Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Mark Smith, former defensive tackle with the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns death was announced on February 10th, at age 51:


https://www.vicksburgpost.com/sports/ma ... -at-age-51


https://www.pro-football-reference.com/ ... itMa20.htm

Tre' (Edward Stanton) Johnson, former guard with the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Browns died on February 15th, at age 54:


https://kinshiptributes.homes/edward-stanton/

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/ ... hnTr03.htm

Mike Wagner, former safety with the Pittsburgh Steelers died on February 19th, at age 76:


https://www.thedailybeast.com/four-time ... ies-at-76/


https://www.pro-football-reference.com/ ... gnMi00.htm

Rondale Moore former WR with the Cardinals and Vikings died on Saturday, February 21 of a probable self inflicted gunshot wound.

https://www.wlky.com/article/nfl-wide-r ... a/70448738

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/ ... orRo02.htm

https://www.vikings.com/news/ronyell-wh ... rn-passing

Former defensive back Ronyell Whitaker, at 46.

Sonny Gibbs, former quarterback with the Detroit Lions death was announced on February 27th, at age 85:


https://magazine.tcu.edu/spring-2026/so ... -obituary/

Dick Absher, former linebacker with the Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles, died on February 25th, at age 81:


https://www.leefuneralhomes.com/obituar ... ard-absher


https://www.pro-football-reference.com/ ... shDi20.htm

https://abc7chicago.com/post/louis-leo- ... /18677280/

Lou Holtz, head coach of the New York Jets for part of the 1976 season, at 89.

Derrick Clark, former running back with the Denver Broncos died on February 19th, at age 54:


https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/for ... 4-11649551


https://www.pro-football-reference.com/ ... arDe01.htm

RIP

Matt Snell

A huge signing for the AFL and Jets in 1964, the first year at Shea Stadium. Could have been more a star runner but became an unselfish team leader who knew he had to block and keep star acquisition, Joe Namath, upright for a passing offense that would put the team in position to win it all.

Despite jealousy of Namath, Joe allowed Snell to carry the team to victory during SB III where Snell played so well, former owner Sonny Werblin allowed him a full lease of a Cadillac car as unofficial MVP of the game. Had Snell and fellow halfback, Emerson Boozer not had bad knee injuries in 1967, the Jets might have challenged Oakland for the AFL Championship at the end of that season.