Back to search

Joe Bellino

Halfback

Inducted 1977

Date of Birth

3/13/1938

Birthplace

Winchester, MA

School

United States Naval Academy (1958-1960)

Bio

Bellino, translated from Italian into English, means "little beauty." Little beauty is an apt description of this 1960 Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award winner. Joe Bellino 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." 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. In 1960, Bellino helped Navy to a 17-12 victory over Army. He also inspired a 14-7 win over Notre Dame, had four touchdowns and a 90-yard run against Virginia, and led Navy to a 9-2 season. Against Missouri in the Orange Bowl he made the best play of the day, a diving catch of a pass in the end zone. Following four years of military service he played three years with the Boston Patriots. The Naval Academy honored Bellino by retiring his jersey (27).