Former NFL star Russ Francis died at the age of 70 in a plane crash on Sunday. The accident occurred at New York’s Lake Placid Airport on Sunday afternoon. Today we will discuss about Russ Francis: Plane crash| Family| Married| College| Wife.
Russ Francis: Plane crash| Family| Married| College| Wife
Russell Ross Francis (April 3, 1953 – October 1, 2023) was an American professional football player who played tight end for 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers.
| No. 81 | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Tight end |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | April 3, 1953 Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Died: | October 1, 2023 (aged 70) Lake Placid, New York, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Weight: | 242 lb (110 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Pleasant Hill (Pleasant Hill, Oregon) |
| College: | Oregon |
| NFL Draft: | 1975 / Round: 1 / Pick: 16 |
| Career history | |
|
|
| Career highlights and awards | |
New England Patriots 35th Anniversary Team |
|
Plane crash
Former NFL tight end Russ Francis, a three-time Pro Bowl selection with the New England Patriots who won the 1984 Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers, was killed along with another aviation enthusiast when their small plane took off while flying over upstate New York. After it crashed. airport, officials said on Monday.
Francis, 70, and Richard McSpadden, 63, took off from Lake Placid Airport shortly after 4 p.m. On Sunday, a single engine Cessna 177 aircraft encountered a problem. New York State Police said the plane struck an embankment at the corner of the airport and crashed.
Francis was president of Lake Placid Airways, which runs charter and scenic flights. A longtime fan of flying, he had been a pilot for nearly 50 years and ran a charter service in Hawaii, according to the airline’s website. McSpadden was senior vice president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and was well known as an aviation safety expert. His career also included a stint as commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the organization said.
Francis was a first-round draft pick of the Patriots in 1975 and played in New England until 1980, making the franchise’s all-decade team and 35th anniversary team for the 1970s. He was named to the Pro Bowl in three consecutive seasons from 1977–79.
Family
He is the son of wrestling promoter Ed Francis. He briefly competed full-time in the American Wrestling Association after retiring from football. Kate Naiman, the mother of Francis’ son, said on Facebook Sunday evening that “flying was like breathing” for the former-tight end.
Super Bowl champion Russ Francis has died in a plane crash at the age of 70, his family has confirmed.
Francis was flying with former U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds commander Richard McSpadden on Sunday when their plane experienced an emergency shortly after takeoff from Lake Placid Airport. While attempting to land they were unable to make the runway and both were killed.
“My older brother Russ Francis died in a plane crash in Lake Placid, New York,” Francis’ brother Ed said in a Facebook post Sunday. “Flying was my brother’s lifelong passion, and perhaps this was a suitable way out for him. May God grant you speedy recovery, my elder brother!!”
Married
Russ Francis was married. Russ and Judy Francis’ long-running romance is an incredible testament to the strength of their marriage, with Judy Francis playing an indispensable role in Russ’s life, providing love, support and stability as he pursued his ambitions. and left an indelible mark on the game. History.
College
Born Russell Ross Francis in Seattle, Washington, he attended the University of Oregon where he played two seasons (1972–73) and recorded 39 receptions for 588 yards and four touchdowns. After being released from the 49ers eight games into the 1987 season, he returned to the Patriots for his final NFL season (1988).
Wife
Russ Francis, an iconic sports figure and legend who died earlier this year, had a deep and enduring love with Judy Francis; Their long and beautiful relationship was a testament to its strength.
