Joseph Verria competed for the Football Bears from 1977-1980 as an outstanding defensive tackle. He pursued a professional football career in the NFL after his collegiate career. He had tryouts with both the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots. Joe was also a track star at BSC and was a MASCAC all-conference shot putter in 1980 and 1981. He returned to Bridgewater State in 1988 as a defensive assistant coach for football and has remained on the staff ever since. In 2016, Joe became the Bears' head football coach. 

Joe, his wife Maryann and son Ryan are local residents of Bridgewater, MA.