From NEO to The NFL
The Professional Football Legacies of John Carroll University and St. Ignatius High School
In the archives of football history, certain institutions stand out as factories of talent, churning out NFL stars with remarkable consistency. While Powerhouse schools or big state universities often grab the headlines, two institutions in Northeast Ohio, both birthed from the same foundation, have been quietly creating a football legacy that rivals any in the country.
St. Ignatius College, founded in 1886 by the Society of Jesus, was the seed from which both John Carroll University and St. Ignatius High School sprouted. While the college by that name no longer exists, its legacy lives on. John Carroll University, renamed in 1923 in honor of the first archbishop of the Catholic Church in the U.S., has been in continuous operation, producing not just academicians but also some of the finest talents the NFL has ever seen. Meanwhile, Saint Ignatius High School, standing tall at its historic location, is a testament to the enduring legacy of St. Ignatius College.
The impact of these institutions on the NFL is nothing short of remarkable. According to their school’s website, heading into the 2022 season, 41 JCU Alumni and former coaches were working in the NFL on 16 different teams. Additionally, 16 of them made it to the playoffs. In 2019 six of its former students played pivotal roles in New England's Super Bowl LIII victory. One of the greatest connections from JCU to the NFL is the legendary Don Shula '51, a Pro Football Hall of Famer who won Super Bowls VII and VIII, and still has the NFL record for most wins by a head coach with 328.
Josh McDaniels, a standout from John Carroll's football history, is currently the Head Coach for the Las Vegas Raiders. Originally a high school quarterback, he shifted to wide receiver at John Carroll, competing with Nick Caserio who is now the General Manager for the Houston Texans. Both were a part of the glory years with the New England Patriots, with McDaniels clinching 6 Super Bowls as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator.
While his time at John Carroll connected him with NFL legends like London Fletcher and Brian Polian, many of his peers, such as Jerry Schuplinski (TE Coach for the Raiders), Tom Telesco (General Manager for the Chargers), and Dave Ziegler (General Manager for the Raiders), are still making significant impacts in the league
Brandon Staley, who served as the Defensive Coordinator for John Carroll in 2013, is now the Head Coach of the San Diego Chargers. Tom Arth, another John Carroll alumnus, held multiple roles at the university, including Co-offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, and head coach from 2010 to 2016. He's now the Passing Game Coordinator for the Chargers.
Tom Arth bridges the rich football traditions of these two institutions. As he was also a graduate of St. Ignatius Other notable alumni still playing in the league include Brian Hoyer '04 with the Las Vegas Raiders, Dre'Mont Jones '15 with the Seattle Seahawks, and Liam Eichenberg '16 with the Miami Dolphins. The coaching realm isn't left behind either, with talents like Jonathan Gannon '01 leading the Arizona Cardinals and Dave Ragone '98 orchestrating the offense for the Atlanta Falcons.
In the vast realm of football, where countless stories of talent and triumph unfold, the tales of John Carroll University and St. Ignatius High School are truly exceptional. These institutions have not only produced NFL stars but have also nurtured the values of dedication, perseverance, and excellence. While this article touches on some of the luminaries, it's worth noting that there are many names, stories, and moments that remain untold. Even a comprehensive book or an in-depth documentary might find it challenging to capture the full essence of their remarkable legacies.
As the new NFL season dawns, one thing remains crystal clear: the legacy birthed by John Carroll and St. Ignatius is not just alive but thriving. With each game, each play, and each victory, they continue to etch their names deeper into football history. And while many tales have been told, countless more await, ensuring that their stories will inspire generations to come.
The upcoming NFL season promises several intriguing matchups that spotlight these individuals. Given the vast network of John Carroll and St. Ignatius alumni and affiliates throughout the league, there are specific games we're particularly eager to watch:
Chargers vs Raiders (10/1/23 & 12/14/23):
A duel between Head Coaches: Josh McDaniels of the Raiders and Brandon Staley of the Chargers.
Battle of the GMs: Tom Telesco ’95 for the Chargers and David Ziegler ’00 for the Raiders, both John Carroll alumni.
Additional Key Personnel: Tom Arth '03 (Chargers Passing Game Coordinator) and Matt Feeney '15 (Raiders Defensive Quality Control Specialist).
Cardinals vs Falcons (11/12/23):
Ignatius grad and Cardinals' new HC, Jonathan Gannon ‘01, faces off against Falcons' Offensive Coordinator Dave Ragone and new Offensive Assistant Patrick Kramer, both from John Carroll.
Cardinals vs Texans (11/19/23):
HC Jonathan Gannon of the Cardinals meets a trio of John Carroll alumni from the Texans: GM Nick Caserio ’98, Assistant Director of Pro Scouting D.J. Debick ’13, and Special Teams Coordinator Frank Ross ’10.
Falcons vs Texans (10/8/23):
A showcase of John Carroll talent: Texans' GM Nick Caserio ’98, Assistant Director of Pro Scouting D.J. Debick ’13, and Special Teams Coordinator Frank Ross ’10 against Falcons' Offensive Coordinator Dave Ragone and new Offensive Assistant Patrick Kramer.
Rams vs Packers (11/8/23):
Rams' coaching staff boasts John Carroll alumni Nick Caley ’06 (TE Coach), Chris Shula (Linebackers/Pass Rush Coordinator), and Mike Harris (Safeties Coach).
On the Packers' side, Rob Grosso '15 serves as the Offensive Quality Control - TE's, and St. Ignatius grad Chris Gizzi is the S&C Coach.
These matchups promise thrilling encounters, showcasing the profound influence of John Carroll and St. Ignatius in the NFL.