Francis joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1982 and was part of the 1984 team that beat Miami in the Super Bowl.
SAN FRANCISCO – SEPTEMBER 21: Tight end Russ Francis #81 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass against the New Orleans Saints during a game at Candlestick Park on September 21, 1986 in San Francisco, California.
Francis played six seasons for New England, made three Pro Bowls and was dubbed “All-World” by ABC announcer Howard Cosell following a big performance on Monday night. He abruptly retired, but was talked into returning to football by 49ers coach Bill Walsh after the club acquired his rights and a first-round pick in exchange for the 49ers’ first four draft picks in the 1982 draft.
Safety Ronnie Lott: “He was a warrior with a kind heart. He was the best at his position. I continue to be inspired by how he lived his life. Sending love to his family.” Francis was a Patriots first-round draft pick in 1975 and played in New England until 1980, making the franchise’s all-decade team for the 1970s and the 35th anniversary team. He was named to the Pro Bowl three straight seasons from 1977-79.Instant analysis: Undefeated 49ers top Cardinals behind McCaffrey, Purdy
‘Mood is dark’: 80% of Bay Area voters see state of big three downtowns as serious problem, poll finds
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
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 Patriots, 49ers tight end Russ Francis dies in plane crashRuss Francis was killed in a plane crash in Lake Placid on Sunday.
Read more »
Plane crash in Lake Placid kills 2, including former NFL player Russ Francis of Patriots, 49ersFormer NFL player Russ Francis, a tight end whose career in the league included multiple Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl victory, was killed along with another aviation enthusiast when the single-engine plane the two men were in crashed shortly after takeoff from an airport in upstate New York
Read more »
Plane crash in Lake Placid kills 2, including former NFL player Russ Francis of Patriots, 49ersFormer NFL player Russ Francis, a tight end whose career in the league included multiple Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl victory, was killed along with another aviation enthusiast when the single-engine plane the two men were in crashed shortly after takeoff from an airport in upstate New York
Read more »
Former Patriots, 49ers TE Russ Francis killed in Lake Placid plane crashRuss Francis, the former New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers tight end, has been killed in a plane crash in Lake Placid, New York. He was 70.
Read more »