Joe Scarpati

Scarpati was born on March 5, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York. He was raised in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, and attended Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. His high school coach Chuck Nelson described him as "a boy who comes up once in 25 years." He was an all-around player in high school, excelling a center, halfback, and cornerback. A 1958 newspaper article described him as "like a cat on defense. Wherever the play goes, Joe's there. You rarely get a pass by him. If it's near Joe, it's as good as intercepted." ==College career==

Scarpati was recruited to the NC State Wolfpack football team by Pat Peppler, who would recruit him into the National Football League (NFL) as well. He played and lettered from '61 to '63. In 1961, he appeared in all 10 games while recording 43 attempts for 164 yards and 1 touchdown. He also amassed 14 catches for 150 yards and 2 scores. As team captain in his senior year, Scarpati had 49 rushes for 137 yards and two touchdowns. He had more of a receiving role his senior year, with 24 receptions for 273 yards and two scores. He placed 4th in the ACC for yards per catch in '63. ==Professional career==

Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings In the 1964 AFL draft, he was selected by the Boston Patriots (13th round, 100th pick) but chose Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers instead. The Packers' Personnel Director Pat Peppler recruited him. In his rookie season, he played in 12 out of 14 games and collected three interceptions. One of which he returned for a 24-yard touchdown. He started all 14 games the next year and also recorded his only career offensive touch, a 6-yard rush. He would start all but 2 games in the next three seasons and recorded 10 interceptions, two of which were touchdowns. In '68, he had two pass attempts. After a knee operation in '69, Scarpati returned and made four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. New Orleans Saints In 1970, Scarpati was traded to the New Orleans Saints for guard Norman Davis and safety Bo Burris. ==References==