| Intro | American football player | ||||
| Is |
American football player Football player |
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| From | United States of America | ||||
| Type | Sports | ||||
| Gender | male | ||||
| Birth | 30 October 1988, Rexford, Saratoga County, New York, U.S.A. | ||||
| Age: | 31 years | ||||
| Star sign | Scorpio | ||||
| Stats |
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Joe Vellano (born October 30, 1988) is an American football defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Maryland, and signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts.
Professional career
New England Patriots
On April 30, 2013, Vellano signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent. In Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he received his first career start in place of Vince Wilfork, who was placed on injured reserve.
Vellano became a Super Bowl champion on February 1, 2015, helping the Patriots win Super Bowl XLIX over the Seattle Seahawks, 28-24.
On August 31, 2015, the Patriots released Vellano. He was re-signed to the practice squad on September 26, and released again on September 30.
Indianapolis Colts
On December 22, 2015, Vellano signed to the practice squad of the Indianapolis Colts.
Second stint with Patriots
On January 26, 2016, the New England Patriots signed Vellano to a futures contract. On September 3, 2016, he was released by the Patriots as part of final roster cuts.
Atlanta Falcons
On September 6, 2016, Vellano was signed to the Falcons’ practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on January 17, 2017. The Falcons ultimately made Super Bowl LI, but lost to Vellano’s former team, the New England Patriots.
Personal life
Vellano was born and raised in Rexford, New York. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 2007.