Ryan Spadola (born February 15, 1991) is an American former football wide receiver. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He played college football at Lehigh.
Early life Spadola was a member of the Super 100 Athletes in New Jersey. Spadola grew up in Howell Township, New Jersey and attended Freehold Township High School, graduating from the school in 2009.Slater, Darryl. "Jets wide receiver Ryan Spadola realizes NFL dream seven years after his father's suicide changed his life", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, August 31, 2013. Accessed May 26, 2016. "And he made the Jets, whose games Donald and Ryan attended together, driving 50 miles north from their home in Howell. ... Then Donald left the dream behind. He committed suicide on Nov. 29, 2006, during Ryan’s sophomore year at Freehold Township High School" He was among the players in the Top 170 in the country and was a member of the All-Shore Team while at high school.
College career Spadola played college football at Lehigh. He caught his first collegiate reception for 16 yards against Holy Cross.
Professional career
New York Jets Spadola was signed by the New York Jets on April 27, 2013 following the conclusion of the 2013 NFL draft. In a preseason game on August 24, 2013, Spadola had three catches for 110 yards and one touchdown. He also had a seventy-yard reception which led to the Jets' game-winning field goal. Spadola was released on October 5, 2013.
Miami Dolphins The Jets wanted to re-sign Spadola however, he opted to sign to the Miami Dolphins' practice squad on October 8, 2013. He was promoted to the active roster on October 31, 2013. The Dolphins released Spadola on August 26, 2014.
Atlanta Falcons He was signed to the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad on October 9, 2014. On November 25, 2014, Spadola was waived and replaced on the practice squad by Freddie Martino.
Arizona Cardinals On December 2, 2014, he was signed by the Arizona Cardinals to their practice squad. On August 31, 2015, he was waived by the Cardinals.
Detroit Lions On October 20, 2015, he was signed by the Detroit Lions to their practice squad. On January 4, 2016, Spadola signed a futures contract with the Detroit Lions.
On August 8, 2017, Spadola was waived/injured by the Lions and placed on injured reserve. He was released on August 15, 2017.
References
External links Lehigh Mountain Hawks bio