Athletes - Dominic Raiola

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	Athletes - Dominic Raiola

Dominic Raiola (born December 30, 1978 in Honolulu, Hawaii) is an American football center with the Detroit Lions.

High School and College

Raiola was born in Honolulu and attended St Louis High School. Their football team went undefeated in his last three years at the school, which won its 11th straight state championship in 1996, his final year. St. Louis High was rated as the 15th best team in the US, with Raiola's performance at center leading to the University of Nebraska offering him a scholarship.

In his first year, he became the first freshman offensive lineman to start a game for the Cornhuskers since Rob Zatechka in 1991. In 1999, he became the first sophomore center for the team since Dave Rimington to participate in postseason play setting a school record for knockdowns which he bettered in 2000. He was widely picked as an All-American in 2000.

Detroit Lions

Raiola went professional in 2001 and was drafted by the Lions in the second round. He started to get game time as a replacement center in the latter half of the season with a game against the San Francisco 49ers in November his first in that position. He was selected as a member of Pro Football Weekly's All-Rookie squad during that season.

In 2002, Raiola started for all 16 games of the season, winning the Chuck Hughes Most Improved Player award. He was a key member of the offensive line which allowed only 20 quarterback sacks for the season, the lowest for the NFL in that season and then a franchise record. Raiola protected both quarterback Joey Harrington and running back James Stewart.

Raiola was again a key part of the offensive line in 2003, starting in all 16 games again. During that season, the offensive line allowed just 11 sacks, a new record for the franchise. He also played more special teams, becoming the long-snapper when Brantford Banta broke his clavicle against the San Diego Chargers.

In 2004, Raiola started at center in all 16 games. The Lions' offensive line helped the team's rushing attack to be ranked second for the seven last games of the season. He again became responsible for long-snapping after Jody Littleton incurred a hamstring injury against the Washington Redskins in the middle of November. His reliability and strong performance led to the Lions offering him a five-year contract extension in March 2005.

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