Dan Vitale

Dan Michael Vitale III (born October 26, 1993) is an American former professional football player who was a fullback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Northwestern Wildcats and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft. He was also a member of the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, and New England Patriots.

Early life Vitale was born one of two sons to Lisa and Dan Vitale. His brother Tommy played as a linebacker while at Northwestern University. Vitale attended high school in Wheaton, Illinois, the same as former football player Red Grange, actor John Belushi and astronomer Edwin Hubble.

While attending Wheaton Warrenville South High School, Vitale earned distinctions including places on the honor roll and National Honor Society. He played high school football as both a wide receiver and running back. During the 2011 season, Vitale earned All-Area and All-State awards. He earned a letter in wrestling where he competed at 152 lbs, lettered two years in football and earned letters three years in track.

Professional career

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (first stint) Vitale was selected by the Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft with the 197th overall pick. He was released by the Buccaneers as part of final roster cuts on September 3, 2016.

Buffalo Bills Vitale was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills the next day, but failed his physical examination, voiding the contract.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (second stint) On September 10, 2016, he re-joined the Buccaneers as a member of their practice squad.

Cleveland Browns Vitale was signed off the Buccaneers' practice squad by the Cleveland Browns on October 14, 2016.

On September 1, 2018, Vitale suffered a calf injury and was placed on injured list. He was released by the Browns on October 12.

Green Bay Packers Vitale was signed to the Green Bay Packers practice squad on October 22, 2018. He was promoted to the active roster on December 1. Vitale appeared in five games for the team during the season.

In the 2019 season, Vitale saw some increased usage in the receiving game with seven receptions for 97 yards. He started in four of the 15 games he appeared in.

New England Patriots On March 21, 2020, Vitale signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots. On July 28, Vitale announced he was opting out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was released after the season on May 27, 2021.

On June 6, 2021, Vitale announced his retirement from professional football.

NFL career statistics +Regular season statisticsYear Team Games Rushing Receiving Fumbles GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost 2016 CLE 9 3 0 0 0 0 0 4 27 6.8 17 0 0 0 2017 CLE 15 6 0 0 0 0 0 3 19 6.3 11 0 0 0 2018 GB 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2.0 2 0 0 0 2019 GB 15 4 1 3 3.0 3 0 7 97 13.9 27 0 0 0 2020 NE Did not play due to COVID-19 opt-out Total 44 13 1 3 3.0 3 0 15 145 9.7 27 0 0 0Source: NFL.com

Post-NFL career Beginning in November 2021, Vitale founded the health and fitness company VITALETY, LLC. In January 2022, Vitale became Financial Advisor and Financial Planning Specialist for the financial services company Morgan Stanley in New York, New York.