Utica's Joe Kaleta Still Playing Pro Football, and Then Some...

Joe Kaleta completed an incredibly successful high school football career with Proctor High School in Utica back in 2008. He went on to play Division I College Football at Washington State and then Coastal Carolina University, and now some 17 years later, he's still living his dream.

Kaleta, a towering 6'9" athlete who played for a brief stint with the Cleveland Browns organization and then with Fan Controlled Football (FCFL), has carved a unique path through the world of football and beyond. Kaleta became a notable figure in the FTFL, an innovative league where fans call the plays. His impact was significant enough to earn him a spot among the top players in the league in 2022. Now, Kaleta is continuing his football career, playing professional American Football in Mexico, in the LFA.

Joe Kaleta with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Photo courtesy of Joe Kaleta.

Beyond the gridiron, Kaleta who is now in his mid-30s, has ventured into reality television, showcasing his size, personality and adaptability. As a result of appearing on television in the world of security, Kaleta has entered into a career as a professional bodyguard, providing security for high-profile clients.

Terrell Owens with Joe Kaleta in the FCFL. Photo provided by Joe Kaleta for TSM.

Kaleta says he still spends plenty of time in the Utica area when he's able to get home.

Listen to the entire YouTube video with Kaleta below, on the Keeler YouTube channel.

Utica's Chicken Riggies Dish Wasn't Invented in Utica? Say It Isn't So.

The now-famous Utica Chicken Riggies recipe has taken on a life of its own. The dish is now found well outside the Utica-Rome area and it's getting more and more popular as word spreads around the northeast. While there are many variations of the dish today, there's still only one original recipe. So, who created the first "Riggies" recipe and where did it really originate.

Gallery Credit: Bill Keeler