FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The New England Patriots announced Thursday that hall-of-fame player and longtime broadcaster Gino Cappelletti has died.
Gino "The Duke" Cappelletti spent more than half a century with the team, either on the field or in the booth.
He was an original member of the Boston Patriots in 1960, and became a Hall of Fame wide receiver and placekicker. Fans heard him call games alongside legendary broadcaster Gil Santos for years. He also worked here at WBZ NewsRadio, providing afternoon sports updates.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft provided a statement on his passing, saying:
"My heart aches after learning of Gino Cappelletti’s passing this morning. 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.”
The Patriots organization says Gino Cappelletti passed away Thursday morning at home with his family. He was 89 years old.
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