After playing one season at Rutgers University and four years at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, former St. Joseph High School Wildcat football player, J.D. DiRenzo, a Hammonton native, has signed an NFL free agent deal with the Carolina Panthers.

DiRenzo landed at Rutgers after starting his college career at Sacred Heart and started 12 games, including nine at left guard and three at left tackle. He was named the MVP of the Rutgers offense in 2022 and participated in the Hula Bowl.

While at St. Joseph’s DiRenzo was a four-year letterwinner and was part of St. Joe’s state championship teams in 2013, 2014 and 2015. DiRenzo’ paternal grandfather, Dan DiRenzo, played for the Philadelphia Eagles’ 1948 and 1949 NFL championship teams.

“I thought that was the coolest thing ever. It’s always been my dream to be like him and play in the NFL some day,” he told The Press of Atlantic City.

Now he will be competing for a roster spot with the Panthers.

DiRenzo is the second southern New Jersey player who has been part of the Panthers. Colin Thompson, who trains in Cape May and is a member of the Lower Cape May high school football staff, was a member of the Panthers for the past three seasons.

A version of this content appeared on 973espn.com.