Mel Farr, Former Detroit Lions Running Back, Dies at 70

Former Detroit Lions running back Mel Farr died Monday. He was 70 years old.

Paula Pasche of the Daily Tribune noted that the Lions confirmed his death late Monday night.

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press passed along an update and quote from Farr’s ex-teammate, cornerback Lem Barney:

Farr was a dynamic playmaker during his Detroit career that spanned from 1967 to 1973. He was a two-time Pro Bowler, the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1967 and Detroit’s leading rusher in three different seasons. He also was the seventh overall draft pick in 1967 after he finished his collegiate career at UCLA.

While Farr will likely be remembered for his accomplishments on the field, Barney made sure to point out that the former running back’s legacy extends beyond that in comments made to WWJ’s Chris Renwick (via CBS Detroit):

"

Mel was a dynamic person. I got a chance to meet Mel in 1967. Mel came out of UCLA as a number one draft choice and I was out of Jackson State, number two. The friendship was just a lock from that point on.

To this day, the friendship still rides high and he is going to sorely be missed.

"

Current Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson also weighed in on the news Monday:

Farr spent his entire NFL career as a member of the Lions.