In the fiercely competitive realm of professional football, the recent finalization of NFL rosters has brought exciting news for Northeastern Pennsylvania, as three of its native sons—Joe Fagnano, Gavin Bartholomew, and Domenic DeLuca—have successfully secured positions on various NFL teams or their practice squads. Their journeys from high school standout players to the pinnacle of American football underscore their dedication, talent, and perseverance, serving as an inspiration for aspiring athletes from the region.
Joe Fagnano, a distinguished alumnus of Williamsport, demonstrated exceptional skill throughout his high school career, accumulating nearly 4,100 passing yards, 43 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions, alongside 16 rushing touchdowns. His collegiate path began as a walk-on at the University of Maine, where his remarkable performance earned him a full scholarship. Over four seasons at Maine, Fagnano amassed 4,879 passing yards and 46 touchdowns before transferring to UConn. Despite a season-ending injury in 2023, he concluded his UConn tenure with an impressive 4,936 yards and 49 touchdowns against only six interceptions. Fagnano's stellar preseason showing, leading the league with 509 passing yards and completing 74.7% of his passes, ultimately secured him the third quarterback spot with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent.
Domenic DeLuca, a graduate of Wyoming Area, initially walked on at Penn State, where he transitioned from a high school quarterback and linebacker with over 5,800 total yards and 84 touchdowns to a formidable presence on special teams and defense. His collegiate career at Penn State saw him record 164 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, eight pass breakups, and five interceptions. After being released by the Ravens during final roster cutdowns, DeLuca's strong preseason performance, which included 15 tackles as an inside linebacker, earned him a spot on the Ravens' practice squad.
Gavin Bartholomew, who excelled in multiple roles including tight end, defensive end, punter, and even quarterback at Blue Mountain, made an early enrollment at the University of Pittsburgh in 2021. Over four seasons at Pittsburgh, he played in 50 games, starting 41, and accumulated 105 receptions for 1,257 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, earning honorable mention All-ACC honors three times. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Bartholomew faced a setback with a back injury during the spring program, leading to him spending his rookie season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. However, he made a strong comeback in 2026, impressing during training camp and the preseason by catching all six passes thrown his way for 41 yards in three games, including a 12-yard reception in the finale against Denver.
Additionally, CJ Dippre, another local talent, is currently awaiting a roster spot after being waived. Dippre's high school career at Lakeland was marked by significant contributions in passing, rushing, and receiving. He played two seasons at Maryland, catching 33 passes for 339 yards and 3 touchdowns, before transferring to Tuscaloosa for another two seasons, adding 32 receptions for 443 yards. Finishing his college career with 65 catches for 782 yards and three touchdowns, Dippre went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft but signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent. Despite initially being waived, he was brought back to the practice squad and later promoted to the 53-man roster, making his NFL debut in December 2025. Although he did not record a reception in his two regular-season games and was inactive for the Patriots' Super Bowl LX run, his journey reflects the unpredictable nature of professional football. His future with the Patriots or another team remains uncertain.
The success of these Northeastern Pennsylvania athletes in securing coveted spots within the NFL system is a testament to their individual talents and relentless drive. Their stories illustrate the arduous path to professional sports, marked by collegiate achievements, overcoming injuries, and navigating the complexities of roster decisions. As the NFL season progresses, the performances of Fagnano, Bartholomew, and DeLuca will be closely watched, with their local communities cheering them on.
