Cappelletti was one of only three players to play in every game in the AFL's 10-year history, along with Jim Otto and George Blanda.
A wide receiver and placekicker, he finished his career as the AFL's all-time leader in points (1,100) and field goals (170). He played his entire career with the Patriots (1960-1970) after joining the team from the University of Minnesota.
Cappelletti went from the field to the Patriots broadcast booth in the 1970s, taking a three-year break at one point to serve as Patriots special teams coach.
He returned to serve as radio analyst from 1988-2011, with his calls alongside the late Gil Santos -- particularly from the Patriots' first Super Bowl victory over the Rams -- considered by many to be among the greatest in New England sports lore.
"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," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said. "The Patriots have had many iconic, fan-favorite players over the years. Gino was the first."
Cappelletti was a five-time AFL All-Star selection, he led the AFL in scoring five times, and holds the top two scoring seasons in AFL history with 155 points in 1964 and 147 points in 1961. He also holds the Patriots single-game record for points in a game with 28 (on Dec. 18, 1965 vs. Houston.).
He was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 1992. 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's No. 20 is retired by the New England Patriots.
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's No. 20 is retired by the New England Patriots.
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