• A valuable waiver-wire pickup late in the 2000 preseason, he developed into a substantial contributor on special teams as a first-year player
• Originally signed by Denver as an undrafted free agent in 1998, spent the majority of the ensuing two seasons fulfilling his Air Force Academy service commitment, taking part in the Broncos' training camps and offseason mini-camps as his personal schedule allowed
• Was familiar to Packers defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, Denver's secondary coach during the 1998 and '99 seasons, who recommended the acquisition of the native Ohioan Gizzi
• Green Bay linebackers coach Bo Pelini, impressed with Gizzi's assets, labels him "a smart, instinctive player who is physical. He brings a good physical presence to it and is a very intelligent football layer. Plus he adds another level of toughness. He hasn't had a whole heck of a lot of experience, but now that he's a full-time football player after his military commitment he's coming along. We think he's an up-and-coming player. I like him. He's our backup 'Will' (weak side) linebacker, but he can play more than one position - he can play both inside spots, so he has good versatility also. And he's an excellent special teams player - he's tough and he'll hit people, which makes him a fun guy to watch play."
• Made Packers history last year by suiting up for the team, becoming the first player from the Air Force Academy ever to play for the Green and Gold in their 80-plus seasons
• Had resided on the Broncos' reserve/military list during the 1998-99 seasons while meeting his military commitment

Personal Bio

• Given name Chris Aaron Gizzi

• Born in Cleveland

• Single

• Was a three-year letterman as a linebacker at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, helping team win state championship three years in a row

• Also lettered four years in wrestling, finishing as the state runner-up as a senior

• While at Air Force Academy was involved in numerous speaking engagements, including elementary through high schools and rotary clubs

• Will continue to be involved with the Air Force through the reserve program and recruiting

• Brother, Doug, is a freshman fullback at Air Force

• Hobbies include weightlifting and outdoor sports

• Residence: Denver.