Michael Terrizzi

Michael Patrick Terrizzi (born October 29, 1953) is an American attorney and former football quarterback. A New Jersey native, he played college football at Purdue University in 1973 and 1974.

Early years

Terrizzi was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and grew up in Hawthorne, New Jersey.^[1][2] He attended Hawthorne High School where, at 6'3" and 195 pounds, he played quarterback. He threw 23 touchdown passes as a senior and led the Hawthorne football team to two consecutive undefeated seasons.^[3] He was also selected by the Associated Press as the quarterback on the 1970 all-state team in New Jersey.^[4]

Football career

In February 1971, after being recruited by 50 big-time colleges, he announced his commitment to play college football at Purdue University.^[3]

At Purdue, he played for the football team in 1973 and 1974. In 1973, he was the team's punter and backup quarterback.^[5] He led the Big Ten in punting during the 1973 season with an average of 38.3 yards per punt.^[6][7]

He became the team's No. 1 quarterback in 1974.^[1][8] Despite a shoulder injury that called his fitness into question,^[9] he led the 1974 Boilermakers to a 24-point first quarter in an upset victory over defending national champion Notre Dame at South Bend, Indiana.^[10] In total, Terrizzi appeared in 22 games for the Boilermakers, completing 32 of 72 passes for 526 yards.^[11]

In March 1975, Terrizzi signed a free agent contract with the San Francisco 49ers.^[2] He was cut by the 49ers in late July 1975.^[12]

Legal career

He attended Golden Gate University School of Law and became an attorney with the law firm of Plastiras & Terrizzi located in San Rafael, California.^[13] He specialized in community/homeowner association law.^[14]

He is also a board member of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame, Northern California Chapter.^[15]

References