Vito “Babe” Parilli played quarterback for the Patriots from 1961-67 and threw for more than 20,000 yards during his career. Parilli was voted to three American Football League All-Star teams and was named the AFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1966 when he threw for 3,441 yards and 31 touchdowns. In addition to his skills as a quarterback, Parilli became known as an excellent kick holder and earned the nickname “Gold Finger.” The combination of holder/quarterback Parilli and kicker/wide receiver Gino Cappelletti came to be known as the “Grand Opera.” In 1993, Parilli was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. In 1982, Parilli was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame for his collegiate career under Bear Bryant at the University of Kentucky. Inducted 1993.
Played quarterback for the Patriots from 1961-67
Threw for more than 20,000 yards during his career
Voted to three American Football League All-Star teams
Named the AFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1966 when he threw for 3,441 yards and 31 touchdowns
Number: 15
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-1
Weight: 196
College: Kentucky
Seasons with the Patriots (7): 1961 – 1967
Inducted: 1993