Jim Ricca (football)

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James Emanuel "Big Jim' Ricca (born October 8, 1927, Brooklyn, New York) was a professional American Football player. He played defensive end and guard for 6 seasons in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions.

Contents 1 NFL 1.1 Jersey numbers 2 College 3 Personal 4 External links

[edit] NFL

Playing at 6'4", 270 lbs., Ricca logged 47 games for the Washington Redskins from 1951 to 1954, playing primarily at center.

He was traded to Detroit prior to the 1955. Ricca played in only 6 games for the Lions before being traded to Philadelphia after a post-game tirade by Detroit head coach Buddy Parker aboard the team plane following a 38-21 loss at San Francisco. " He went on to play another season with Philadelphia. He retired after the 1956 season after a career 60 games.

[edit] Jersey numbers

• Washington Redskins (1951-54) - #55
• Detroit Lions (1955) - #75
• Philadelphia Eagles (1955-56) - #71

[edit] College

Ricca holds the distinction of being the last Georgetown University graduate to play in the NFL. He played for the Hoyas from 1947 to 1949.

[edit] Personal

After retiring from professional football, Ricca founded Jim Ricca and Associates, an advertising agency in Washington, D.C.

Ricca's son, John Ricca was a defensive end in the Canadian Football League and World Football League and coached high school football at St. John’s at Prospect Hall in Frederick, Maryland. He resigned in 2005 to take a position as an assistant coach at Catholic University, where his son Keith currently plays.

Three of his grandsons were college quarterbacks. Kevin and Keith Ricca both hold records for passing at Catholic University. J.D. Ricca was twice-named Virginia College Division Football Player of the Year at Hampden-Sydney College. One of his other grandsons, Patrick Laverty, is an offensive linemen at Catholic University as well. His grandaughters are also accomplished athletes: Jamie Ricca was a 1,000 point scorer in basketball at Marymount University. Kristi Ricca was a three sport athlete at St. John's College High School and Jacqui Ricca played lacrosse at Mount St. Mary's University.

[edit] External links

• Riccas are brothers in arms, D3football.com
• "Glory Days: The Past, Present and Future of Hoyas Turned Professional Athletes The Hoya, January 23, 2004
• Jim Ricca and Associates, advertising agency.

Persondata
NAME	Ricca, James Emanuel
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Ricca, Jim; Big Jim
SHORT DESCRIPTION	American football player; played defensive end and guard
DATE OF BIRTH	October 8, 1927
PLACE OF BIRTH	Brooklyn, New York
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH