[3] As a senior in 1988, he earned second-team Little All-America honors and finished tied for fifth in voting for the Harlon Hill Trophy, given to the best football player in NCAA Division II.

[3][2] Paterra was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 11th round, with the 286th overall pick, of the 1989 NFL draft.

[4][5] On August 21, 1990, Paterra was traded to the Detroit Lions for an undisclosed 1991 draft pick.

[5] On July 22, 1994, it was reported that Patera had retired due to shoulder and back problems.

[6] His daughter Tori Paterra participated in cross country at Miami University and daughter Andrea Paterra participated in track at West Virginia Wesleyan College.

[12][13] Paterra was also an assistant coach at his alma mater, Elizabeth Forward High School, and worked for the Pennsylvania Turnpike.