Jim Brown, 87, Cleveland Browns
Jim Brown, a living legend of American football, is a name that's instantly recognizable to fans of the sport. Born in 1936, he played for the Cleveland Browns from the late '50s to 1965 and became one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history. After retiring, he pursued acting and starred in numerous films and television shows.
Brown was a three-time MVP and a nine-time Pro Bowler, leading the league in rushing eight times during his career. Despite the time that's passed, he remains a revered footballer and an inspiration to many. He also uses his platform to advocate for civil rights and social justice.
Joe Namath, 79, New York Jets
Joe Namath will forever be remembered as the charismatic and flamboyant quarterback who led the New York Jets to their only Super Bowl victory in 1969. Despite retiring over four decades ago, he remains a beloved figure in American football and a cultural icon.
His famous guarantee of victory before the Jets won Super Bowl III and his flashy personality made him a household name. But it's his talent on the field that earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Today, well into his golden years, Namath is still a revered figure in the world of sports and an inspiration to generations of fans and players.
Dick Butkus, 80, Chicago Bears
Dick Butkus is one of the most legendary and intimidating linebackers ever to play football. Known for his ferocity and hard hits, the Chicago Bears star was a force to be reckoned with on the field. After being drafted third overall, he played for the team in the '60s and '70s and was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times.
Butkus was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice and was also a six-time first-team All-Pro selection. Unsurprisingly, his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame came in 1979, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
Fran Tarkenton, 83, Minnesota Vikings
Fran Tarkenton, the former quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants, is an American football legend who dominated the field for 18 seasons. With a record-breaking career spanning nearly two decades, he was inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
But Tarkenton didn't stop there. After retiring, he went on to become a media personality and successful computer software executive. His tenacity, leadership, and business acumen make him a true icon of the NFL's golden generation and an inspiration to newer athletes who strive for greatness both on and off the field.
Bob Lilly, 83, Dallas Cowboys
Nicknamed "Mr. Cowboy," Robert Lewis Lilly is a former defensive tackle who played for the Dallas Cowboys for 14 seasons. After playing college football at TCU Horned Frogs, he went on to become the first draft choice in franchise history and was a part of Dallas' vaunted Doomsday Defense.
As a tackle, Lilly was a first-team All-NFL choice every year from 1964 through 1969 and was regularly double and triple-teamed due to his impact on the games. He was inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. Sports Illustrated even named him one of the ten most revolutionary defensive players.
Joe Schmidt, 91, Detroit Lions
A name synonymous with greatness in American football is Joe Schmidt, the former Detroit Lions linebacker. He served the team in that capacity for 13 years, winning two NFL championships in the process. He was exceptional on the field, and his fellow players recognized his outstanding talent, voting him as the NFL's most valuable defensive player in 1960 and 1963.
After retiring from the game in 1966, Schmidt went on to become the head coach of the Detroit Lions, leading the team to a string of successes. He retired from coaching after six years and maintains his legacy of revolutionizing the linebacker position.
Tom Mack, 79, Los Angeles Rams
Tom Mack is a name that stands out in the world of American football. Born in 1943, he was an exceptional offensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams for over a decade. He played a crucial role in leading the team to a Super Bowl in 1979 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame two decades later.
But Mack's accomplishments didn't stop there. After retiring from the game, he put his engineering degree from the University of Michigan to work, eventually becoming a lobbyist for Bechtel Group, Inc. His success on and off the field is a testament to his intelligence, hard work, and determination.
Lem Barney, 77, Detroit Lions
Lemuel Joseph Barney, better known as Lem Barney, is a former football player considered one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history. He played for the Detroit Lions for 11 seasons from 1967 to 1977, and during that time, he made a name for himself as a shutdown defender.
Barney was a seven-time Pro Bowler named to the first-team All-Pro four times. He was also named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in his first few seasons. When he left professional football, he went on to work as a broadcaster on BET and got into pubic affairs for a gas company.
Mel Renfro, 81, Dallas Cowboys
Mel Renfro is a former American football player who made an indelible mark on the sport. In the '60s and '70s, he played for the Dallas Cowboys and was one of the most versatile players in the league. He played as a defensive back, kick returner, and even some offense positions during his career.
Renfro was a vital member of the Cowboys team that won Super Bowl VI in 1972. He was also named to the NFL '60s All-Decade Team and inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996. Now retired, Renfro currently works as a motivational speaker.
Jan Stenerud, 80, Kansas City Chiefs
Born in Norway in 1942, Jan Stenerud is a legendary name in American football. He moved to the United States in his 20s and quickly made a name for himself as a kicker. During his illustrious career from 1967 to 1985, Stenerud played for the Kansas City Chiefs, the Green Bay Packers, and the Minnesota Vikings.
He was the first pure placekicker to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991, and his record-breaking 373 field goals stood for nearly two decades. In addition to his football accomplishments, Stenerud is also a former member of the Norwegian national ski jumping team.
Willie Lanier, 77, Kansas City Chiefs
Willie Lanier is remembered for playing as the linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs in the '60s and '70s. Despite being undersized for the position, Lanier made up for it with his incredible speed, agility, and athleticism. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler and a member of the NFL's All-Decade Team of the '70s.
Also named to the Chiefs' 50th Anniversary Team, he got inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986. After his playing career, Lanier went on to become a successful businessman and philanthropist, using his platform to give back to his community and inspire future generations of athletes.
John Brodie, 87, San Francisco 49ers
John Brodie, the former American football quarterback, was a true athlete and leader on the field. The football star played his entire professional career with the San Francisco 49ers, where he was a two-time Pro Bowler and the 1970 NFL Most Valuable Player. He threw for over 31,000 yards and 214 touchdowns, which are still franchise records for the 49ers.
Brodie was known for his incredible accuracy and ability to make clutch plays when it mattered the most. After retiring from football, Brodie became an accomplished professional golfer and even won the 1991 United Airlines Hawaiian Open on the Senior PGA Tour.
Carl Eller, 81, Minnesota Vikings
Carl Eller was known for his fierce and dominant presence on the field. He played as a defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings and the Seattle Seahawks during his 16-year run in the NFL. He was part of the legendary Vikings' "Purple People Eaters" defense that terrorized opposing offenses in the late '60s and early '70s.
Eller helped lead the team to four Super Bowl appearances and was a six-time Pro Bowler. His imposing physical presence and unmatched skills as a pass rusher made him one of the most feared defenders of his time, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Bobby Bell, 82, Kansas City Chiefs
Bobby Bell is a former American football linebacker who played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1963 to 1974. He was known for his exceptional athleticism and versatility, playing both as a linebacker and defensive end during his time in the league. Bell helped lead the Chiefs to two Super Bowl appearances, including a victory in Super Bowl IV.
Considered one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, he was expectedly inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983. Beyond football, Bell has also been recognized for his contributions to his community, including founding a youth football program.
Leroy Kelly, 80, Cleveland Browns
Leroy Kelly was known for his speed, agility, and incredible running abilities during his time as a professional football player. He spent his entire career with the Cleveland Browns from 1964 to 1973 and was a crucial player in the team's success during that era.
Kelly won the NFL rushing title twice in the '60s and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994. His number 44 jersey was retired by the Browns. Kelly was also known for his durability, playing in 176 consecutive games, a testament to his toughness and commitment to the game.
Jack Youngblood, 73, Los Angeles Rams
Jack Youngblood is a legendary American football player who spent his entire 14-year career with the Los Angeles Rams from 1971 to 1984. A defensive end known for his fierce pass rush and durability, Youngblood played in a remarkable 201 consecutive games and was selected to seven Pro Bowls.
He was also named the NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1975 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001. Off the field, Youngblood has been involved in various charitable and philanthropic endeavors, including supporting cancer research and working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Ron Yary, 76, Minnesota Vikings
Former professional football player Ron Yary played offensive tackle in the NFL for 15 seasons. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the first overall pick in the 1968 Draft and spent 14 seasons with the team. He helped lead them to three Super Bowl appearances and one Super Bowl victory in 1973.
Yary is a seven-time Pro Bowler who was named to the First-team All-Pro selection six times. In 2001 had earned his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And after his retirement from the NFL, the football legend became an accomplished artist and furniture maker.
Lemar Parrish, 75, Cincinnati Bengals
Lemar Parrish was a dominant defensive back in the NFL during his 13-year professional run. From 1970 to 1982, he played for different teams, primarily the Cincinnati Bengals, but he also spent some time with the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills. During his time on the field, Parrish was known for his speed, agility, and ball-hawking skills, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors.
He is also recognized as one of the greatest kick returners in NFL history, returning six kicks for touchdowns throughout his career. Parrish's talent and impact on the game were undeniable, and he was inducted into the Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor in 2018.
Jim Otto, 85, Oakland Raiders
Jim Otto is a true legend of American football. He played for the Oakland Raiders from 1960 to 1974, making him the longest-serving Raider in the team's history. Otto appeared in a record 308 games—more than any other Raider—and helped lead the team to victory in Super Bowl XI.
After being a ten-time All-Pro team member, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980. Despite enduring numerous injuries throughout his career, including those that led to the loss of his right leg, Otto was known for his toughness and dedication to the game. He is considered one of the greatest centers in NFL history.
Jerry Kramer, 87, Green Bay Packers
Jerry Kramer is a former NFL player who played for the Green Bay Packers from 1958 to 1968. He was a vital member of the Packers teams that won five NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowls. Kramer played as a guard and was known for his tenacious blocking and tough-as-nails mentality.
In 2018, after many years of consideration, Kramer was finally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the most outstanding offensive linemen in NFL history. He has kids who have also inherited his football passion, with one playing two professional league seasons.
Dan Dierdorf, 73, St. Louis Cardinals
Dan Dierdorf may be long retired, but he is still remembered today for his time as an offensive tackle for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1971 to 1983. During his 13-year career, he was a dominant force on the team's offensive line and played an instrumental role in helping them win the NFC East division championship in 1974 and 1975.
Following the end of his playing career, Dierdorf transitioned into broadcasting. He served as a color analyst with ABC for 12 seasons on "Monday Night Football" and subsequently joined the "NFL on CBS" team as an announcer for 15 years. Since 2014, he has been broadcasting for the Michigan Wolverines.