Larry Izzo is a former American football player who played as a linebacker and special teams player in the National Football League (NFL). He played for three different teams during his career, including the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and New York Jets.
Izzo began his football career at Rice University, where he played as a linebacker and was named the team's defensive MVP in his senior year. He went undrafted in the 1996 NFL Draft but was signed as a free agent by the Miami Dolphins.
During his time with the Dolphins, Izzo established himself as a valuable special teams player, earning three Pro Bowl selections for his contributions in that role. He also played as a backup linebacker and saw some playing time on defense.
In 2001, Izzo signed with the New England Patriots, where he continued to excel as a special teams player. He helped the team win three Super Bowl championships during his tenure, and was named a team captain in 2004.
Izzo's work ethic and leadership qualities were highly regarded by his coaches and teammates, and he was known for his toughness and willingness to do whatever it took to help his team win. He was also active in the community, and was named the Patriots' Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2008 for his charitable work.
After leaving the Patriots in 2008, Izzo signed with the New York Jets for one season before retiring from football in 2010. He then began a coaching career, working as an assistant special teams coach for the New York Giants and the Houston Texans.
Overall, Larry Izzo's football career was defined by his outstanding contributions as a special teams player and his leadership qualities both on and off the field. He was a key part of three Super Bowl championship teams and earned the respect and admiration of his coaches, teammates, and fans throughout his career.
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