The Rise of Larry Izzo: From Unsung NFL Hero to Coaching Legend

Larry Izzo is a name that may not resonate with many football fans but to those who do know who he is, they recognize him as one of the unsung heroes of the game. Playing for 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), Izzo was a three-time Pro Bowler and a three-time Super Bowl Champion. However, his achievements on the football field only mark the beginning of his story. After retiring as a player, Izzo made a seamless transition into coaching, quickly establishing himself as a rising star in the coaching world. Let’s take a closer look at the rise of Larry Izzo and how he went from an unsung NFL hero to a coaching legend.

Beginnings of Larry Izzo’s Career

Larry Izzo was born in February 1975 in New Jersey. He started his football journey playing at Rice University, where he stood out as an aggressive player on special teams. Despite going undrafted, Izzo signed with the Miami Dolphins in 1996 and quickly made a name for himself as a special teams player.

The Importance of Special Teams

Special teams are often overlooked in the game of football, but not by Larry Izzo. He believed that this aspect of the game was essential and worked tirelessly to make sure his team excelled in this area. His dedication paid off, and he helped the New England Patriots win three Super Bowls, in part due to their dominance on special teams.

A New Chapter in Coaching

After retiring as a player, Izzo’s love for football pushed him to pursue a career in coaching. He began as an assistant special teams coach for the New York Giants in 2011. Under his guidance, the Giants special teams improved significantly.

Rising to the Top

Izzo’s coaching abilities did not go unnoticed, and he was soon offered a chance to coach for his former team, the New England Patriots. He quickly rose up the ranks to become the special teams coordinator, a position he held until 2019.

Larry Izzo’s Coaching Philosophy

One of the secrets to Izzo’s success is his coaching philosophy. He believes in building relationships and trust with his players, which he sees as crucial to helping them develop and reach their full potential. He also establishes clear goals and expectations for his team, which helps them understand what they need to do to win.

Lessons Learned from the Greats

Izzo didn’t just learn from his own experiences on the field, but he also picked up valuable insights from some of the greatest coaches of all time. Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, and Nick Saban are just a few of the coaches who have influenced Izzo’s coaching style.

The Next Chapter

In 2020, Larry Izzo was offered a position as the special teams coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, a testament to his reputation as one of the top coaches in the game. He will undoubtedly continue to make an impact and leave his mark on the NFL.

Conclusion

Larry Izzo’s journey from an unsung hero in the NFL to a coaching legend is an inspiring one, full of hard work, dedication, and a love for the game. It shows that success can be achieved both on and off the field and that a player’s greatest contributions don’t always end when they retire.

FAQs

Who is Larry Izzo?
Larry Izzo is a former American football player and current NFL coach. He played in the NFL for 14 seasons and won three Super Bowls, and is now regarded as one of the top special teams coaches in the game.

What is special teams in football?
Special teams in football refers to the unit of players responsible for all facets of kicking the ball. This includes field goals, kickoffs, and punts, as well as returning those kicks.

What are some of Larry Izzo’s coaching philosophies?
Larry Izzo believes in building relationships and trust with his players, establishing clear goals and expectations, and using lessons learned from some of the greatest coaches of all time to shape his coaching style.

What did Larry Izzo achieve as a player?
Larry Izzo was a three-time Pro Bowler and won three Super Bowls during his time as a player in the NFL.

What is Larry Izzo doing now?
Larry Izzo is currently the special teams coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL.