Joe Pellegrini

Joseph Anthony Pellegrini (born April 8, 1957) is an American former professional football player who was an offensive lineman for five seasons with the New York Jets and the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Harvard Crimson.

Pellegrini hails from Hingham, Massachusetts. He attended Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, Massachusetts, participating in football and track and field throwing events, though he admits he was not a great athlete. Pellegrini graduated as valedictorian and enrolled at Harvard University. He skipped his senior season in an attempt to qualify for the 1980 Summer Olympics as a discus thrower, training in West Germany, although he was ultimately unable to compete due to the boycott.

Personal life Pellegrini's younger brother, Dave, became an NCAA champion in the weight throw at Princeton. The two often competed against each other in Ivy League throwing events.