Gino Marchetti, a dominant defensive lineman and 11-time Pro Bowler, built a legacy that included World War II service and a stand during the Civil Rights era. Born to Italian immigrants in West Virginia, he fought as a machine gunner in the Battle of the Bulge. In 1951, as captain of the University of San Francisco football team, he refused to play in the Orange Bowl to support two Black teammates barred from participation. He debuted in the NFL in 1952 and played through 1966. While still at his peak, he co-founded Gino's Hamburgers with Alan Ameche, growing it to 359 company-owned outlets by 1978. In 1982, Marriott bought the chain, converting most locations to Roy Rogers and selling the rest.
"Born to Italian immigrants in West Virginia, a 17-year-old Marchetti fought as a machine gunner in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. As captain of the University of San Francisco football team in 1951, he refused to play in the Orange Bowl, taking a stand for two of his black teammates who weren't allowed to play. He made his NFL debut in 1952 and continued playing until 1966."
"While still at his athletic peak, he launched Gino's Hamburgers along with fellow Baltimore Colts running back Alan Ameche. Within a year of Marchetti coming on board, they went public to secure funds for an expansion. Gino's Hamburgers had grown to 359 company-owned outlets by 1978."
"In 1982, the company was sold to The Marriott group, which ended up converting more than half of them to Roy Rogers restaurants while selling the rest. Marchetti launched himself into the food business with the same passion with which he launched into countless tackles. He was a hands-on owner, and was often found on the restaurant floor or even the kitchen."
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