Anthony Fucillo (LA '11) has already conquered the football team's record book. Now, he's off to conquer Denmark.
Fucillo, who set program marks in four passing categories this past season at the helm of the Jumbos' new high−speed spread attack, signed a contract on Feb. 20 to continue his career with the AAB 89ers, an American football squad based out of Denmark. Located in Aalborg, the 89ers, founded in 1989, compete at a semiprofessional level in the National League, the top−flight Danish conference for American football.
"It gives him the opportunity to travel and see the world and experience things in life and continue playing, and from what I understand there's some great talent that plays in this league," said interim head coach Jay Civetti, who served as the offensive coordinator during Fucillo's three seasons with the Jumbos. "He can make all the throws. He's as poised as they come in the pocket. And his understanding of the game is better than anyone I know. I would be shocked if he didn't have a successful year."
After graduating Tufts following the fall semester, Fucillo latched on as a full−time teacher of digital video production at Winthrop High School, his alma mater. In the interim, he sent his tapes to professional teams and garnered substantial interest across the world. He got offers from teams in Finland, Germany and Slovenia, as well as a tryout with the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the UFL.
Ultimately, pitches from current 89er Jonn Mathews, a former tight end for Div. II Grand Valley State, who will be Fucillo's roommate in Denmark, and Richie Rosabella, Fucillo's former teammate at Colgate who played for the National League's Triangle Razorbacks, sold him on the idea of heading to Aalborg.
"I think it's something that, on a personal level — whether you go 1−7 or 7−1 — this is a good opportunity to make me a better player," Fucillo said. "I think that if I had taken a year off, I'd never play again."
The contract, which runs from March 19 to Sept. 30 for the 10−game season, stipulates that Fucillo be compensated for all living expenses, including his apartment, food, Internet, health insurance and transportation. He will also receive a monthly stipend, the value of which Fucillo declined to comment on.
According to Fucillo, he will be given the opportunity to start immediately upon arrival in Denmark. The 89ers run out of a traditional shotgun formation, similar to the spread offense that Tufts operated out of in 2010, but Fucillo said that he will have some influence in what AAB does on the offensive end.
After six seasons of college football, Fucillo is undaunted by the challenge of playing overseas. What he is nervous about, however, is the idea of living outside of the Boston area for six months.
"I've always been stuck in this area around Boston, so it'll be good to get out and see other parts of the world," said Fucillo, who added that he has only been out of the country once, and never to Europe. "Football comes naturally to me, whether it's in Europe or here. I'm more nervous about getting used to living overseas. Six months is a long time."
Fucillo benefited from a change in the offensive system at Tufts in his final season. After operating out of the I−formation and relying primarily on the run game for years, Tufts switched to a no−huddle system, which, despite a disappointing 1−7 record, resulted in the NESCAC's top pass offense.
Fucillo will depart the United States as arguably the most prolific quarterback in Tufts history. In 2010, he accumulated 2,475 passing yards, a new Tufts record and third all−time in the NESCAC for a single season. He now holds the single−game and single−season program marks for passing yards, attempts, completions and total offense. Plus, his 117.2 career passer's rating is the highest of any Jumbo, ever, and his 503 passing yards against Amherst on Oct. 30 set a New England Div. III record.
For any Div. III athlete, playing professionally is no easy task. In recent years, former Jumbos Kevin Anderson (LA '09) and Tom Tassinari (E '10) each worked out at a Pro Day at Boston College, but their aspirations never materialized. Civetti, though, is confident in his former quarterback's capabilities to make it at the next level.
"Honestly, with Anthony, any of his accomplishments won't surprise me," Civetti said. "He's a hard−working guy, a student of the game, a fantastic leader. I think he'll get everything out of this opportunity that he can provide. The success he had this year and the records he left, it's a true testament to the hard work and effort he puts in it. His heart and commitment to Tufts football is second to none."
Until his flight to Denmark, Fucillo will bide his time, bouncing back and forth between Tufts and Winthrop to rehab and prepare himself for another season. But playing for the 89ers is hardly the punctuation note on an already illustrious career; rather, Fucillo views this chance as a springboard for future gigs.
"I'm not going over there just for a dead end," Fucillo said. "I took the first opportunity that arose, but hopefully when I come back someone will pick me up."
