Claude Humphrey, Pro Football Hall of Famer, dead at 77
Claude Humphrey, Pro Football Hall of Famer, dead at 77 Former NFL player Claude Humphrey attends the sixth annual NFL Honors at Wortham Theater Center on February 4, 2017, in Houston. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)
By Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
ATLANTA — Pro Football Hall of Famer and Atlanta Falcons legend Claude Humphrey has died at age 77.
According to WSB-TV, Humphrey, who played for the Falcons from 1968-78 and the Philadelphia Eagles from 1979-81, died late Friday in Memphis, Tennessee. His family did not say how he died, The Associated Press reported.
The Memphis native, who attended Tennessee State University, was the Falcons’ No. 3 overall pick in 1968 and went on to become the defensive rookie of the year, according to the AP. He earned first-team All-Pro honors five times and appeared in six Pro Bowls, the news outlets reported.
Humphrey later was named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Falcons Ring of Honor and Black College Football Hall of Fame, according to WSB-TV. In 2014, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Claude Humphrey,” Jim Porter, the organization’s president, said in a statement. “Known as a hard worker and a reliable teammate, Humphrey was always willing to help the team wherever needed and knew success was achieved collectively. His humble spirit guided him on and off the field.”
Porter added that the Hall’s flag would be flown at half-staff in Humphrey’s honor.
Arthur Blank, owner and chairman of the Falcons, released a statement saying the team was saddened by the news and offered condolences to Humphrey’s family and friends.
“Claude made an indelible impression on so many from Memphis to the Falcons and across the NFL with his leadership and tenacious approach on the field,” the statement read. “His Falcons legacy was cemented as a forever memory with induction into our Ring of Honor and he will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.”
Photos: Claude Humphrey through the years Here are some memorable photos of Pro Football Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey through the years. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Photos: Claude Humphrey through the years 1969: Atlanta Falcons defensive end Claude Humphrey on the sidelines of a 17-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on September 28, 1969, at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. (Vic Stein/Getty Images)
Photos: Claude Humphrey through the years 1971: Atlanta Falcons defensive end Claude Humphrey during a 31-14 win over the Cleveland Browns on October 31, 1971, at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. (Tim Culek/Getty Images)
Photos: Claude Humphrey through the years 1973: Atlanta Falcons defensive end Claude Humphrey during a 1973 game at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta. (Bob Verlin/Getty Images)
Photos: Claude Humphrey through the years 1976: Defensive end Claude Humphrey of the Atlanta Falcons rushes quarterback Mike Boryla of the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL football game at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium on October 3, 1976, in Atlanta. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Photos: Claude Humphrey through the years 1977: Defensive end Claude Humphrey of the Atlanta Falcons watches the action from the sidelines against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game at Tampa Stadium on November 27, 1977, in Tampa Bay, Florida. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Photos: Claude Humphrey through the years 1978: Claude Humphrey of the Atlanta Falcons looks on against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL football game September 10, 1978, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Photos: Claude Humphrey through the years 1981: Defensive lineman Claude Humphrey of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on from the sideline during a National Football League game against the Buffalo Bills at Rich Stadium on September 17, 1981, in Orchard Park, New York. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
Photos: Claude Humphrey through the years 2014: The NFL Honors present the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2014: not pictured, Michael Strahan; top row (from left), Aeneas Williams, Andre Reed and Walter Jones; and bottom row (from left), Ray Guy, Claude Humphrey and Derrick Brooks at the 3rd Annual NFL Honors at Radio City Music Hall on February 1, 2014, in New York City. (Taylor Hill/FilmMagic via Getty Images)
Photos: Claude Humphrey through the years 2017: Former NFL player Claude Humphrey attends sixth annual NFL Honors at Wortham Theater Center on February 4, 2017, in Houston. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)