Fred McNeill, the former Minnesota linebacker who helped the Vikings reach two Super Bowls in his 12-year NFL career, has died. He was 63.
Wife Tia McNeill said he died Tuesday in Southern California of complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He also suffered from dementia.
Drafted 17th overall in 1974, the former UCLA star played in Minnesota's Super Bowl losses in 1975 and 1977. In 167 regular-season games, he had 1,068 tackles, 13 sacks, seven interceptions and returned a blocked punt for a touchdown. He appeared in 13 playoff games, and blocked a punt in the 1977 Super Bowl.