Sisto Averno

Sisto Joseph Averno (May 12, 1925 – March 26, 2012) was an American football guard and linebacker who played in the National Football League for the original Baltimore Colts (1950), the New York Yanks (1951), Dallas Texans (1952) and the Baltimore Colts (1953–1954). He was the final pick of the 1951 NFL Draft, serving as that draft's Mr. Irrelevant. Sisto's college football career also earned him recognition as a member of the Muhlenberg College Athletic Hall of Fame.[1]

Sisto Averno
Averno on a 1953 Bowman football card
Position:Guard, Linebacker
Personal information
Born:(1925-05-25)May 25, 1925
Paterson, New Jersey
Died:March 26, 2012(2012-03-26) (aged 86)
Randallstown, Maryland
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:237 lb (108 kg)
Career information
High school:Paterson (NJ)
College:Muhlenberg
NFL Draft:1951 / Round: 30 / Pick: 362
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Player stats at NFL.com
Player stats at PFR

In his five years with the Colts, Averno's starting pay was $4,000. The most he ever made in one season was $9,500. Sisto would usually play the whole game as a member of the offensive line, linebacker, kickoff and punt teams.

He also had a reputation for playing while injured. According to Sisto: "One time, I separated my shoulder," Averno said. "I told the coach, Clem Crowe. He said, 'Block with the other one.'"[2]

Later in life

In his later years, Sisto suffered a stroke, had his knee and a hip replaced, and he also required the use of a walker to get around. These conditions are thought to be linked to injuries he suffered during his playing years. Because of these health conditions, Averno became an advocate for better benefits to retired NFL players.[3]

References
  1. "Muhlenberg College Athletic Hall of Fame". muhlenberg.edu. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  2. Baltimore, PressBox Online. "The Haunting:
    Ghosts of NFL Past Refuse to Go Gently Into that Good Night"    . PressBox Online Baltimore. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  3. "NFL Former Players". Retrieved April 22, 2017.


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