17 Facts About Joe Gardi

Joe Gardi is the father of NFL executive Dave Gardi.

Joe Gardi attended the University of Maryland, where he played football from 1959 to 1960 as an offensive tackle and linebacker.

Joe Gardi served as a team co-captain and received the Unsung Hero Award.

Joe Gardi graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration.

Joe Gardi played in two pre-season games before being released.

In 1970, Joe Gardi returned to his alma mater to assume the roles of assistant head coach for the freshman team and recruiting coordinator.

In 1973, after new head coach Jerry Claiborne took over at Maryland, he retained Joe Gardi and moved him to wide receivers coach.

In 1974, Joe Gardi began a tenure in the short-lived World Football League.

Joe Gardi served as a running backs coach, special teams coach, and interim head coach for the Philadelphia Bell.

Joe Gardi then served from 1976 to 1984 as an assistant coach for the New York Jets in the NFL.

Joe Gardi served as special teams and linebackers coach from 1977 to 1980.

From 1985 to 1990, Joe Gardi served as an NFL assistant supervisor of officials, which included training and supervision of the league's officiating staff.

Joe Gardi returned to coaching in 1990 when he took the head position at Hofstra University.

Joe Gardi was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame on Long Island in the Football and Coaches Categories with the Class of 2000.

Joe Gardi retired from coaching for good after the 2005 season.

Joe Gardi died on June 3,2010, from complications related to an earlier stroke.

Joe Gardi previously played college football as a quarterback for the Brown Bears.