Crime & Safety
Sports Hero and Heisman Winner's Laguna Niguel Home Robbed
The residence of John Cappelletti, a former LA Rams, San Diego Chargers and Penn State football star was broken into according to authorities. More than $50,000 in sports memorabilia is missing.
The Laguna Niguel home of 1973 Heisman Trophy winner John Cappelletti, a former football star who played for the L.A. Rams, San Diego Chargers and at Penn State University, was broken into on Jan. 20, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
"The Orange County Sheriff's Department is investigating a robbery on the 32000 block of Brant in Laguna Niguel," said Jim Amormino, spokesperson for the department. "Right now, the suspect is unknown, but what we do know is that more than $50,000 in personal sports memorabilia and jewelry was removed that belonged to John Cappelletti."
According to Cappelletti's website, he was, "A defensive back as a freshman and sophomore at Penn State. Cappelletti was moved to running back in his junior year, 1972, and gained 1,117 yards. As a senior, he rushed for 1,522 yards, was a consensus All-American, and won the Heisman Trophy as the nation's outstanding college player. The 6-foot-1, 219-pound Cappelletti joined the Los Angeles Rams in 1974 and was with them for five seasons. He missed 1979 with a knee injury and then spent three seasons with the San Diego Chargers before retiring. In his 8 professional seasons, Cappelletti rushed 824 times for 2,751 yards, a 3.3 average, and 24 touchdowns. He caught 135 passes for 1,233 yards and 4 touchdowns."
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Amormino said the late head football coach at Penn State, Joe Paterno, once said of Cappelletti: "He was the greatest football player ever."
Cappelletti reported the items missing Monday evening.
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"He said he noticed one item was missing and then noticed other items were missing recently," Amormino said. "While we cannot be specific about the items that were stolen, I can say that they are related to his time spent at Penn State and when he played for the Rams."
Amormino said Cappelletti released a statement through the department that said, "Many of the items are irreplaceable and personal. He hopes that the items will be returned to him as they are personal and that he is indeed the victim of a burglary."
Anyone with any information is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-628-7170.
