Donatello Arrabiata

Donatello Arrabiata

No. 88 – Philadelphia Liberty/London Royals
Position:	Tight End
Personal information
Born:	(2000-11-04)November 4, 2000 (aged 62) Point Roberts, Washington, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:	240 lb (109 kg)
Career information
High school:	Blaine High School
College:	University Of Washington
ISFL Draft:	2037  / Round: 7 / Pick: 8
DSFL Draft:	2036  / Round: 18 / Pick: 2
Career history
Roster status:	Active

Donatello Arrabiata (born November 4, 2008) is an American football tight end who is currently unsigned by a professional team. He played college football for University Of Washington (UW) and has declared his intent to enter the professional ranks next season.

Early years

Donatello Arrabiata was born on November 4, 2008 in Point Roberts, WA. He was born to Vietnamese immigrants and adopted by Italian bakers. Donatello's birthname is Don Vinh Nguyen, but was changed when adopted by his adoptive parents. Donatello's adoptive parents were renowned Italian bakers and pizza makers who owned a small pizzeria in Point Roberts, WA. Growing up in a predominantly Caucasian community, Donatello tried to hide his Vietnamese heritage by dying his hair blonde and wearing outrageous shirts. Despite those physical changes, he was still bullied, facing constant racial remarks. Donatello found refuge in football. Despite his love for football, his adoptive father wanted him to enter the pizza business. While learning the secrets of his family's pizza, Donatello had a secret of his own. Donatello was secretly playing football for Blaine Senior High School. Donatello excelled at both pizza making and football. Donatello is the youngest recipient of a Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) certificate. On the same day as his final game of his high school career, a national pizza making competition was scheduled for the same time. Donatello was forced to choose between his two loves. After a long argument with his adoptive father, Donatello reluctantly went to the pizza competition. Donatello won the pizza competition and quickly rushed to the football game, arriving at half time with Blaine HS losing 21-0. After an uplifting and emotional speech, Donatello caught 3 touchdowns and threw for 1 touchdown. Blaine HS lost the game with the final score 49-28. Donatello was accepted to the University of Washington where he planned to major in food science and Russian literature.

College career

Donatello Arrabiata played just two years for the University of Washington Huskies as a walk-on. During his first two years, Donatello focused on his studies and ran a pizza shop in the university's student center, known as The HUB. It wasn't until fellow University of Washington football player, Daniel George (Tight End), threw a football inside The HUB and Donatello made a leaping one-handed catch to save another student from dropping his pizza, that Donatello was invited to try out for the team. Donatello made the team as a tight end and played mostly special teams during his first year. His first year, Donatello had just 9 receptions for 75 yards and 1 touchdown. On special teams, Donatello had one blocked punt, one forced fumble, and one onside kick recovery. In his senior year, Donatello had 45 receptions for 511 yards and 5 TDs. Donatello made third-team All-Pac-12 as a tight end.

College career statistics

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Professional career

DSFL career

In the S21 DSFL Draft, Donatello Arrabiata was drafted by the new expansion team, the London Royals, with the 146th pick. Donatello was immediately listed as TE1 for the London Royals. Donatello made an immediate impact in the locker room as the tight end captain. Donatello had an outstanding training camp, impressing coaches, as well as, media personalities. In four preseason games, he had nine receptions for 52 yards. In his first career game, Donatello recorded his first career touchdown reception in the 2nd quarter against the Dallas Birddogs. Donatello's first touchdown was also the Royals franchise's first offensive touchdown. Although Donatello scored early, Donatello didn't have a touchdown the remainder of the season. Donatello had a career best in Week 9 against the Tijuana Luchadores with four receptions for 58 yards. Donatello received harsh criticism during the season for his high number in drops. Media was quick to point out drops in key moments in games. Some which may have helped win games or put the Royals in the position to win. Donatello also received criticism for his comments endorsing pineapple on pizza. After he did not back down from his comments, Donatello received a number of protests, as well as, death threats. He believed his comments were the cause of not being nominated for TE of the Year honors. Donatello ended his rookie season with 32 receptions, 260 yards, averaging 8.1 yards/catch, and 1 touchdown. His reception total and yards were 5th best amongst tight ends in the DSFL.

NSFL career

In the S22 NSFL Draft, Donatello Arrabiata was drafted by the Philadelphia Liberty with their 80th (Rd 7, 8th) pick. In the S22 Season, Donatello elected to stay in the DSFL with the London Royals.

Pre-draft measurables

Ht	Wt	40‑yd dash	20‑ss	3‑cone	Vert jump	Broad	BP	Wonderlic
6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	240 lb (109 kg)	4.55 s	4.6 s	7.07 s	37 in (0.94 m)	1 ft 0 in (0.30 m)	2 reps	50

Professional career statistics

			Receiving					Offensive Line
Season	Team	GP	Rec	Yds	Avg	Long	TD	Pancakes	Sacks Allowed
2036 (S21)	Royals	14	32	260	8.1	30	1	10	0
2037 (S22)	Royals	14	60	600	9.7	44	5	11	1

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Achievements and records

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