Robert J. Cappadona was elected to the Hall of Fame for outstanding achievements in football both collegiate and professional.
Cappadona, was the legendary type fullback with size, speed and strength. He bulled Northeastern to its first undefeated season in 1963 as a sophomore, to a 5-3 record in 1964, and a 6-2 record in 1965. He set the Northeastern rushing records for most rushes in a season, 189; most rushes in a career, 443; most yards gained in a season, 842; and most yards gained in a career, 2064. He still holds the Northeastern career records for rushing touchdowns, 23, and total touchdowns, 24. He averaged nearly five yards per carry and 100 yards a game, and more than a touchdown a game. He was the annual All City, All New England and All ECAC fullback and received several All America mentions.
After Northeastern enjoyed its 1963 undefeated season, the team was invited to play in the Eastern Bowl. Because Cappadona was ineligible due to the transfer rule the team voted it down. Cappadona implored the team to reconsider. They did and Northeastern played in its first bowl game. For this unselfish act he won the prestigious Nils V. "Swede" Nelson Sportsmanship Award.
A great high school player at Watertown, Mass., he was the state's leading scorer and is still Watertown's all-time leading scorer and rusher. Cappadona played three years professionally with the Boston Patriots and Buffalo Bills and was the Patriot's Rookie of the Year in 1966.
