Pat Abbruzzi
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| Date of birth | August 29, 1932 |
|---|---|
| Place of birth | Warren, Rhode Island, USA |
| Date of death | June 3, 1998 (aged 65) |
| Place of death | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Running back |
| College | University of Rhode Island |
| NFL draft | 1955 / Round: 13 / Pick: 147 |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1955–1958 | Montreal Alouettes |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| Awards | 1955 CFL Most Outstanding Player |
| Honors | CFL All Star: 1955, 56 |
Pasquale "Pat" Abbruzzi, (August 29, 1932 – June 3, 1998) was an American college and professional Canadian football running back and a successful high school football coach. Abbruzzi played collegiately for the University of Rhode Island (Class of 1955), and professionally for the Canadian Football League Montreal Alouettes for four years (1955-1959).
Abbruzzi was born and raised in Warren, Rhode Island and is the younger brother of former NFL player, Lou "Duke" Abbruzzi. Abbruzzi attended Warren High School and went on to the University of Rhode Island following graduation.
As a member of the University of Rhode Island Rams football team, from 1951 to 1954, he was an all star running back. He rushed 562 times for a school record 3389 yards (6 yard per carry average) and 25 touchdowns. His greatest and record setting day was October 4, 1952, versus New Hampshire (a 27-7 win). In this game, Abbruzzi rushed for 306 yards, including a 99 yard run from scrimmage, both school records. He also scored 3 TDs. He was named All-Yankee Conference each of these years and named a New England All-Star from 1952 to 1954.
Abbruzzi was drafted twice by the Baltimore Colts of the NFL in 1954 (30th round, 352 overall) and 1955 (13th round, 147 overall). 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.
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