Lititz resident Todd L. Rucci, an offensive guard for the New England Patriots in the 1990s, has been appointed executive director of the Pennsylvania Lottery, effective Tuesday.

Rucci, 41, is the son-in-law of former longtime Franklin & Marshall College football coach Tom Gilburg. He and his wife, Stacy, are the parents of two sons, Hayden, 10 1/2, and Nolan, 9.

The Ruccis met at Penn State University, where he was a three-year starter under Coach Joe Paterno and she was a Division I first-team All-American in field hockey.

Before accepting the lottery post, Rucci was assistant vice president at Susquehanna Bank's Private Banking/Sports Division since December 2007.

The aim of the Sports Division is to help professional athletes with banking services, investment management, and estate planning and trusts. Prior to joining Susquehanna, Rucci was a wealth adviser at Sterling Financial.

Rucci, who could not be reached for comment, played with the Patriots from 1993-99 and was named to the franchise's All-Decade Team for the 1990s.

A native of Upper Darby, he was selected to the Big 33 game as a high-schooler before matriculating at Penn State, where he earned a bachelor of science degree.

Rucci was drafted 51st overall by New England in 1993 and started seven playoff games during his pro career, including Super Bowl XXXI against the Green Bay Packers.

Contact Sunday News staff writer Paula Wolf at pwolf@lnpnews.com.