Hall of Fame
Position: Halfback
Years: 1958-1960
Place of Birth: Winchester, MA
Date of Birth: Mar 13, 1938
Place of Death: Lincoln, MA
Date of Death: Mar 28, 2019
Jersey Number: 27
Height: 5-9
Weight: 181
High School: Winchester, MA (Winchester HS)
Joe Bellino was nicknamed the "Winchester Rifle" – a reference to his hometown and high school as well as his explosive running style. He was a fast and agile back who specialized in finding daylight in the smallest of holes.
"My first step was at top speed," explained Bellino. "I could hit the hole as fast as anyone, then quickly get outside."
He starred at Navy from 1958-60 under College Football Hall of Fame head coach Wayne Hardin, rushing for 1,664 yards on 330 carries and scoring 31 touchdowns during his three-year career while also serving as a dangerous return man.
In 1960, Bellino rushed for 834 yards and 17 touchdowns and added 17 receptions for another 280 yards while leading Navy to a 9-2 record. After beating archrival Army 17-12, Navy earned an invitation to the prestigious Orange Bowl – losing 21-14 to Missouri on Jan. 2 in Miami. Bellino also inspired a 14-7 win over Notre Dame and had four touchdowns and a 90-yard run against Virginia that season.
A unanimous All-America selection, he was awarded the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award in 1960. Playing both ways, Bellino was also a defensive back, recording an end zone interception to preserve Navy's narrow victory over Army that year.
In 1958, he scored the Middies' only touchdown in a 22-6 loss to Army. He avenged the loss to the Cadets by gaining 115 yards and scoring three touchdowns in a 43-12 victory the following season.
Bellino, who also played baseball for the Midshipmen, capped his senior year by winning Navy's top two athletic awards – the Thompson Trophy and the Naval Academy Athletic Association Sword, marking the first time in 41 years that one midshipman received both honors. His No. 27 jersey was retired following the 1960 season.
Bellino was selected in both the NFL Draft (17th round by the Washington Redskins) and AFL Draft (19th round by the Boston Patriots) in 1961. He chose the Patriots, but would not suit up for the team until 1965 due to his Naval committment. Bellino spent three seasons with the team as a kick returner.
Bellino served 28 years in the Navy and Naval Reserve, retiring with the rank of captain. He spent four decades working in the auto leasing and auction industry.
Navy annually presents the Joe Bellino Award to the varsity football player whose inspiring on-field performance made a significant impact on the team and contributed to its overall success during the season.
Bellino passed away on March 28, 2019, at his home in Massachusetts. He was 81.
