15 Facts About Pat Abbruzzi

Pasquale Abbruzzi was an American college and professional Canadian football running back and a successful high school football coach.

Pat Abbruzzi was born and raised in Warren, Rhode Island and is the younger brother of former NFL player, Lou "Duke" Pat Abbruzzi.

Pat Abbruzzi attended Warren High School and went on to the University of Rhode Island following graduation.

Pat Abbruzzi rushed 562 times for a school record 3389 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Pat Abbruzzi was named All-Yankee Conference each of these years and named a New England All-Star from 1952 to 1954.

Pat Abbruzzi was drafted twice by the Baltimore Colts of the NFL in 1954 and 1955.

Pat Abbruzzi chose the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League for a pro career, mostly because they offered him a $500 bonus which he used for his honeymoon.

Pat Abbruzzi rushed 182 times and led the CFL in rushing with 1,248 yards and in touchdowns with 17.

Pat Abbruzzi was named the second recipient of the CFL's Most Outstanding Player Award, as well as a CFL All-Star, at the conclusion of the 1955 season.

Pat Abbruzzi continued as the Larks top rusher in 1956 with 1,062 yards and was named to a second consecutive CFL All-Star team in 1956.

In 1957, Pat Abbruzzi had 809 yards, but an injury-plagued 1958 season would turn out to be his last, when Pat Abbruzzi finished the year with 630 yards.

Pat Abbruzzi coached eight division champions over 26 years, and coached baseball in his spare time.

Pat Abbruzzi was named to the University of Rhode Island Athletic Hall of Fame in 1972 and the Rhode Island Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1976.

Pat Abbruzzi was a charter member of the Warren Athletic Hall of Fame and in 2005 Pat was named to the Rhode Island Interscholastic League Hall of Fame.

Pat Abbruzzi was later elected to the Sons of Italy Athletic Hall of Fame.