Express welcome 12 yr NFL veteran as Guest Coach

by Erie Express Media

The Erie Express are pleased to welcome as our Guest Coach for this week's practice, Coach John Parrella (Head Football Coach Lutheran West, OH). John is a veteran of the National Football League having played 12 seasons with the Buffalo Bills (1993), San Diego Chargers (1994-2001) and Oakland Raiders (2002-2004). John made it to 3 Super Bowls, was named co captain for 2 teams (Chargers and Raiders) and earned such accolades as Lineman of the Year, the Ed Block Courage Award, Most Inspirational Player, Unsung Hero Award, and Co-Lineman of the Year. Parrella played in 172 NFL games during his career racking up 405 tackles, 26.5 sacks and a pair on interceptions. 

Prior to the NFL John was a standout defensive lineman for the University of Nebraska and played for legendary Coach Tom Osborne. He was Honorable Mention All Big Eight in 1991. He earned First Team All Big Eight in 1992 and was Second Team All American. Parrella is a University of Nebraska and Nebraska High School Hall of Fame inductee. Parrella earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Nebraska and was a second round draft pick by the Bills in 1993, going 55th overall.  

John has coached at various levels including; High School, Junior College, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division I, and the National Football League. John is currently the Head Football Coach at Lutheran West HS in Ohio. His coaching background includes Head Coach Dublin Valley Christian HS (CA) 2008-2012, Assistant Coach Chabot College (2013), Defensive Line Coach Northern Michigan (2014-2015), Defensive Line Coach University of Nebraska (2016-2017), Assistant Defensive Line Coach Cleveland Browns (2018-2019), Assistant coach Lutheran West, HS (2019) and is still there as the Head Football Coach. 

Along the way John has coached multiple All-Conference, All American and Pro players and has made an impact in their lives on and off the field.  

"When an opportunity for our players presents itself such as this we have to make it happen. After speaking with John it was evident he is a devoted husband and father, loves the Lord and considers himself blessed beyond words. John's experiences as a player and coach, the fact that he is a father, a husband and that he uses the game to serve the Lord are all factors that will benefit our players for a lifetime. He was impressive to speak with and it is evident that he truly cares for others and wants to have an impact is seeing people reach their full potential.  We are certain that having John as our Guest Coach this week will be very beneficial for our players on and off the field. The kids at Lutheran West are blessed to call him their Coach and we are as well to have him as our Guest Coach for this week's practice."-Director of Operations Paul Pennington. 

We thank you for taking the time to be with us this week Coach and wish you and the Longhorns nothing but great success on and off the field.


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