ROH 089-Parilli-Meilinger

Vito “Babe” Parilli

A two-time first-team All-American in 1950 and 1951, Babe Parilli also finished third and fourth in Heisman Trophy voting his junior and senior seasons. He lettered three years at quarterback for the Wildcats and set a UK career record for touchdown passes with 50. Parilli completed 331 of 592 passes for 4,351 yards in his career and the team posted a 28-8 record, claimed an SEC title along with spots in the Orange, Sugar, and Cotton Bowls under his leadership. After being taken in the first-round of the NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers in 1952, the quarterback played for six years in the NFL, then 10 years in the AFL, culminating with a 1969 Super Bowl championship with the New York Jets.

Steve Meilinger

The versatile Steve Meilinger lettered three years for the Wildcats as an end, halfback, defensive back, and linebacker. His career totals include 75 catches for 1,210 yards (16.1 avg.) and 17 touchdowns, a former UK team record. Meilinger had 41 receptions and racked up 576 yards and eight touchdowns during the 1951 season, which led to him becoming a first-team All-American in 1952 and 1953. He was also named first-team All-SEC three times (1951-53) and the Birmingham QB Club Quarter Century All-SEC Team (1950-74). He rushed for 714 yards and intercepted six passes during his college career and was later a first-round NFL Draft choice by Washington.