Norwin grad Rizzo gets new lease on football life playing in Italian professional league

When Gianni Rizzo finished his college football career at Duquesne last year as a fifth-year linebacker, he naturally began to think his playing days were over.

He turned in his uniform and hit the ice tub.

“It’s a long season, and my body hurt,” the Norwin graduate said.

But as fast as thoughts of packing it in came on, Rizzo realized just as quickly he wasn’t quite finished. The switch wasn’t fully turned off for the 25-year-old.

A new opportunity arose, redirecting Rizzo’s train of thought and reminding him he still had plenty left in the tank.

Teams from the Italian Football League began to show interest in the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder with the Italian-sounding name. He already had taken a full-time job as a production manager with JP Roofing and had become a PIAA basketball referee.

His official occupation now? Pro football player.

News became official Tuesday that Rizzo signed a one-year contract with the Lazio Marines, extending his career to the professional level.

“Six months went by, and, all of the sudden, I am working out with the usual football (regimen), making changes to my diet and taking zoom calls three times a week with coaches. I thought, I am committing to this.”

Rizzo is a rookie again but not really. That is because IFL coaches seek out expertise from American players. While each of the 12 teams in the league can sign only two Americans, those players are like additional coaches or consultants who can help grow the 11-on-11 game internationally.

“The coaches include me in their meetings,” Rizzo said. “it’s like the fifth-year guy coming in with the experience. They want you to tell them what you know.”

He came to Duquesne and played three seasons after limited action at Youngstown State. In 34 career games at Duquesne, he made 141 tackles, 21¹⁄₂ for loss, and had 5¹⁄₂ sacks and eight passes defended.

One unique thing now is Rizzo will play both sides of the ball again. Lazio wants him to line up at wide receiver and linebacker.

“It’s been a while since I played receiver,” Rizzo said. “It’s been weird training. I am not lifting as heavy. I want to be around 212 to 215 (pounds), not 225.”

Rizzo said his friend, Dom Pacelli, who is from Milford, Conn., played in the IFL, which has been around since 1978 but has changed ownership groups several times.

“He loved it,” Rizzo said.

The ultimate goal for IFL players is to make it to the European League of Football (ELF).

“That’s like the NFL of Italy,” Rizzo said.

Rizzo is serving as an assistant coach this season at Norwin.

He won’t leave for training camp until January. Teams play a 14-game schedule.

Last year, the Italian Bowl XLII was played in America, at the University of Toledo.

His contract also includes a car, an apartment and coverage of all of his food costs.

The more he looks at his situation, the more is glad he kept his game sharp and his dream alive.

“I never lost sight of mind with football,” Rizzo said. “Getting paid to play football in Italy … that’s a pretty nice deal. It’s a great opportunity, and I am looking forward to it.”