Vito Babe Parilli

It is with deep sadness that Vito “Babe” Parilli passed away on July 15, 2017 in Denver, Colorado at the age of 88 due from complications of multiple myeloma. Babe was born May 7, 1929 in Rochester, Pennsylvania.

After growing up in Rochester, Babe played football at the University of Kentucky under coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, where he led UK to the Orange, Sugar and Cotton Bowls and the NCAA National Championship in 1951. He was a first team All American in 1950-1951 and the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year in 1950 and was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982. He finished in the top 4 Heisman Trophy voting in his junior and senior year.

Babe also played 18 seasons for 5 NFL/AFL/CFL teams. They were the Green Bay Packers, Ottawa Rough Riders, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, New York Jets and the then-Boston Patriots. With the Jets, he was Joe Namath’s backup, playing on the 1968 team that won Super Bowl III. Babe’s best seasons came with the Patriots. He was all Pro 1964, Come Back Player of the Year in 1966 and was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1993. He also was chosen to the Pro Bowl three times.

In addition to his NFL/AFL/CFL playing career he also coached for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos and New York Jets. He was head coach for three World Football League teams and was head coach for the USFL and 6 Arena Football League teams. Babe probably played and coached for more teams than any former NFL player.

From 1953-1954 Babe served as a lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Babe is survived by his Son Vance, Brother August, and Sister Martha Edge.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, Denver, CO.