Joe Righetti

Joseph William Righetti is an American former professional football defensive tackle who played two seasons with the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was selected by the Browns in the sixth round of the 1969 NFL/AFL draft. He played college football at Waynesburg University.

Early life

Righetti played high school football at Bethlehem-Center High School in Fredericktown, Pennsylvania. He was named most valuable lineman in his senior year.

College career

Righetti was a four-year starter for the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets. 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. He was inducted into the Waynesburg College Sports Hall of Fame for both football and wrestling.

Professional career

Righetti was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 150th pick in the 1969 NFL/AFL 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.