Villanova Univeristy Athletics

A standout guard who played both offensively and defensively during his collegiate career, Tom Fitzpatrick was an NFL Draft selection by the New York Giants at the conclusion of his Villanova playing days. He was a member of the Wildcats varsity squad from 1951-53. Fitzpatrick graduated in 1954 and was inducted to the Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 1993.
 
Villanova compiled a record of 16-10-1 (.611) during Fitzpatrick’s varsity career. He sustained a severe ankle injury midway through the 1951 season but returned strong a year later when he lined up on defense and helped the Wildcats go 7-1-1 while holding opponents to just 12.8 points per game. The defense held six of nine opponents to one touchdown or less and Villanova opened the season in dominant fashion with three consecutive road wins over Kentucky, Clemson and Detroit by a combined 40 points.
 
Fitzpatrick played on both sides of the ball in 1953 for a Wildcats team which tallied road wins over Boston College and Fordham in addition to beating Xavier at Connie Mack Stadium and Syracuse at Franklin Field. He had two career interceptions on defense, one against Boston University in the 1952 season finale and another in 1953 at Wake Forest.
 
A native of the Bronx who played at Iona Prep during his scholastic career, Fitzpatrick earned an Economics degree from Villanova. He was chosen by the Giants with the 124^th overall pick in the 11^th round of the 1954 NFL Draft.