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