Gino Cappelletti, an original member of the Boston Patriots and a franchise Hall of Famer, passed away Thursday at age 89, the team announced.
Cappelletti was involved with the Patriots for 51 years as a wide receiver/placekicker, coach and broadcaster. He was voted MVP of the American Football League (AFL) in 1964, an AFL all-star five times and later a member of the franchise’s 50th anniversary team. Cappelletti spent his entire 11-year playing career in New England.
He transitioned to broadcasting in 1972, then coached special teams for three seasons before later returning to the broadcast booth as the Patriots’ radio analyst from 1988-2011. In 1992, Cappelletti became the second person to be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame, after Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive lineman John Hannah. Today, he ranks as the team’s third all-time leading scorer with 1,130 career points and 10th all-time in receptions with 292.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft expressed his condolences to the Cappelletti family in a statement Thursday.
“The Patriots have had many iconic, fan-favorite players over the years. Gino was the first,” Kraft’s statement read. “I remember watching him play in 1960 and throughout his career. He was one of the AFL’s biggest stars, becoming the first Patriots player to earn league MVP honors and retiring as the league’s all-time leading scorer. He became the second player in franchise history to earn Patriots Hall of Fame induction and I will always believe he deserves to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“As great of a player as he was, he was an even better person and storyteller. On behalf of my family and the entire Patriots organization, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Gino’s wife, Sandy, their three daughters, Gina, Cara and Christina, and their 10 grandchildren, as well as the many others who will be mourning his loss.”
Cappelletti was surrounded by family at the time of his passing, according to the team’s release.
