John Cappelletti

John Cappelletti, the distinguished recipient of the 1973 Heisman Trophy, also earned the Maxwell Award, UPI College Football Player of the Year, Walter Camp Award, and Chic Harley Award for his standout senior season as a tailback at Pennsylvania State University. His collegiate career culminated in 1973 with an undefeated 12–0 season, where he gained 1,522 yards on 286 carries and scored 17 touchdowns. Over his two years as a running back for the Nittany Lions, Cappelletti achieved 2,639 yards and 29 touchdowns. In 1973, he also earned first-team consensus All-America honors, was named ABC-TV Player of the Year, and received the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Amateur Athlete of the Year award.

Prior to his collegiate dominance, Cappelletti showcased his athletic prowess at Monsignor Bonner High School, where he played quarterback and earned first-team All-Catholic and All-Delaware County honors in 1969. His high school recognized his dedication by establishing the John Cappelletti Award and retiring his No. 11 jersey in 1974. Following his collegiate success, Cappelletti was selected as the 11th overall pick in the 1974 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.

His lasting legacy at Penn State was also solidified with the retirement of his No. 22 jersey in 2013, marking it as the first and only number retired by any sport at the university, an honor reflecting his unparalleled contributions.