ State Hall of Fame.

The Villapiano Fan Club consists of members all across the country run by his family and close friends, are always hosting events during Raiders season.

Phil has also been actively involved in many philanthropic causes such as Save the Jersey Shore post Hurricane Sandy, an executive in the Jimmy V foundation, and numerous programs in his local community of Rumson, NJ and at his alma mater, Bowling Green State University. In recognition of the 100th anniversary of Bowling Green State University Football, Villapiano and nine other former BGSU football players were inducted into the university's Cast of Honor, recognizing the "Best of the Best" by hanging their names and numbers in Doyt L. Perry Stadium.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Phil Villapiano, "Phil Villapiano Past Stats, Statistics, History, and Awards - databaseFootball.com". Archived from the original on October 7, 2008. Retrieved December 16, 2007., database Football. Accessed December 15, 2007.
  2. ^ Harvin, Al. "An Offseason Game; New Jersey Sports", The New York Times, January 12, 1973. Accessed November 16, 2008. "Some of the other Jersey residents on the team, according to Davis, are Bob Tucker, the New York Giants' tight end from Lincroft; Phil Villapiano, Oakland Raider linebacker from Ocean Township, and Ron Johnson, Giant running back, now a resident of Fort Lee."
  3. ^ Bouchette, Ed (September 23, 2012). "Phil Villapiano: No whining from him". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  4. ^ Izenberg, Jerry (February 4, 2017). "One Raiders star walked the walk with the gift of his Super Bowl ring". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  5. ^ "#17: Michael Villapiano". Brown University Athletics. 2016. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  6. ^ "Villapiano, Susan Penrod". Madison.com. November 25, 2016. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  7. ^ Former NFLers call for end to tackle football for kids, CNN, Nadia Kounang, March 1, 2018.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Phil Villapiano.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Phil_Villapiano&oldid=1259417995"