BALTIMORE — John Mackey revolutionized the tight end position, his incomparable ability to catch passes off the line of scrimmage helping to usher the NFL into the pass-happy modern era.
After his retirement, Mackey remained on the forefront of change in professional football.
He pushed for better health care and championed the cause of former players, even as he battled the dementia that ultimately forced him into an assisted-living facility.
The Hall of Famer for the Baltimore Colts died at age 69. Mackey’s wife notified the team about her husband’s death, Ravens spokesman Chad Steele said Thursday. No cause was given.
“John Mackey was one of the great leaders in NFL history, on and off the field,” commissioner Roger Goodell said. “He was a Hall of Fame player who redefined the tight end position. He was a courageous advocate for his fellow NFL players as head of the NFL Players Association. He worked closely with our office on many issues through the years, including serving as the first president of the NFL Youth Football Fund.”
Mackey played for the Colts from 1963-71. His breakaway speed, soft hands and bruising running made him difficult to cover, giving Johnny Unitas another top target in the passing game.
Together, they helped the Colts beat the Cowboys in the 1971 Super Bowl by connecting on a pass after it deflected off two other players for a 75-yard TD.
Mackey finished his 10-year career with 331 catches for 5,236 yards and 38 TDs.
