John Parrella is a former American football defensive tackle who played in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. He was born on February 23, 1971, in Stockton, California, and attended the University of Nebraska, where he played college football for the Cornhuskers.
Parrella was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played for the Bills for four seasons, from 1993 to 1996, before signing with the San Diego Chargers as a free agent in 1998. He played for the Chargers for six seasons, from 1998 to 2003, and was a key member of their defense during that time.
In 2004, Parrella signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he played his final season in the NFL. He retired from professional football after the 2004 season, having played in 172 games over his career.
During his time in the NFL, Parrella was known for his toughness and durability. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection, in 1999 and 2001, and was named to the All-Pro team in 2001. He was also a team captain for the Chargers for several seasons.
Off the field, Parrella was known for his philanthropic work. He founded the John Parrella Foundation, which provides support and resources to children and families in need. He also served as a mentor to young athletes and was involved in various community service projects throughout his career.
Overall, John Parrella had a successful career in the NFL, playing for three different teams and earning recognition as one of the top defensive tackles in the league. He was a respected leader both on and off the field and continues to make a positive impact through his charitable work.
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