Villanova Univeristy Athletics

A three-year starter at defensive tackle and an NFL Draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons, John Givens was part of a Villanova defense that gave up fewer than 20 points per game during his career. Givens played on the Wildcats varsity squad from 1971-73 and graduated in 1974. He was inducted to the Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 2004.
 
Givens played for Villanova Hall of Famer Lou Ferry during his career. His first season on the active roster was 1971 when the Wildcats tallied a 6-4-1 record and held opponents to just 14 points per game. The season featured notable road wins over Maryland, Xavier and Dayton while the defense gave up 10 or fewer points in five of 11 games.
 
By his senior year, Givens was elected a co-captain by his teammates and was considered to be among the team’s most unheralded players. He was known for his quickness and techniques on defense while being an excellent pass rusher, skills which earned him the notice of professional scouts. Givens was chosen by the Atlanta Falcons with the 356^th overall pick in the 14^th round of the 1974 NFL Draft. He was later chosen by the Philadelphia Bell in the 35^th round of the World Football League draft.
 
Givens came to Villanova after starring Archbishop Carroll High School where he was a member of the football, basketball, baseball and track teams. He was a senior on Carroll’s inaugural football team in 1969 and played on both sides of the ball while earning first team All-Catholic honors as a defensive end. He noted that the most memorable moment of his scholastic career was playing in the Astrodome his sophomore year. Givens was a student council vice president in high school. He was inducted to the Hall of Fame Club in 2006.
 
Following the end of his playing career, Givens remained in the sports industry and worked for Nike for more than 30 years.