Published: May 08, 2008 11:10 pm      

BILLS: DiGiorgio ready for graduation day

John DiGiorgio’s football career is just getting started, but the Buffalo Bills linebacker has already got a back-up plan ready for his days after life in the NFL.

DiGiorgio will walk across the stage at Saginaw Valley State on Saturday to accept his diploma. He’ll graduate with a bachelor’s degree in physical and health education, with a minor in psychology.

“I’m really excited,” DiGiorgio said by phone Wednesday. “I worked really hard to get this degree.”

Part of that work involved completing two eight-week student-teaching requirements. After his rookie season in 2006, DiGiorgio returned to his

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native Michigan and completed his student-teaching at Adlai E. Stevenson High School, in Sterling Heights.

“They were our rivals in high school, so it was pretty weird walking down the hallways,” said DiGiorgio, who played linebacker and running back for Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, in Shelby.

DiGiorgio’s role with the Bills changed when he returned for the 2007 season. He and Paul Posluszny competed for the starting middle linebacker job throughout training camp. Posluszny eventually won the job, but went down with an injury during a Week 3 loss at New England. That forced DiGiorgio, the only undrafted free agent to make the 53-man roster in 2006, into the starting lineup, where he spent the final 13 games. He responded with 112 tackles (85 solo), two fumble recoveries and an interception.

This offseason, DiGiorgio worked in a much different setting, at Siebert Elementary in Michigan.

“It was all new to me,” he said of working with younger kids. “It was difficult at times, so it took a while to get used to.”

With the big money available and the time commitments required of the NFL, some players delay finishing their degrees until after their playing days are over — if they ever go back. But DiGiorgio didn’t want to wait.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted. I still had the skills and knowledge of college fresh in my mind, so I didn’t want to wait,” he said.

DiGiorgio’s fiancée and parents are expected to attend Saturday’s ceremony. It’s a cheering section substantially smaller than the 70,000 who fill Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sundays in the fall, but special nonetheless.

“As long as I hear those three, that’ll be fine,” DiGiorgio said.

After his days with the Bills are done, DiGiorgio plans to return to Michigan and teach physical education. He’d also like to send future NFL hopefuls to the next level as a high school coach.

Contact reporter Jay Skurski a 693-1000, ext. 117.