CLEVELAND — One of the finest defensive ends in the history of the National Football League has passed away.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that Willie Davis, who began his career in Cleveland before shining as a member of the Packers, has died at the age of 85.
“It is with great sadness the entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Willie Davis,” Hall of Fame CEO David Baker said in a statement. “Willie’s extraordinary athleticism was an undeniable factor in Green Bay’s winning tradition of the 1960s under Coach Lombardi. He helped the Packers through an unprecedented championship run and to two Super Bowl victories. Willie was a man of true character on and off the field. The Hall of Fame will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration to future generations.”
Davis was drafted by the Browns in 1956, but did not join the team until two years later due to his military service in the U.S. Army. He was used both on the offensive and defensive lines in Cleveland, before being traded to the Green Bay Packers in 1960.
He would become a core member of Vince Lombardi’s defense and help lead the Packers to five NFL championships, including wins in the first two Super Bowls. Davis was named to five Pro Bowls, and was a five-time All-Pro. Although sacks were not recorded back then, it is believed by some that Davis had at least a hundred of them during his career. He still holds the Green Bay record for most fumble recoveries with 22.
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