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United States John Cappelletti transitioned from a Heisman Trophy-winning collegiate athlete to a professional NFL running back, later sharing his journey and life experiences.
Penn State and the NFF jointly honored Paul Posluszny, a member of the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Class, during an on-campus salute presented by Fidelity Investments. This event highlights the recognition of former college football athletes.
John Cappelletti is recognized as a Heisman Trophy award winner associated with the Big 33, an organization that tracks its history, success, and impact in football, often featuring players who went on to achieve significant accolades in the sport.
John Raymond Cappelletti was born on August 9, 1952, in Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania. He attended Monsignor Bonner High School, playing football as a quarterback and earning first-team All-Catholic and All-Delaware County honors in 1969. His high school recognized his dedication and athletic success by establishing the John Cappelletti Award and retiring his No. 11 jersey. He then attended Pennsylvania State University. As a sophomore in 1971, Cappelletti played as a defensive back. However, observing his athletic potential, Coach Joe Paterno planned to switch him to offense as a junior.
Cappelletti’s collegiate football career at Penn State culminated in a standout senior year in 1973 as a tailback. He gained 1,522 yards on 286 carries, scoring 17 touchdowns and contributing to an undefeated 12–0 season. Over his two years as a running back, he achieved 2,639 yards and 29 touchdowns. His exceptional performance earned him the 1973 Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, UPI College Football Player of the Year, Walter Camp Award, and Chic Harley Award. He also received first-team consensus All-America honors. His Heisman acceptance speech, dedicated to his younger brother Joey, who was battling leukemia, became a notable moment in college sports history. His No. 22 jersey was later retired by Penn State, marking it as the first and only number retired by any sport at the university.
Following his collegiate success, Cappelletti was the 11th overall pick in the 1974 NFL Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Rams. He played nine seasons in the NFL, spending five with the Rams (1974–1978) and four with the San Diego Chargers (1980–1983). During his time with the Rams from 1976 to 1978, he started every game at fullback, leading the team in rushing in 1978 and achieving nearly 1,000 total yards rushing and receiving in 1976 and 1978. A groin injury sidelined him for the entire 1979 season and eventually led to his retirement from professional football. Cappelletti was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1993, the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 1989, and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.
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