John was a two-way All-Met end at Georgetown Prep and then and an All-American at Duke University, where he captained the 1973 team. Drafted by the New York Jets, he played professionally for five teams in three leagues (World Football League, Canadian Football League and the NFL).

Following his professional career, Ricca was the head football coach and athletic director at St. John's College High School from 1987 to 2002, leading the Cadets to the Catholic league championship over DeMatha in 1989, 27-12 at Byrd Stadium. For his efforts Ricca was named the Coach of the Year by the Washington Post and by the Touchdown Club of DC. The 1989 team was recently inducted into the St. John's Athletic Hall of Fame.

After leaving St. John's, Ricca started the football program at St.John’s Catholic Prep in Frederick, Md. In his 10 years there, his teams went 64-36-1 and won an MIAA C Conference championship in 2013. He also spent four years as an assistant coach at Catholic University, where his son Keith was a star quarterback.

During his time at St. John's, Ricca coached several future NFL players and sent dozens to play collegiately, including current St. John’s assistants Pat Ward and Justin Molloy. Ricca’s 33-year coaching career also includes stints as an assistant coach at Bullis and at Walter Johnson. In 25 years as a head coach his teams were 143-113-2. 

Ricca and Therese, his wife of 41 years, live in Poolesville. He is the father of six and has returned to St. John's College High School as an assistant coach for the 2016 football season.