John J. Fina ’91

John Fina was known around the Old Pueblo before enrolling at the University of Arizona. Fina was an All-State Lineman his senior year at Salpointe Catholic High School, and became a cornerstone of the Wildcat football team, anchoring the offensive line. Brother Fina was named 2nd Team All Pac-10 and also 1st Team All Region Academic team.  He is a 2002 inductee of the U of A Sports Hall of Fame as well as enshrined in the Ring of Fame at Arizona Stadium.

The Fina name was also well-known around Arizona Beta, courtesy of brothers Mark ’81 and David ’83. John pledged and in the spring of ’88 was initiated into Sigma Phi Epsilon. In addition to dedication on the gridiron and in the classroom, he was also an active member of the fraternity, serving on the Standards Committee.

John graduated with a BA in Psychology in the spring of 1991, but found himself off to Buffalo, New York after the Buffalo Bills drafted him with the 27th pick overall in the 1992 NFL draft. Fina rewarded the Bills for their faith by spending the next ten years with the team, starting some 131 games and playing in two Super Bowls before ending his career with the Arizona Cardinals in 2002.

Brother Fina is currently working Acquisitions for Conix, but still finds time to give back to the community. He is an active non-profit public speaker who presents to schoolchildren as well church groups. Fina also serves as a board member of Southern Arizona Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He can also be heard announcing local High School Football games, and, occasionally guest-judging Sonoran Hot Dogs on the Travel Channel’s “Food Wars.”

He and Melissa have four children; Mimi, 11, Bruno, 9, Stella, 7, and Roman, 5.

Brother Fina credits Sigma Phi Epsilon with teaching him the importance of diligence and brotherhood, as well as establishing friendships that continue to this day.