Vince Pazzetti

Bio

Vince "Pat" Pazzetti moved in some very fast company. While quarterbacking Lehigh to a 9-2 record in 1912, Pazzetti was to earn All-America mention in the same backfield with the legendary Jim Thorpe. There was no doubt Pazzetti deserved that distinction, because he was an unusual athlete, indeed. A three-sport star at Wellesley High School in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Pazzetti advanced to Wesleyan University for standout football seasons in 1908 and 1909, before transferring to Lehigh for junior and senior campaigns in 1911 and 1912. It was at Lehigh that Pazzetti made his deepest imprint upon Eastern football. Just 160 pounds over a 5-11 frame, Pazzetti proved himself a durable quarterback and one of the game's most successful ground-gainers. He was an excellent passer in an era when the pass was in its infancy. But it was Pazzetti's broken-field running which won him the praises of All-America selectors as he logged more runs in excess of 90 yards than any player of his day, including the great Jim Thorpe. At the same time, he developed the art of spot punting to near perfection, befuddling opposing teams with his kicking. After graduation, Pazzetti began a 50-year employment with Bethlehem Steel, rising to the position of General Manager of its Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, plant.

Career Highlights

• 1912 Second Team All-America