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Patriots Legend Gino Cappelletti Has Passed Away At Age 89

Wicked Boston May 12, 2022



Legendary Patriots player and broadcaster Gino “The Duke” Cappelletti, sadly passed away this morning. Cappelletti was an original member of the Boston Patriots in 1960 and a Patriots Hall of Fame wide receiver and placekicker, as well as a legendary broadcaster. He owns the NFL record for most seasons leading league in points scored: 5, (1961, 1963–1966; tied with Don Hutson and Stephen Gostkowski).Cappelletti still ranks third all-time in Patriots history in scoring with 1,130 career points, as well as 10th with 292 receptions and 12th with 4,589 receiving yards. Cappelletti spent seven seasons (1972-78) in the broadcast booth before returning to the sidelines as the special teams coach from 1979 through the 1981 season on Ron Erhardt’s staff. He returned to the broadcast booth in 1988, where he remained through the 2011 season. Cappelletti was 89 years old.

“My heart aches after learning of Gino Cappelletti’s passing this morning,” said Robert Kraft, Patriots chairman and CEO. “For the first 51 years of this franchise’s history, Gino contributed as an all-star player, assistant coach and broadcaster. You couldn’t be a Patriots fan during that era and not be a fan of Gino’s. The Patriots have had many iconic, fan-favorite players over the years. Gino was the first. 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.”