Italians of the NFL: NFC North

With the Super Bowl this week, America Domani looked through players, coaches, and front-office executives of Italian descent. We were able to find a member of each team that has Italian lineage. 

Below are the names of the greatest Italians of the NFC North 

Italians of the NFC North

Chicago Bears: Joe Fortunato

Joe Fortunato was born and raised in Mingo Junction, Ohio, the Ohio linebacker played for the Chicago Bears for 12 seasons from 1955-1967. Bears chairman once said, "Joe Fortunato was not only a great player for the Chicago Bears. He was a key figure in one of the greatest linebacker trios in Bears history." He was an integral part of the 1963 championship win.

Detroit Lions: Dominic Raiola

Dominic Raiola was drafted in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Raiola was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, starting his football career at Saint Louis High School. After being drafted by the Lions, he remained with the Detroit Lions for his entire career. 

Green Bay Packers: Vince Lombardi

The Super Bowl wouldn't exist without Vince Lombardi. Son of Italian immigrants from Salerno, Italy, Lombardi began his NFL career with the New York Giants. The first Super Bowl took place in 1967 and Lombardi won the first and second championships. It was originally called "World Professional Football Championship Trophy," but renamed for Lombardi after he suddenly died of cancer in 1970.

Minnesota Vikings: Jack Del Rio

Born in Castro Valley, California, Jack Del Rio was born to a Mexican father and a father of Italian ancestry. Del Rio played baseball, basketball, and football for Hayward High School in Hayward, California. He began coaching in 1997 after retiring from playing for the New Orleans Saints. Del Rio played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1992-1995, where he represented the team in the 1994 Pro Bowl.