Greg Paterra facts for kids
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| Position: | Running back | ||||||||
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| Born: | May 12, 1967 McKeesport, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Height: | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 211 lb (96 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Forward (Elizabeth, Pennsylvania) |
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| College: | Harford CC (1985) Slippery Rock (1986–1988) |
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| NFL Draft: | 1989 / Round: 11 / Pick: 286 | ||||||||
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Gregory Richard Paterra (born May 12, 1967) is a former American football player. He was a running back who played for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL). He was chosen by the Falcons in the 1989 NFL draft. Greg also played college football at Harford Community College and Slippery Rock University. He was also part of the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills teams.
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Greg Paterra's Early Life
Gregory Richard Paterra was born on May 12, 1967. His hometown is McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He played high school football at Elizabeth Forward High School. This school is in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania.
During his high school career, Greg was an amazing runner. He ran for over 3,000 yards. He also scored more than 30 touchdowns. He finished his high school time as the all-time leading rusher and scorer for Elizabeth Forward.
College Football Journey
Greg Paterra started his college football career in 1985. He played at Harford Community College. After his first year, Harford stopped its football program.
Then, Greg played for Slippery Rock University. He was a key player there from 1986 to 1988. He rushed for 3,149 yards during his time at Slippery Rock. He also caught 43 passes for 484 yards. In total, he scored 31 touchdowns.
In 1988, his senior year, he was recognized as a second-team Little All-America player. He also finished tied for fifth in voting for the Harlon Hill Trophy. This award goes to the best football player in NCAA Division II.
Professional Football Career
The Atlanta Falcons picked Greg Paterra in the 1989 NFL draft. He was the 286th player chosen overall. This happened in the 11th round. He officially joined the team on July 18, 1989.
He was released by the Falcons on September 5. But he signed with their practice squad the very next day. On October 21, he was moved to the main team. Greg played in ten games for the Falcons in 1989. He had nine carries for 32 yards. He also caught five passes for 42 yards. Plus, he returned eight kicks for 129 yards.
On August 21, 1990, Greg was traded to the Detroit Lions. He was released by the Lions on September 3. He re-signed the next day. However, he was released again on September 10, 1990.
Greg signed with the Buffalo Bills on April 11, 1991. He was placed on injured reserve on July 14. This meant he missed the entire year due to injury. He became a free agent after the 1991 season.
He re-signed with the Bills on February 20, 1992. The Bills sent Greg to play for the Montreal Machine. This team was part of the World League of American Football (WLAF). In August 1992, he broke his hand during a Bills preseason game. He was later released by the Bills on August 25, 1992.
Greg signed with the Bills again on March 17, 1993. He was released once more on August 24, 1993. He signed with the Bills for the fourth year in a row on April 15, 1994. On July 22, 1994, it was reported that Greg Paterra had retired. He retired because of problems with his shoulder and back.
Personal Life and Family
Greg Paterra has family members who are also involved in football. His uncle, Herb Paterra, was a football player and coach.
Greg's daughter, Tori Paterra, ran cross country at Miami University. His other daughter, Andrea Paterra, participated in track at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
After his playing career, Greg also became an assistant coach. He coached at his old high school, Elizabeth Forward High School. He also worked for the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
