Phil Villapiano

Philip James Villapiano, born February 26, 1949, was an American professional football player who spent 13 seasons as a linebacker in the National Football League. A native of Monmouth County, New Jersey, he played high school football at both Asbury Park High School and Ocean Township High School before attending Bowling Green State University, where he played for the Falcons and was selected as Mid-America Conference Player of the Year.

One of the fastest linebackers of his era, Villapiano was known for his pass coverage and his ability to make big plays. He was the linebacker assigned to cover Franco Harris during the December 23, 1972 play known as the "Immaculate Reception," one of the most discussed plays in NFL history, and he maintained a long friendship with Harris, a future Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame inductee. Among his largest contributions was a momentum-changing goal-line tackle against the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI, on which he forced the fumble that was recovered by Willie Hall.