Joseph Abdullah was born in South Stockton and attended local schools until enrolling at St. Mary’s High School. Joe was called a generational running back talent, leading the Rams to their first playoff run under Coach Steve Towne in 1990. He was selected All-Area and All- League his junior and senior seasons. At St. Mary’s he also played basketball and baseball his sophomore and junior years. Joe received a scholarship to play football at San Diego State. Injuries prevented him from playing much so he transferred to University of the Pacific for his junior and senior seasons.
In the 1994 season he played in all 11 games, rushing 250 times for 1075 yards and 49 receptions for 434 yards totaling nine touchdowns. His senior season the totals were even better, with 263 rushing attempts for 1334 yards, 34 receptions for 460 yards, and a total of 14 touchdowns. He was selected as the All Big-West Running Back both years and was an All-American Candidate in 1995. He had two outstanding seasons and was selected to play in the Shriners’ Collegiate All Star game after his senior season. He is remembered as the player to score the last touchdown for the University of the Pacific football program. He played two seasons of professional football with the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos.
