Joe Bellino, Navy's First Heisman Trophy Winner, Dies

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Joe Bellino, Navy's first Heisman Trophy winner, died in Massachusetts on Wednesday.

Bellino, who was the 1960 Heisman Trophy winner, was 81 years old when he died.

Navy halfback Joe Bellino (27) tries right end but loses a yard in third quarter of game with Missouri Jan. 2, 1961 in Miami at the Orange Bowl. In pursuit is Missouri guard Paul Henley (68). Missouri won 21-14. (AP Photo)

According to The Capital GazetteBellino was a "standout halfback for the Midshipmen, had been in failing health for some time."

He played for Navy from 1958 to 1960.

Navy fans shared condolences on social media Friday morning as the news broke:

Bellino's son told WJZ his father was in great health and even working through Feb. 2019, but was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

"Dad was a physical force of nature during his playing career and held to that standard right to the end," John Bellino said.

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