Joseph William Righetti (born December 31, 1947) is a former
American football defensive tackle
A defensive tackle (DT) is a position in American football that will typically line up on the line of scrimmage, opposite one of the offensive guards, however he may also line up opposite one of the tackles. Defensive tackles are typically the la ...
who played two seasons with the
Cleveland Browns of the
National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the
1969 NFL Draft
The 1969 National Football League draft was part of the common draft, the third and final year in which the NFL and American Football League (AFL) held a joint draft of college players. The draft took place January 28–29, 1969.
The draft beg ...
. He played
college football
College football (french: Football universitaire) refers to gridiron football played by teams of student athletes. It was through college football play that American football rules first gained popularity in the United States.
Unlike most ...
at
Waynesburg University and attended Bethlehem-Center High School in
Fredericktown, Pennsylvania.
Early years
Righetti played
high school football at Bethlehem-Center High School. He was named most valuable lineman in his senior year.
College career
Righetti was a four-year starter for the
Waynesburg Yellow Jackets
Waynesburg University is a private university in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1850 and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. The university enrolls over 2,500 students, includin ...
. He earned
NAIA All-American and NAIA All-District honors. He was also a Pennsylvania All-State
West Penn Conference selection. Righetti set a record with eighteen individual tackles in a game against the
Muskingum Fighting Muskies. He also participated in wrestling and track, placing fourth in the 1966 and 1967 NAIA National Wrestling Tournament and set the school record in the
shot put
The shot put is a track and field event involving "putting" (throwing) a heavy spherical ball—the ''shot''—as far as possible. The shot put competition for men has been a part of the modern Olympics since their revival in 1896, and women's ...
. He was inducted into the Waynesburg College Sports Hall of Fame for both football and wrestling.
Professional career
Cleveland Browns
Righetti was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 150th pick in the 1969 NFL Draft. He appeared in 23 games for the Browns from 1969 to 1970 before injuries shortened his career.
Personal life
Righetti coached high school football for nine years after his playing career and was also a teacher at
Whippany Park High School in
New Jersey.
References
External links
Just Sports Stats
{{DEFAULTSORT:Righetti, Joe
1947 births
Living people
American football defensive tackles
Cleveland Browns players
Waynesburg Yellow Jackets football players
High school football coaches in New Jersey
People from Washington County, Pennsylvania
Players of American football from Pennsylvania