Jim Dombrowski

James Matthew Dombrowski (born October 19, 1963) is an American former professional football player who played his entire 11-years career as a guard and offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Dombrowski played college football for the Virginia Cavaliers, earning consensus All-American honors. A first-round pick in the 1986 NFL draft, he was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

Early life

Dombrowski was born in Williamsville, New York. He graduated from Williamsville South High School, and played for the Williamsville South Billies high school football team.

College career

Dombrowski accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Virginia, where he played for coach George Welsh's Virginia Cavaliers football team from 1982 to 1985. He won numerous accolades as one of the finest student-athletes in the history of UVa athletics, including being recognized as a unanimous first-team All-American as a senior in 1985. He was also a two-time first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) selection in 1984 and 1985, the recipient of the ACC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy in 1984 and 1985 as the conference's best offensive lineman, and a first-team Academic All-Conference honoree in 1985. After graduation, he was later honored as a recipient of the NCAA's Today's Top Six Award for his combined athletic ability, academic achievement, leadership characteristics and campus involvement. Dombrowski's No. 73 jersey has been retired by the university.

Professional career

The New Orleans Saints chose Dombrowski in the first round, sixth pick overall, of the 1986 NFL draft. He played for the Saints from to . Dombrowski played left tackle until the middle of the season, and then played left guard until his retirement in .