30 Facts About Larry Izzo

Early Life and High School Achievements

Larry Izzo's journey to football greatness began in his hometown of Ashburn, Virginia. His early years set the stage for a remarkable career.

1. 01Lawrence Alexander Izzo was born on September 26, 1974, in Ashburn, Virginia. His football journey started at Broad Run High School.
2. 02Sophomore Star: Izzo became the first sophomore in Broad Run history to lead the team in rushing yards and touchdowns.
3. 03Texas Relocation: After moving to Texas, Izzo attended McCullough High School in The Woodlands.
4. 04Dual Threat: At McCullough, he excelled as a running back and safety, earning two varsity letters.
5. 05Senior Year: In his senior year, he rushed for 1,081 yards and made 131 tackles, leading McCullough to the Texas 5A semi-finals.
6. 06Houston Chronicle Honors: Izzo was named the Houston Chronicle's Two-Way Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Houston Touchdown Club's Player of the Year.

College Career at Rice University

Izzo's college years at Rice University were marked by outstanding performances and numerous accolades.

7. 07Rice University: Izzo attended Rice University, where he wore the number 26 and became a four-year letterman.
8. 08Tackles Record: He finished fourth on Rice's all-time tackles list with 301 tackles and set a school-record 46 tackles for losses.
9. 09Player of the Game: In 1994, Izzo was named player of the game after Rice defeated top-10 ranked Texas, thanks to his two key sacks.
10. 10Team Captain: As a senior, Izzo was voted defensive team captain and earned consensus All-Southwest Conference honors.
11. 11MVP Awards: He won the George Martin Award as the team's MVP and the Jess Neely Defense Award as the top linebacker.
12. 12All-American: Izzo was also selected as an Honorable Mention All-American.

Professional Career: Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots

Despite going undrafted, Izzo's professional career took off with the Miami Dolphins and later soared with the New England Patriots.

13. 13Undrafted Free Agent: Izzo went undrafted in the 1996 NFL draft but was signed by the Miami Dolphins as a free agent.
14. 14Special Teams Star: With the Dolphins, Izzo primarily played on special teams, earning a Pro Bowl spot in 2000.
15. 15Patriots Signing: In 2001, Izzo signed with the New England Patriots, joining a team destined for greatness.
16. 16Super Bowl Champion: Izzo played on three of the Patriots' Super Bowl-winning teams in 2001, 2003, and 2004.
17. 17Pro Bowl Selections: He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection during his tenure with the Patriots.
18. 18All-Pro Honors: Izzo was also named a first-team All-Pro, highlighting his exceptional skills.
19. 19Undefeated Season: He was part of the 2007 Patriots, the only undefeated team in the regular season since the NFL expanded to a 16-game schedule.

Memorable Moments and Career Transition

Izzo's career was filled with memorable moments, both on and off the field, and a seamless transition into coaching.

20. 20Yankees Suck Chant: Izzo gained notoriety in 2002 by leading a "Yankees suck!" chant during the Patriots' Super Bowl parade.
21. 21NESN Appearance: In 2008, he hosted an interview segment on the NESN dating show "Sox Appeal."
22. 22New York Jets: Izzo joined the New York Jets in 2009 but was placed on injured reserve due to a spine injury.
23. 23Coaching Career: Izzo began his coaching career in 2011 with the New York Giants as an assistant special teams coach.
24. 24Super Bowl Ring: He received his fourth Super Bowl ring with the Giants after their 2011-12 NFC Championship win.
25. 25Houston Texans: In 2016, Izzo became the special teams coordinator for the Houston Texans, improving their DVOA ranking.
26. 26Seattle Seahawks: Izzo joined the Seattle Seahawks in 2018, eventually becoming their full-time special teams coordinator.
27. 27Washington Commanders: In February 2024, Izzo was hired by the Washington Commanders as their special teams coordinator.

Legacy and Impact

Larry Izzo's legacy in football extends beyond his playing days, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

28. 28Special Teams Expertise: Izzo is renowned for his expertise in special teams, consistently improving team performance.
29. 29Record Holder: He holds the record for the most special teams tackles in NFL history with 298 tackles.
30. 30Community Involvement: Beyond football, Izzo is involved in various community initiatives, reflecting his commitment to making a positive impact.

Larry Izzo's Lasting Impact

Larry Izzo's journey from an undrafted free agent to a celebrated special teams coordinator is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication and hard work have left a significant mark on American football. With three Super Bowl wins, multiple Pro Bowl selections, and a record for the most special teams tackles in NFL history, Izzo's career is a testament to his skill and determination.

Transitioning seamlessly into coaching, he has improved special teams units for the Giants, Texans, Seahawks, and now the Washington Commanders. His strategic thinking and leadership have consistently elevated team performance. Beyond the field, Izzo's community involvement showcases his commitment to making a positive impact.

Larry Izzo's legacy in football is multifaceted, inspiring future generations of players and coaches. His influence continues to shape the sport, proving that hard work and passion can lead to extraordinary achievements.