Larry DiNardo

Early life

DiNardo a native of Howard Beach, Queens, is the older brother of college football coach Gerry DiNardo. He attended St. Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows neighborhood in New York City borough of Queens where he graduated as valedictorian in 1967.

Playing career

DiNardo played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team under coach Ara Parseghian during the 1968, 1969 and 1970 seasons. Following his senior year, as a 6-foot, 1-inch, 235-pound guard, he was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American, having received first-team honors from several publications and organizations including the Associated Press (AP), and United Press International (UPI). That year, he was a co-captain and helped the Fighting Irish to set a then all-time school record of 510.5 yards per game for total offense.

DiNardo ran into some controversy after returning home from a NCAA-sponsored trip to boost the troop morale during the Vietnam War. In an interview he called the war “a total waste.” Later he told a reporter with Sports Illustrated that he was conservative and did not want to be “a hero of the new left.” He also added he didn’t think his comment was that controversial, saying “I mean, who’s not against the war?”

After college football

DiNardo was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the seventh round (158 overall selection) of the 1971 NFL Draft. He played in 5 preseason games before getting cut. Instead of trying to make another team, he chose to return to Notre Dame and enter law school. He graduated in 1974 began practicing law in South Bend, Indiana. Later he joined the firm of Seyfarth, Shaw and Fairweather in Chicago, and eventually became a partner at Jones Day.