A standout for the Patriots who went on to help the 49ers win it all after the 1984 season, Russ Francis was an avid pilot who was on board a single-engine plane.
“He was a dynamic player on the field who had an even bigger personality off it,” the Patriots said of Russ Francis, shown in 1980. Russ Francis, a standout tight end for the New England Patriots who went on to help the San Francisco 49ers win a Super Bowl, died Sunday in a plane crash. Francis, one of two men said to have perished when their single-engine craft went down soon after takeoff, was 70 years old.).
It was not initially clear which man was flying the plane at the time, per reports. Francis was an avid pilot and McSpadden was a former commander of the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds team. “On behalf of the entire New England Patriots organization, we extend our sincerest sympathies to the family of Russ Francis, who tragically passed away yesterday,” Patriots chairman and chief executive Robert Kraft said Monday in a statement. “Russ was a fan favorite throughout his playing career. He was a dynamic player on the field who had an even bigger personality off it. He knew no boundaries, pushed the limits and lived his life to the fullest.
The Patriots selected Francis with the 16th pick of the 1975 draft, and he rewarded them with six seasons in which he was named to three Pro Bowls while catching 196 passes for 2,996 yards and 28 touchdowns. After setting career highs in 1980 in yards and touchdowns , Francis abruptly retired from the NFL.
“Richard dedicated 20 years of his life to serving his country with the Air Force, including commanding the Thunderbirds from 2002-2004,” the air demonstration squadronof McSpadden in a statement. “He continued to serve and inspire even after his military career, leading the charge to advance aviation safety industrywide. His impact is felt across the world and his legacy will be lasting! Our hearts are with Richard, his family, and his friends during this time.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russ Francis, tight end on SF 49ers’ 1984 Super Bowl team, dies in plane crashFrancis joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1982 and was part of the 1984 team that beat Miami in the Super Bowl.
Read more »
Super Bowl champ Russ Francis, fellow aviation enthusiast killed in plane crash, police sayRuss Francis, a former star tight end who won a Super Bowl with the 49ers, and Richard McSpadden, an aviation enthusiast, were killed in a plane crash Sunday.
Read more »
Former 49ers star, Super Bowl champ Russ Francis dies in plane crashFormer Pro Bowl tight end Russ Francis was killed in a plane crash in Lake Placid, New York.
Read more »
Former Pro Bowl TE Russ Francis dies in plane crashFormer Pro Bowl tight end Russ Francis was killed in a plane crash in Lake Placid, New York.
Read more »
Russ Francis, former 49ers and Patriots Pro Bowl TE, dies in plane crashFormer NFL Pro Bowl tight end Russ Francis was killed in a plane crash in upstate New York on Sunday, his family announced on social media.
Read more »
49ers Super Bowl champ Francis dies in crashThe former pro bowl tight end was 70-years-old.
Read more »