One of the all-time Kentucky greats has passed away.

Vito “Babe” Parilli passed Saturday after a battle with cancer according to announcement by the New England Patriots organization.

Originally from Rochester, Penn., Parilli came to Kentucky in 1948. Parilli letter for three years (1949-51), playing under coach Bear Bryant. A two-time first-team All-American (1950, 1951), Parilli led Kentucky to a 28-8 record, including a 1950 SEC championship and back-to-back New Year’s Day bowl victories in the 1951 Sugar Bowl and 1952 Cotton Bowl.

Parilli finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1950 and third the following year. Parilli threw for 4,351 career passing yards during his three seasons as UK quarterback. In 1982, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Parilli was the No. 4 overall selection in the 1952 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers. He played for six seasons before going to the AFL to play for the Oakland Raiders. Parilli played for 10 years in the AFL, including with the Boston Patriots (1961-67) and the New York Jets (1968-69). In his final season with the Jets, Parilli won a Super Bowl championship.

During his AFL career, Parilli was voted to three AFL All-Star games (1963-64, 1966) and was named AFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1966.