Tag: dies

Oct 27, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Former Minnesota Vikings safety Joey Browner smiles as his was honored before the game with the Green Bay Packers at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Packers win 44-31. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Former Vikings Pro Bowl S Joey Browner dies

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Former Minnesota Vikings’ six-time Pro Bowl safety Joey Browner died on Saturday. He was 65.

The Vikings announced the passing of Browner on Sunday, one day after the team announced former middle linebacker Jeff Siemon had died. The team did not announce the cause of death of either former player.

Selected by Minnesota with the 19th overall pick of the 1983 NFL Draft out of Southern California, Browner spent nine of his 10 NFL seasons with the Vikings.

Browner had 37 interceptions with 17 forced fumbles and 17 fumble recoveries in 145 career games (117 starts) for the Vikings (1983-91) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1992). He was a first-team All-Pro performer four times and was part of the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team.

In 2010, Browner was named one of the 50 greatest Vikings players of all time and was inducted into the team’s ring of honor in 2013.

“We’ve lost a great friend and one of the best Vikings teammates,” former Vikings tight end Steve Jordan said. “God blessed Joey with phenomenal talent and a big heart to love people and be a beacon of positivity. Truly, he will be missed.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; The Las Vegas Raiders shield logo at midfield at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Barret Robbins, ex-Raider who went missing before Super Bowl, dies

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Former Oakland Raiders center Barret Robbins, who was best known for disappearing the day before Super Bowl XXXVII, has died. He was 52.

Former teammate Tim Brown and the Raiders confirmed the news on social media.

“it’s with great regret i tell you i just received a call from Marissa Robbins informing me that Raiders All Pro center Barret Robbins passed away overnight. Thankfully, he passed peacefully in his sleep,” Brown wrote Friday on X, formerly Twitter. “Please pray for their girls, his family and tons of teammates who will be affected by this! It’s unfortunate that his life was never the same after he was not allowed to play in the Super Bowl! Rest Peacefully BR, you deserve it!”

Robbins went missing one day before the Raiders faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII in January 2003. He returned to the team in time for the game. However, the Raiders opted against playing him. The Buccaneers won, 48-21.

Robbins later said he ended up in Tijuana, Mexico, which is about a 30-minute drive from where the Super Bowl was held in San Diego.

“The hardest part to me is that the feeling I had was that the game was over and we had won and that was the way I felt,” Robbins said at the time. “That’s the way my brain was functioning to take the stress off or to alleviate whatever it was, and I don’t know why, but that’s what was going on in my brain and that’s … it’s crazy to me.”

Robbins was treated for bipolar disorder and alcohol abuse during a 30-day stint in rehab.

“The Raiders Family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Barret Robbins,” the team said in a statement. “Oakland’s second-round draft pick out of TCU in 1995, he was among the league’s top centers over nine seasons with the Raiders, earning first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2002. He played in 121 career games with 105 starts, all with the Silver and Black. The thoughts and condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Barret’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Robbins had several issues with the law after his playing days were over, including three arrests in the span of approximately one month in 2020, per multiple reports. He was sentenced to five years in prison in 2011 on drug charges while on probation. He was released after serving 1 1/2 years of that time.

–Field Level Media

Jan 22, 1989; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Keena Turner (58), linebacker Jim Fahnhorst (55), and nose tackle Michael Carter (95) look to tackle Cincinnati Bengals running back Ickey Woods (30) during Super Bowl XXIII at Joe Robbie Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Bengals 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Bob Deutsch-Imagn Images

Three-time Super Bowl champ Jim Fahnhorst dies

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Three-time Super Bowl winner Jim Fahnhorst has died at the age of 66, the San Francisco 49ers announced on Thursday.

The team announced Fahnhorst passed away on Wednesday but did not divulge a cause of death.

Fahnhorst, a linebacker, played seven years with the 49ers from 1984-90, helping the club win Super Bowls XIX, XXIII and XXIV.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former linebacker Jim Fahnhorst,” the team said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family.”

Initially selected in the fourth round of the 1982 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Fahnhorst opted to play in the USFL before joining the 49ers in 1984.

Fahnhorst’s older brother, Keith, played as an offensive lineman with the 49ers from 1974-87. He died in 2018, also at the age of 66.

–Field Level Media

Nov 16, 1969; Washington, DC, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jethro Pugh (75), Bob Lilly (74), and Lee Roy Jordan (55) against the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dick Raphael-Imagn Images

Former Cowboys LB Lee Roy Jordan dies

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Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Lee Roy Jordan, who starred as part of the team’s fabled “Doomsday Defense,” died Saturday. He was 84.

Jordan was in hospice and passed away in Dallas of kidney failure, his son David told the Dallas Morning News.

A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Jordan was named to the Cowboys’ Silver Anniversary team. He also was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 1989.

“With fearless instincts, leadership and a relentless work ethic, Jordan was the embodiment of the Cowboys spirt,” team owner Jerry Jones said in a statement. “Off the field, his commitment to his community was the centerpiece of his life after retiring in 1976. His legacy lives on as a model of dedication, integrity and toughness.”

A three-time Super Bowl champion, Jordan recorded 32 interceptions — including three that were returned for a touchdown — and 19.5 sacks in 187 career games (174 starts) with the Cowboys. He was selected by the team with the sixth overall pick of the 1963 draft out of Alabama.

–Field Level Media

Dec 4, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; General view of a New York Giants helmet prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Former Giants TE Aaron Thomas dies at 86

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Former New York Giants tight end Aaron Thomas died on April 26 at his home in Corvallis, Ore., after a long illness, the team announced. He was 86.

Thomas recorded 247 catches for 4,253 yards with 35 touchdowns in 117 career games with the Giants (1962-70). His touchdown reception total ranks tied for sixth in franchise history.

“He’s almost like the early version of (Kansas City Chiefs tight end) Travis Kelce,” his son, Robb Thomas, told the team’s website. “He was a tight end and flanker, but he really ran good routes and had a good feel about getting into open space.”

Thomas was selected by San Francisco in the fourth round of the 1961 draft before the 49ers traded him to the Giants two games into the 1962 season. He was named to the Pro Bowl during the 1964 season after reeling in 43 catches for 624 yards and six touchdowns. He retired after the 1970 season.

“He was very proud of and loved his years with the Giants,” Robb Thomas said. “He really liked the Mara family. They were good to him. He was always a Giants fan.”

Aaron Thomas is survived by his wife, Joan, and children Robb, Troy, Lance and Leslie.

–Field Level Media

Aug 16, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, United States; Jacksonville Jaguars corner back D.J. Hayden (25) walks down the field during training camp drills at the Dream Finders Homes training facility. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Former NFL CB D.J. Hayden among 6 dead in car accident

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Former NFL cornerback D.J. Hayden was among six people killed in Houston early Saturday morning after a car sped through a red light and caused a collision with another vehicle. He was 33.

Per Houston police, four people were pronounced dead at the scene and two more perished after being taken to a local hospital. Police noted that five males — including former University of Houston cornerback Zach McMillian, Hayden’s teammate — and one female were among the fatalities.

A two-time All-Conference USA honoree with Houston, Hayden made national headlines after a collision in practice caused a tear in his heart. He was discharged from the hospital a week later and was selected by the then-Oakland Raiders with the 12th overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Hayden recorded 328 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions and four forced fumbles in 92 career games (41 starts) with the Raiders (2013-16), Detroit Lions (2017), Jacksonville Jaguars (2018-20) and Washington Commanders (2021).

–Field Level Media

Feb 1, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; Gil Brandt arrives on the red carpet during the NFL Honors awards presentation at Adrienne Arsht Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Hall of Famer Gil Brandt, co-architect of Cowboys as ‘America’s Team,’ dies at 91

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Pro Football Hall of Famer, NFL scouting innovator and former Dallas Cowboys vice president of player personnel Gil Brandt died Thursday. He was 91.

Brandt joined the Cowboys for their inaugural season in 1960 and became one of the preeminent talent evaluators of his era while helping the club to a pair of Super Bowl titles in the 1970s. He spent 28 years with Dallas before being fired by new owner and general manager Jerry Jones in May 1989.

Under Brandt — as well as long-time head coach Tom Landry and general manager Tex Schramm — the Cowboys made five Super Bowl appearances.

Brandt was named to the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor in 2018 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019, with Jones presenting him at his induction for the latter honor.

“We are so deeply saddened by the passing of Gil Brandt — a true icon and pioneer of our sport,” Jones said. “Gil was at the very core of the early success of the Dallas Cowboys and continued to serve as a great ambassador for the organization for decades beyond that. His contributions cemented his spot in the Ring of Honor. He was my friend and a mentor not only to me, but to countless executives, coaches, players and broadcasters across the National Football League, which rightfully earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame where his legacy will be celebrated forever.

“He was an innovator and set the standard for excellence in player acquisition. From the creation of the NFL Combine to revolutionizing the NFL Draft, Gil finished his over six-decade NFL career with an eye towards the future of the league and teaching fans about the sport he loved as a radio broadcaster. Gil was as good a storyteller as it gets, with a memory as sharp as a tack. His dedication to, and passion for, this game left a lasting impact on generations of Hall of Fame players and coaches. There are very few people that have been able to have the kind of generational impact that he did. Gil was as dedicated to growing this league and sport as anyone ever was, and we are all grateful and better for it. Our hearts go out to Gil’s wife, Sara, his son Hunter and all of Gil’s family and friends.”

Brandt spent several years working with the NFL, including an active role at the Scouting Combine and in the pre-draft preparation process, and was a prominent fixture at the Indianapolis-based event for multiple decades after leaving his job with the Cowboys.

“You can’t tell the story about the success of the Dallas Cowboys and their two-decade run of winning seasons from the mid-1960s to mid-1980s without mentioning Gil Brandt,” said Jim Porter, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“His innovative approach to scouting and player evaluation helped the organization find players others overlooked. The result was discovering future Cowboys from smaller colleges, or even off college basketball or track teams. He is credited with advancing the use of computers in the front office of pro football teams, but the real computer was the one in his own head, where he stored an incredible amount of information that he loved to share with anyone who appreciated the game like he did.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 16, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers former running back and Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris prior to the game between the Houston Astros and the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Hall of Fame RB Franco Harris dies at 72

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Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris, who won four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was on the receiving end of the “Immaculate Reception,” died on Tuesday. He was 72.

Harris’ death came two days before the 50th anniversary of the famous play, which was selected as the greatest moment in league history as part of the NFL 100 celebration in 2019.

Harris’ family confirmed his passing to KDKA in Pittsburgh. No cause of death has been reported.

The Steelers were scheduled to retire the No. 32 worn by Harris during Saturday’s game against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders.

The team has retired just two numbers, those of Joe Greene (75) and Ernie Stautner (70).

“The entire team at the Pro Football Hall of Fame is immensely saddened today,” Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said in a statement. “We have lost an incredible football player, an incredible ambassador to the Hall, and most importantly, we have lost one of the finest gentlemen anyone will ever meet. Franco not only impacted the game of football, but he also affected the lives of many, many people in profoundly positive ways.

“The Hall of Fame and historians everywhere will tell Franco’s football story forever. His life story can never be told fully, however, without including his greatness off the field.”

The Immaculate Reception occurred Dec. 23, 1972, in a playoff game in Pittsburgh between the Steelers and then-Oakland Raiders. With the Steelers down 7-6 with 22 seconds to play and fourth-and-10 at their own 40-yard line, quarterback Terry Bradshaw scrambled, then threw a pass intended for John “Frenchy” Fuqua. After bouncing off Raiders safety Jack Tatum, the ball wound up in the hands of Harris, a 22-year-old rookie who ran it into the end zone for the game-winning, 60-yard score.

“That play really represents our teams of the ’70s,” Harris said after the Immaculate Reception was voted the greatest play in NFL history.

Tributes to Harris poured in on social media Wednesday morning.

“Franco Harris was so much more than just one play,” ESPN’s Mike Greenberg tweeted. “He was one of the great backs of his time, or any time, and the heartbeat of the offense of those legendary #Steelers teams. He was also as classy a gentleman as you could ever hope to meet. RIP Franco, thanks for the memories.”

Pennsylvania state Sen. Jay Costa offered his tribute.

“Franco’s legacy in our community will be forever one of joy, victory, and pride in the Steel City,” Costa tweeted. “Rest well, my friend.”

And from former NFL head coach Tony Dungy:

“Woke up this morning to the devastating news that my friend Franco Harris passed away during the night. One of the kindest, gentlest men I have ever known,” Dungy said. “He was a great person & great teammate. Hall of Fame player but so much more than that. A tremendous role model for me!”

Harris was selected to nine Pro Bowls and was the MVP of Super Bowl IX during his career with the Steelers (1972-83) and Seattle Seahawks (1984). He gained 14,407 yards from scrimmage and scored 100 touchdowns in 173 games (162 starts).

–Field Level Media

Mark Pike and Darryl Talley celebrate with Jamie Mueller after Mueller's game-winning TD reception against the Jets on Oct. 21, 1990. Buffalo Bills

Former Bills player Mark Pike dies at 57

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Former Buffalo Bills special teams player Mark Pike died Wednesday following a battle with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was 57.

Pike, who played both defensive end and linebacker, competed in 173 career games (one start) with the Bills. He recorded 41 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery since being selected by Buffalo in the seventh round of the 1986 NFL Draft.

“He was a big man who played special teams which was a matchup nightmare for our opponents,” former teammate Steve Tasker said. “He was a unique specimen. His ability to run and play special teams with his versatility was unbelievable.”

Pike recently attended the Bills’ home game against the Houston Texans on Oct. 3. He served as the club’s Crucial Catch honoree, which is the NFL’s program to fight cancer through early detection and risk reduction.

Pike is survived by his wife, Sharon, their two sons, Ezekiel and Malachi, and their daughter, Kramer.

–Field Level Media

Aug 4, 2018; Canton, OH, USA; Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles former defensive end Claude Humphrey acknowledges the crowd during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Grand Parade on Cleveland Avenue. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Pro Football Hall of Fame DE Claude Humphrey dies

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Former NFL defensive end Claude Humphrey died at the age of 77, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Saturday.

The organization did not reveal a cause of death for Humphrey, who passed away Friday, only that it was informed by a family member.

Humphrey was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the Class of 2014. He recorded 130 sacks during his 13-year career with the Atlanta Falcons (1968-78) and Philadelphia Eagles (1979-81).

“The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Claude Humphrey,” Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said in a statement. “Known as a hard worker and a reliable teammate, Humphrey was always willing to help the team out wherever needed and knew success was achieved collectively. His humble spirit guided him on and off the field.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Claude’s family during this difficult time. The Hall of Fame will forever guard his legacy. The Hall of Fame flag will be flown at half-staff in Claude’s memory.”

The Falcons selected Humphrey with the third overall pick in the 1968 draft out of Tennessee State. He went on to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors as well as earn six Pro Bowl selections.

“So Sad to hear of the passing of my Teammate and Friend, Claude (Humphrey). Rest in Peace,” fellow Hall of Famer and former Eagles wide receiver Harold Carmichael wrote on Twitter.

–Field Level Media