The Official Site of John Cappelletti

A defensive back as a freshman and sophomore at Penn State, Cappelletti was moved to running back in his junior year, 1972, and gained 1,117 yards. As a senior, he rushed for 1,522 yards, was a consensus All-American, and won the Heisman Trophy as the nation's outstanding college player. The 6-foot-1, 219-pound Cappelletti joined the Los Angeles Rams in 1974 and was with them for five seasons. He missed 1979 with a knee injury and then spent three seasons with the San Diego Chargers before retiring. In his 8 professional seasons, Cappelletti rushed 824 times for 2,751 yards, a 3.3 average, and 24 touchdowns. He caught 135 passes for 1,233 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Recent News:

November 7, 2009 Afternoon

Penn States Only Heisman Trophy Winner Sits Down With Dan Patrick & Thousands Came Out To The Sports Illustrated Heisman 75th Anniversary Nissan Tour Tent

November 7, 2009 Early Morning

Hundreds Came Out To Meet Penn States Only Heisman Trophy Winner November 7, 2009 @ The Student Book Store In State College, PA.

July 16, 2009

Philadelphia Hall of Fame Announces Class VI

The Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame announced its 2009 class of inductees, which includes former Phillies shortstop and manager Larry Bowa; former Warriors star Neil Johnston; 1973 Heisman Trophy winner John Cappelletti of Penn State; former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda; and A's second baseman Eddie Collins.

Also, former Eagles tight end and general manager Pete Retzlaff; boxing champion JoeyGiardello; lacrosse Hall of FamerBetty Shellenberger; former Villanova track star Charlie Jenkins, who won two medals in the 1956 Olympics; track star Mel Sheppard, who won four medals in the Olympics in 1908 and 1912; Negro leagues baseball great Judy Johnson; NFL Hall of Fame safety Emlen Tunnell; and the 1974-75 Flyers, Stanley Cup champions.

Eagles broadcaster Merrill Reese and Daily News columnist Bill Conlin will receive the Legacy of Excellence Award.

September 6, 2008

Penn States Great Undefeated Team Of 1973 & 1974 Orange Bowl Champions Back In Happy Valley.

September 6, 2008

After Penn State Thumped Oregon State 45-14 Cappy Visits Friends And Enjoys The Best Italian Tailgate On Football Saturdays In State College.

September 6, 2008

Hundreds Came Out To Meet Penn States Only Heisman Trophy Winner September 6, 2008 @ The Student Book Store In State College, PA.

July 22, 2007

Cappelletti Helped Raise Money For The 1st Annual Louis P. Merlano Scholarship Fund Sunday July 22, 2007 @ Northampton Valley Country Club In Richboro, PA. CLICK The Photo To View Pctures Of This Great Event.

May 18, 2007

Cappelletti To Help Raise Money For The Louis P. Merlano Scholarship Fund July 22, 2007 @ Northampton Valley Country Club In Richboro, PA. CLICK The Logo Below To See How You Can Be Apart Of This Great Event Or Call (215) 997-8566 Or Email: info@lpmscholarshipfund.com

February 28, 2007

Cappelletti Helps Raise Money For The Hawk Mountain Boy Scouts at Sheraton Reading Hotel, Wyomissing.

Click here to read John's latest interview.

 

October 13, 2006

John Cappelletti At The 2006 Orange Bowl Hall Of Fame Induction

 

John Cappelletti at the 2006 Orange Bowl Hall of Fame Induction Watch the video

 

April 4, 2006

John Cappelletti Was A Special Guest On The Daily News Live Comcast Sportsnet Show. Watch the video

April 2, 2006

John Cappelletti Held A Benefit Dinner To Help Raise Funds For The Hazleton Blind Association In The Great Hazleton Pennsylvania Area.

April 1, 2006

John Cappelletti Appeared At The Great Outdoors Expo. In Scranton Pennsylvania.

April 1, 2006

John Cappelletti Appeared At The Triumph Sports Football Spectacular 4/1/06 - 4/2/06

January 3, 2006

Cappelletti Honored:

Former Penn State running back John Cappelletti, the 1973 Heisman Trophy winner, was one of three former college standouts recently inducted into the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame. Cappelletti, who rushed for 1,522 yards during his senior year, scored a touchdown in PSU's 16-9 victory over LSU in the 1974 Orange Bowl.

Ex-Lions In Attendance:

A couple dozen former PSU players attended the game. Some of the bigger names were Kansas City Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson Jr., CBS sports analyst Todd Blackledge, former Miami Dolphins wideouts O.J. McDuffie and Jimmy Cefalo, former Buffalo Bills linebacker Shane Conlan, former Cincinnati running back Ki-Jana Carter, former Steelton star Troy Drayton, former New York Jets running back Blair Thomas and former PSU backup offensive lineman Nick Marmo.

December 30, 2005

Cappelletti Set For Induction Into Orange Bowl Hall of Fame:

The Regions Bank Orange Bowl Hall of Honor will induct three new members this year that have made a significant impact on the FedEx Orange Bowl, including former Penn State standout John Cappelletti.

Joining Cappelletti, the 1973 Heisman Trophy winner, in the 2006 induction class will be running back Alonzo Highsmith (Miami, Fla.) and defensive tackle Ron Simmons (Florida State). The trio of standouts will be inducted Monday, Jan. 2 at the AvMed Orange Bowl Coaches Luncheon.

A halfback, Cappelletti was instrumental in the Nittany Lions earning their first 12-0 season, capping the 1973 campaign with a 16-9 win over LSU in the 1974 Orange Bowl. He rushed for 1,522 yards during his senior season, a total that remains fourth highest in a season in Penn State history. A consensus All-American, Cappelletti averaged 5.3 yards on his 286 carries and scored 17 touchdowns in ’73. He rushed for 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns in 1972 in his first season on offense. Cappelletti’s 2,639 rushing yards, compiled in two seasons, remain ninth highest in school history.

Cappelletti’s acceptance speech at the 1973 Heisman Dinner was considered the most moving ever given at these ceremonies, as he honored his younger brother Joey, who would later die of leukemia.