John Jay Saldi, IV is a former professional American football player who played as a tight end in the NFL during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Originally from White Plains, New York, Saldi excelled in high school as both a linebacker and tight end, while also participating in basketball and baseball, demonstrating athletic versatility from a young age.
He accepted a football scholarship to the University of South Carolina, where he initially played defensive end despite being considered undersized for the position. After an injury, he was moved to tight end and became a starter in his final college years, although an injury in his senior season limited his playing time.
Undrafted in 1976, Saldi was signed by the Dallas Cowboys due to his athletic ability. From his rookie year, he stood out on special teams, eventually becoming captain of that unit in 1977. He was part of the Cowboys’ Super Bowl XII championship team, although he was inactive for the game due to injury. Throughout his time in Dallas, Saldi was a reliable offensive contributor, with his best season coming in 1980 when he recorded 25 receptions for 311 yards and made a crucial play in the playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams.
In 1983, Saldi was traded to the Chicago Bears, where he reunited with head coach Mike Ditka and started several games over two seasons. He had a brief stint with the Denver Broncos in 1985 but was released before the regular season began.
After retiring from professional football, Saldi remained involved in sports as the coach and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys players’ basketball team, the Dallas Hoopsters. He also worked as a wrestling commentator for World Class Championship Wrestling broadcasts in 1982. His sports legacy extends through his family, with his son John Saldi trying out for the Dallas Cowboys in 2006 and 2007.
