David Catapano facts for kids

David Catapano is an American celebrity chef, a professional poker player, and an American football coach. He is also known for appearing on TV shows. He is famous for his Italian cooking style. He also created his own "Twisted Mediterranean" cooking style.

He has been on many cooking TV shows. These include Italian Style with Chef Catman on FoodyTV. He also appeared on Food Network shows like Iron Chef and Chopped. David Catapano is known for his fun sayings. Some of these are "My Kitchen, My rules!", "Bada Bing!", and "Why, No?". He enjoys playing poker and has played in professional games. He also plays in big charity events. Because he is a famous chef, he is sometimes called a Celebrity Poker Player. For several years, Catapano was a successful football coach. He coached for leagues like the WPFL, XFL, and AFL.

David Catapano: Poker Player

David Catapano is a skilled and successful poker player. He started playing poker when he was 9 years old. He learned the game from his family and friends. In his early 20s, he became well-known in some special poker clubs in New York City. He was a regular player at the Mayfair Club, which is now closed.

Because he is a celebrity chef, he is sometimes called a celebrity poker player.

Television Appearances

Catapano has appeared on many TV shows. These include Good Day America, The Food Network, Taste This TV, Kara's Healthy Cook Off, and The Vegas Snoop. He was also on FoodyTV and Poker School. He appeared in season 17 of Chopped and on Iron Chef. He has also been on shows related to the WPFL and XFL Football League. He was even a writer for the TV show CSI: NY.

Football Coaching Career

Catapano was the head coach for the New York Dazzles. This team was part of the Women's Professional Football League (WPFL). He coached them for three seasons. During that time, he led them to win two Division titles and one Championship.

Catapano also worked for the XFL football team, the New York/New Jersey Hitmen. He was their defensive coordinator. This means he was in charge of the team's defense. He also managed the players. The Hitmen were based in East Rutherford, New Jersey. They played their home games at Giants Stadium. In the XFL's only year, Catapano's defense was known as the best and toughest in the league. Famous commentator Jesse Ventura gave Catapano the nickname "The Enforcer." After the XFL, Catapano worked for the New York Dragons. This team was in the Arena Football League. He was their director of player personnel from 2003 to 2004.

Personal Life and Inspiration

David Catapano was born in Downtown Brooklyn, New York. In 1992, he had a train accident in Augusta, Georgia. He lost his leg in this accident. Since then, he has worked with groups like the Amputee Coalition of America. He also supports the Poker Players Alliance and the Wounded Warrior Foundation. These groups help people who have lost limbs or are injured veterans.

Catapano has written two books using the pen name Mugsy Russo. He has also published several cookbooks and articles about cooking in magazines. He continues to travel and speak to groups across the country. He is a Certified Public Speaker and helps people with their personal growth.