Hall of Fame Inductee Search
John "Cappy" Cappelletti
Position: Halfback
School: Penn State
High School: Upper Darby, PA (Monsignor Bonner HS)
Years: 1971-1973
Inducted: 1993
Place of Birth: Philadelphia, PA
Date of Birth: 6/9/1952
Jersey Number: 22
Height: 6-1
Weight: 206
Member Biography:
John Cappelletti was a defensive back in 1971, a running back
in 1972-1973. Penn State’s record in those years was 11-1,
10-2, 12-0. In 1973 Cappelletti scored 17 touchdowns and
rushed for 1522 yards. He averaged 5.3 yards a try. In
successive games against Maryland, North Carolina State,
Ohio University, his rushing totals were 202, 220, 204. He
was unanimous All-America, won the Heisman and Maxwell
Awards, was named Player of the Year by ABC, UPI, the
Washington Touchdown Club, the Camp Foundation, and
Amateur Athlete of the Year by Philadelphia Sports Writers
Association. In his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech,
Cappelletti said his career was inspired by love for his kid
brother, Joey, age 11, who was seriously ill with leukemia. He
said, “If I can dedicate this trophy to him tonight and give him a
couple days of happiness, that is worth everything.”
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was to follow with a closing
prayer. He simply said, “There is no need for a benediction.
God has already blessed you with John Cappelletti.” Brother
Joey died April, 1976. A TV movie, “Something for Joey,”
was produced later that year, and it featured John’s speech at
the Heisman.
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