Son of Mass. pizza tycoon going from indoor football in Lowell to Patriots rookie camp

Massachusetts Pirates linebacker Sal Lupoli Jr. is stepping away from the team for a little bit. But he has a pretty good excuse.

He was invited to rookie minicamp with the New England Patriots.

Lupoli is a Chelmsford native who was a Division II All-American at Bentley as a linebacker. He also had a large presence on special teams, lining up at long snapper and returning 13 kicks during his career.

Lupoli has started four games this season for the Indoor Football League’s Pirates, who play their home games at Lowell’s Tsongas Center. He’s been in on 34 tackles this season and also has an interception and a blocked kick.

The Lupoli name may be familiar to some across New England. Sal Lupoli Sr. is the founder of Sal’s Pizza, a local pizza chain with 20 locations across Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Sal Lupoli Sr., who played college football at Northeastern, is in the business of more than just pizza. He is the CEO of the chain’s parent company, Lupoli Companies, which has branches across the real estate and hospitality industries.

Among his many projects, Lupoli Sr. spearheaded the revitalization of the Riverwalk in Lawrence, where Lupoli Companies is headquartered.

Lupoli Jr. is part of the family business. The Lupoli Companies website lists him as an executive associate for hospitality and real estate.

As for football, Lupoli Jr. is heading to the “called up” list while the Pirates continue their season, which is currently five games in.

“The kid deserves it. He’s done everything we’ve asked of him. He’s been an influential presence in our locker room, possesses a versatile skill set, and plays with an infectious energy. We’re rooting for him every step of the way,” Pirates general manager Jawad Yatim said.

Patriots rookie mini camp is set to begin Friday, May 9. Lupoli Jr.’s potential as a long snapper will be worth monitoring. He could represent competition for draft pick long snapper Julian Ashby.

The Patriots took Ashby in the seventh round of the NFL Draft last week. Days later, the team released long-time snapper Joe Cardona.

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