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Babe Parilli

Quarterback

Inducted 1982

Date of Birth

5/7/1930

Birthplace

Rochester, PA

School

University of Kentucky (1949-1951)

Bio

Vito "Babe" Parilli brought Kentucky national recognition as he introduced Bear Bryant's "T" Formation that baffled opponents and spectators alike. Parilli was a great ball handler. Defenders tackled backs not carrying the ball as Parilli's fakes enabled receivers to become wide open for his passes. In 1949 and 1950, Parilli directed teams that ran up 684 points against 115 opposition points. The Wildcats held 10 of 22 opponents scoreless, and all but three to seven points or less. In 1950, while Parilli was breaking a long list of Southeastern Conference records, Kentucky won the Southeastern Conference title. In his illustrious career, Parilli threw 50 touchdown passes, led Kentucky to wins over Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl and TCU in the Cotton Bowl, and won consensus first-team All-America honors in 1950. He twice placed in the top-four of the Heisman vote. He ended his remarkable college career with consensus All-America honors again in 1951 and Most Valuable Player citation in the college All-Star Game. Parilli played professional football with the Green Bay Packers, the Oakland Raiders, the Boston Patriots and the New York Jets.