Theresa Petruziello

Theresa Petruziello is a women's football player that competed with the Cleveland Crush of the Legends Football League.

LFL
She was nothing short of dominant during a 2013 season that saw Cleveland gain much needed confidence. During Cleveland’s 2011 season (an 0-4 performance), Petruziello logged 150 yards receiving and six touchdowns, along with 13 solo tackles on defense.

Competing as a wide receiver and a strong safety, the 28 year-old Petruziello was dominant in 2013. An All-Fantasy Selection, her strong offensive game featured six touchdowns complemented by a brilliant defensive output, which resulted in 20 total tackles.

Averaging 14.7 yards per catch, she would emerge as one of the club’s primary weapons in the passing game. Petruziello would finish as Cleveland’s receiving leader, leading the club in three categories: receptions (6), receiving yards (88) and receiving touchdowns (4). With Tia Knipper as a rookie competitor at the quarterback position, Petruziello’s presence was able to help her adjust to the game while giving her a steady receiving target. In Knipper’s LFL debut, a 49-40 road loss on May 18 vs. the Atlanta Steam, Petruziello caught three touchdown passes.

The second game of the season would emerge as Petruziello’s finest hour. With the Cleveland franchise having never won a game in franchise history, their home opener would be the perfect setting for a landmark moment.

Competing against the Omaha Heart at Quicken Loans Arena, Petruziello shined. Containing Heart running back Rayna Berryman, it set the tone of the game. Laying out hit after punishing hit on defense, she would also contribute on the offensive side of the ball. With seven minutes remaining, she caught a touchdown pass from Knipper to extend their lead over Omaha to a 12-0 tally.

Fittingly, she would be named the Game’s Most Valuable Player in a landmark event in franchise history.

LFL Canada
Cleveland teammates Petruziello and Tamar Fennell were recruited to compete for LFL Canada’s expansion franchise; the Calgary Fillies for the 2013 LFL Canada season. Of note, the Canadian season was delayed until 2014.