Babe Parilli

Babe Parilli built a distinguished football career as a quarterback and a coach. Parilli spent 15 years in the NFL as a player with several teams and then moved on to coaching after his playing days.

Born and raised in Rochester, Pennsylvania, Vito “Babe” Parilli played at Rochester High School before heading to the University of Kentucky, where he played under legendary coach Bear Bryant. At Kentucky, Parilli quickly made a name for himself as one of the nation's top collegiate quarterbacks. A two-time All-American in 1950 and 1951, he led the Wildcats to a victory in the 1951 Sugar Bowl and finished third in Heisman Trophy voting that same year.

Parilli was selected fourth overall in the 1952 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. After an up-and-down early NFL career and a brief stint in the Canadian Football League, Parilli found new life with the formation of the American Football League in 1960. He joined the Oakland Raiders for the AFL’s inaugural season and later became the face of the Boston Patriots franchise where he spent seven years.

Parilli was known as a gifted passer and showed it, earning three AFL All-Star selections (1963, 1964, 1966) and helping guide the Patriots to their first-ever playoff appearance in 1963. in his career, Parilli threw for more than 23,000 career passing yards and 180 touchdowns, finishing his career as one of the AFL’s all-time leading quarterbacks.

With the Patriots, Parilli reached the peak of his career. Nicknamed “Gold-Finger” for his success and flash, he set numerous team passing records and developed a strong connection with Hall of Fame receiver Gino Cappelletti. The two formed one of the AFL’s most dangerous passing duos. In 1964, Parilli threw for 3,465 yards and 31 touchdowns—among the best statistical seasons in league history at the time.

Parilli’s experience and leadership extended beyond just offense. He also served as the team’s holder on special teams and even took snaps as a punter when needed—highlighting his versatility and team-first mentality.

After finishing his playing career with the New York Jets—where he backed up Joe Namath and was part of the iconic Super Bowl III championship team—Parilli moved into coaching.

Parilli’s contributions to football were recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982, honoring his legendary career at Kentucky. He is also a member of the Patriots Hall of Fame and remains a beloved figure in both AFL and college football history.

Photos from Alchetron, the free social encyclopedia, and Wikimedia Commons. Biography by John T. Broome.