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On November 15, Sal Paolantonio, longtime Cooper Foundation Board of Trustees member, was inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame at its 45th Annual Gala in Chicago. Sal, a nationally recognized sports reporter with ESPN and a resident of Moorestown, NJ, has been a dedicated supporter of The Cooper Foundation and our mission to improve the health and well-being of our community.

Sal’s induction is a prestigious honor that places him alongside some of the most legendary names in sports, including Vince Lombardi, Yogi Berra, Phil Rizzuto, and Dick Vitale.

“The Cooper Foundation has been honored to have Sal’s steadfast support over the years,” said Philip A. Norcross, Esq., chairman of The Cooper Foundation. “His generosity and commitment to the community have positively impacted countless patients and their families. We are thrilled to celebrate Sal’s induction into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the world of professional sports.”

George E. Norcross III, chairman of the board of Cooper University Health Care, also shared his congratulations: “Sal Paolantonio has been a loyal friend and supporter of Cooper for many years. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to his remarkable career and dedication to excellence. We’re proud to see him stand alongside other icons of the sports world.”

Sal joined ESPN in 1995 and has become one of the most recognizable names in NFL reporting. Known for his in-depth analysis, Sal covers some of the league’s biggest moments, including games, playoffs, and the Super Bowl. Beyond his work on television, he has written extensively about football and contributed to ESPN’s digital platforms. Before joining ESPN, Sal was a political reporter and bureau chief at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (NIASHF) honors the achievements of Italian Americans in sports and celebrates the contributions of athletes, coaches, and other figures to the sports world. Founded in 1977, the Hall of Fame serves as both a museum and a cultural center, preserving the history and impact of Italian Americans in athletics.

We are incredibly proud of Sal’s accomplishments and grateful for his dedication to The Cooper Foundation. His induction into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame is a testament to his hard work, talent, and passion for excellence both in his career and in his community.

Cooper Foundation Board Member Sal Paolantonio (right) with his wife, Lynn McGraw.