Jon Volpe
| Date of birth | April 17, 1968 |
|---|---|
| Place of birth | Kincheloe, Michigan |
| Career information | |
| CFL status | International |
| Position(s) | RB |
| College | Stanford |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1991-1993 | BC Lions |
| 1994 | Las Vegas Posse |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| CFL All-Star | |
Jon Volpe is a former running back in the Canadian Football League.
Early life
Volpe had a difficult childhood. His father left when he was 5 years old, his mother was an alcoholic and lived on the street, and his brother went to jail several times. Jon Volpe, being only 5 feet 7 inches tall, received a football scholarship to Stanford University, where he was an all-conference running back (leading in rushing yards), earning GTE Academic All-American honors and being named a Rhodes Scholar nominee (while getting a BSc in engineering.)
Professional career
He was not drafted by the NFL. However, he had a tryout with the Pittsburgh Steelers before he headed to Canada to play for the B.C. Lions. He had a successful rookie season in 1991, rushing behind Doug Flutie (who would throw for a record 6,619 yards) Volpe added 1,395 rushing yards and led the league with 16 rushing touchdowns and 20 total touchdowns. Volpe was named an All-Star and won the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie Award. In 1992 he added 941 yards and 13 touchdowns, and was again named an All-Star. A contract dispute meant a late start to the 1993 season and he had a generally unsuccessful season, appearing in only five games. He left the Lions after 3 years and 36 games.
Volpe moved to the expansion Las Vegas Posse in 1994, rushing 43 times for 182 yards and 3 touchdowns in four games. He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1995, but a preseason shoulder injury ended his career.
Private life
Currently, Volpe is chairman and CEO of Nova Home Loans. He is married to Heather and has a daughter, Kaylie, and son, Trevor.
References
- Jon Volpe in the Tucson Weekly, Feb. 5, 2004
- B.C. Lions Media Guide
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