Former Patriots Legend Gino Cappelletti Dies At 89

FOXBORO, MA — Gino "The Duke" Cappelletti, an original member of the Boston Patriots in 1960 died Thursday morning at his home with his family, the Patriots said. He was 89-years-old.

The Patriots Hall of Fame wide receiver and placekicker spent 51 years backing the football team through all parts of the franchise. Starting as a player in 1960, he turned assistant coach and eventual broadcaster.

"My heart aches after learning of Gino Cappelletti's passing this morning," said Robert Kraft, Patriots chairman and CEO. "You couldn't be a Patriots fan during that era and not be a fan of Gino's."

With 11 years under his belt on the team from 1960 through 1970, Cappelletti earned the American Football League's 1964 Most Valuable Player award.

Now known for his time spent broadcasting the games during the 70s, Cappelletti was the second Patriots player to be inducted into the team's hall of fame in 1992.