Mike Lucci, a six-time team captain with the Detroit Lions in the late-1960s and early 1970s, died Tuesday at 81 years old.
Lucci was one of the Lions' best defensive players for the better part of a decade. He was a second-team All-Pro selection in 1969 and made his only Pro Bowl in 1971.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Lucci, whose passion for life was felt by all who knew him," Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp said in a statement. "Many will remember Mike for his toughness as a player during his nine seasons with the Lions, earning Pro Bowl honors in 1971 and being named the team’s defensive MVP three times.