Penn State Football: 30 greatest players of all-time

John Cappelletti played his high school ball inside the state of Pennsylvania, as he starred at Monsignor Bonnor (PA) High School in a western suburb of Philadelphia. When he first came to Penn State, he was a defensive back, and did not shift to the running back position until his junior year. Let’s just say the program has to be happy that it moved him there for his final two seasons of college ball.

During the 1972 season, his first as the team’s featured back, Cappelletti led the Nittany Lions to a 10-2 record, as he rushed for 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, it would be the 1973 season that really put him on the map. He dominated the college football landscape, rushing for over 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns, as he became the first Penn State player to ever win the Heisman Trophy.

Not only did Cappelletti win the Heisman Trophy in 1973, but he also led the Penn State football team to a perfect 12-0 record. Cappelletti won the Maxwell Award, and was named an All-American, as he put together a season for the ages in Happy Valley. He would end up being a first round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1974, but never quite had the NFL career that many believed he would.

Cappelletti’s place in Penn State history is a special one, as no one has won the Heisman Trophy since he earned it in 1973. There have been many special players that have put on the blue and white since his playing days were over, including some that have certainly been deserving of the award, but Cappelletti stands alone when it comes to Penn State Heisman Trophy winners.