Vince Lombardi

Vincent Thomas Lombardi (June 11, 1913 – September 3, 1970) was one of the most successful coaches in the history of American football. He was the driving force of the Green Bay Packers, who dominated the National Football League during his tenure as coach.

Early life

Vincent Lombardi was born on June 11, 1913 in Brooklyn, New York to Italian-born father Enrigo Lombardi and Matilda Izzo, who was born in Brooklyn, also of Italian descent. He studied for two years to become a Catholic priest before entering the St. Francis Preparatory High School, where he was a standout on the football team. In 1933 Lombardi began studying at Fordham University in New York City. After a single year, Lombardi joined the varsity football team and became a member of Fordham's imposing front line, which became known as the Seven Blocks of Granite. It held Fordham's opponents scoreless several times during a string of 25 consecutive victories. Lombardi obtained his business degree in 1937, graduating cum laude.

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Brooklyn, New York - Italian - Brooklyn - Catholic - 1933 - Fordham University - New York City - Seven Blocks of Granite - 1937 - Cum laude

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After two years of night classes and semi-professional football with the Wilmington Clippers, Lombardi took a coaching job at a high school in New Jersey. He married his wife, Marie Planitz, in 1940. In 1947, he coached Fordham's freshman football team, and the next year he served as an assistant coach for the varsity team.

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Wilmington - New Jersey - 1940 - 1947

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In 1949, Lombardi took a job coaching the varsity defensive line for the United States Military Academy, a position that would greatly influence his future coaching style. Under coach Earl Blaik, Lombardi worked long hours and refined his leadership skills. Blaik's emphasis on execution would become a hallmark of Lombardi's NFL teams.

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1949 - United States Military Academy - Earl Blaik - NFL

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