Joseph M. Manzo (February 3, 1917 – October 15, 2006) was an American football player.
Early years
A native of Medford, Massachusetts, Manzo attended Medford High School and St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers.[1]
Boston College
He played college football for Boston College.[2] He was a member the undefeated 1940 Boston College Eagles football team that claims a national championship. As a reward for Manzo's consistency and reliability during the 1940 season, head coach Frank Leahy selected Manzo as a co-captain for the 1941 Sugar Bowl in which Boston College defeated Tennessee.[3][4]
Professional football and military service
He was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 65th pick in the 1941 NFL draft, but he was drafted into the Army before having a chance to play for the Lions. He served two years as part of the North African campaign in World War II.[1] After the war, he joined the Lions for the 1945 season. He appeared in three NFL games for the Lions.[2]
Later years
After retiring from football, Manzo worked as a salesman for NP Liquors. He was inducted in 1982 into the Boston College Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame. He died in 2006 at age 89.[1]
