Joe Scarpati

Joseph Henry Scarpati Jr. (born March 5, 1943) is an American former professional football player who was a safety for seven seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the NC State Wolfpack

Scarpati was first drafted by the Boston Patriots but instead chose to sign with Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers. He was released during the exhibition games and signed with the Minnesota Vikings, but was released a few days later. He then signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he would spend the next six seasons of his career. In 1970, he spent the season with the New Orleans Saints, and was the holder for Tom Dempsey's record breaking 63-yard field goal. He attempted to return for an eighth season back with the Eagles but suffered an injury in training camp and retired shortly afterwards.

Early life 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." 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. 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.