New Orleans Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi has been selected for the University of Rhode Island Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Rizzi played tight end for the Rams from 1988-9992 after starting as a walk-on. At the time he graduated, Rizzi ranked third in program history with 160 catches and he still ranks sixth in the category. He still ranks fifth in program history with 2,426 receiving yards and sixth with 15 touchdown catches.
"This is an incredibly impressive class of Hall of Fame inductees," Director of Athletics Thorr Bjorn said. "These individuals were among the best of the best, not just among their peers here at Rhode Island, but across the country during their respective collegiate careers. When you take a moment to appreciate their accomplishments, it really allows you to embrace what is a rich history of athletic success at Rhode island."
Rizzi earned nine All-America honors during his career in Kingston. He was a consensus First Team All-American in 1992, earning the distinction from the American Football Coaches Association, Associated Press, Football News, Don Hansen, Kodak, The Sports Network and Walter Camp. In 1991, Rizzi earned Second Team All-America honors from The Sports Network and Third Team All-America honors from Don Hansen. He had 74 receptions for 1,103 yards in 1992. A two-time All-New England selection, he also earned First Team All-Yankee Conference and All-ECAC honors in 1992.
Rizzi would also work as the head coach for the Rams for one season in 2008 and still celebrates his connection to the university including having touted the school's accomplishments ahead of a Saints press conference earlier in the season to commemorate his alma-maters achievements on the field this year.
"I am going to start off by giving a shout out to my alma mater, the University of Rhode Island, the Rhody Rams were selected for the FCS, I still call it I-AA, the I-AA playoffs, got a home game, first playoff home game since 1985 so congratulations to the Rams," Rizzi said. "Go Rams."
The 2025 Hall of Fame induction will occur Saturday, March 8 as part of the men's basketball regular-season finale against Fordham.
