Former Eagles GM, Steelers Scout Tom Modrak Dies at Age 74

Tom Modrak, a longtime scout for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills and general manager for the Philadelphia Eagles, died at his Florida home Tuesday, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

He was 74.

Modrak was hired by the Steelers as a full-time scout in 1978. He spent 20 years in that role before the Eagles made him their general manager in 1998. After he was fired by the Eagles in 2001, he took over as the Bills' vice president of college scouting until 2011.

Bills general manager Doug Whaley honored his former colleague upon learning of his death, per BuffaloBills.com:

"

Tom Modrak led a remarkable career as an NFL personnel executive and influenced the scouting business and a countless number of scouts along the way. Since we met more than 22 years ago in Pittsburgh, he was instrumental in helping me establish a career as an NFL personnel executive.

Tom played a pivotal role in recommending me for my first full-time job in Seattle. I will fondly remember our friendship and the memories we shared. Tom was a devoted family man and well-liked by so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Sandy, and their family at this time.

"

Modrak had been serving as the executive director of the BLESTO scouting combine in his later years. According to Bouchette, a neurological disease discovered last December was the cause of his death.