Mackey dies at 69

John Mackey revolutionized the tight end position, his incomparable ability to catch passes off the line of scrimmage helping to usher the NFL into the pass-happy modern era. After his retirement, Mackey remained on the forefront of change in professional football. He pushed for better health care and championed the cause of former players, even as he battled the dementia that ultimately forced him into an assisted-living facility. The Hall of Famer for the Baltimore Colts died Wednesday at age 69. Mackey played for the Colts from 1963-71 and for San Diego in 1972, during a time when tight ends were viewed as extra offensive tackles. He ended his 10-year career with 331 catches for 5,236 yards and 38 TDs.

Associated Press