St. John Neumann speaker series - An Evening with Philadelphia Eagles coach Joe Pannunzio

Thursday, June 19 at the CSU Pueblo Occhiato Center, St. John Neumann will feature Super Bowl Champion assistant coach Joe Pannunzio as part of the school’s Spirit of a Champion series.

While Joe Pannunzio is now known as the co architect of the vaunted world champion Philadelphia Eagles special teams, his coaching career began 45 years ago right in his hometown of Pueblo at his alma mater, the University of Southern Colorado (now CSU Pueblo) in 1980 as wide receivers coach. Prior to that he was the standout quarterback for the Indians as they achieved a number 9 NAIA ranking. He was also named honorable mention all-conference. He had also been an all-conference quarterback at Pueblo County High School.

Pannunzio’s coaching path then wound through Mesa College for seven years where the Mavericks twice played for the NAIA national title. He advanced to division 1 with stints at TCU, Minnesota, Kansas, Auburn and Mississippi before landing a head coaching position at Murray State in Kentucky. In 2002 he led the Racers to the Ohio Valley conference championship. One interesting story from his time at Murray State is that the Racers played against Mississippi for Eli Manning’s first game. The Racers “held” Manning to five touchdown passes prompting Pannunzio to remark, “that kid’s the real deal!”

After five years Pannunzio moved onto Miami as tight ends coach where he helped develop Jimmy Graham into a future all pro and probable hall of famer. He then helped legendary coach Nick Saban build the Alabama Crimson Tide into a perennial NCAA champion.

He is entering his ninth year with the world champion Eagles.

Joe and his wife Rita have three children, Angela, Nico and Mario and three grandchildren who attend Catholic Schools. Two of his nephews are St. John Neumann alums!

“This is a tremendous opportunity for St. John Neumann Catholic School and the people of Southern Colorado” says St. John Neumann board president Renee Greenway. “Mr. Pannunzio obviously has firsthand knowledge of what it takes to be a champion. But he also understands the value of Catholic education. We couldn’t be more excited.”

For tickets visit JNChamp25.givesmart.com or call 719-561-9419

For more information contact Michael Salardino 719-671-6453 or mikeadino44@gmail.com

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