James Dombrowski’s

James Dombrowski’s (1981) illustrious career as a professional football player began at Williamsville South where he played football for the first time as a member of the school’s freshman squad. A gifted athlete, by his junior year he was playing varsity on both the offensive and defensive lines and, as a senior, he was also the team’s place kicker and punter. The only time Jim left the field during games was when the other team scored a touchdown. As a high school senior, Jim was named an Adidas All-American; a Centarian All-American and First Team All-Western New York.

A top recruit, he went to the University of Virginia where he had a highly successful collegiate career. In his final season at Virginia in 1985, Jim was selected as a First Team All-American in nine different polls including the highly acclaimed Associated Press poll. Also, the NCAA selected him as one of the top six student athletes in the nation. An honor student off the field, Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in biology, a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology, and was the first recipient of the Ralph Sampson Award given to a Virginia athlete who best exemplifies excellence in athletics and academics.

Jim was the first round pick of the New Orleans Saints in the 1986 NFL draft. He was the sixth player selected overall and the first offensive lineman drafted. Jim played eleven seasons for the New Orleans Saints, from 1986 to 1996, earning the starting left tackle position his rookie year. He eventually moved to the left guard position and played in 157 consecutive games, a club record that remains today. In 2003, Jim was inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame.

Since retiring from the NFL Jim has worked for A.G. Edwards investment firm as a certified financial planner. He and his wife Sandy reside in Mandeville, LA with their three children.