Retired Detroit Lions running back Mel Farr, who also earned acclaim off the field as one of the nation’s biggest car dealers, died Monday afternoon at age 70, the Lions said late Monday, citing relatives.
A cause of death was not immediately confirmed.
Farr was the seventh overall pick out of UCLA by the Detroit Lions. He was named NFL Rookie of the Year and spent seven seasons as a running back with the Lions, earning trips to the Pro Bowl in 1967 and 1970. He finished his career with 739 carries for 3,072 yards and 26 touchdowns, along with 1,374 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.