Former New England Patriots quarterback Vito “Babe” Parilli has passed away at the age of 87.
Former Boston Patriots quarterback Vito “Babe” Parilli, passed away at the age of 87.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2017
Parilli led New England’s offense during the 1960s, throwing for 16,747 yards between 1961–67. He also played for the Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders and New York Jets during his illustrious 15-year pro football career.
Known as Babe Parilli throughout his playing career, Parilli was voted to three American Football League All-Star teams and earned AFL Comeback Player of the Year honors in 1966 after passing for 3,441 yards and 31 touchdowns.
He and receiver Gino Cappelletti came to be known as the “Grand Opera,” during their days with New England.
A college football star as well, Parilli was named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982 before being inducted into Patriots Hall of Fame in 1993.