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Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer Willie Davis dead at 85

By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Pro Football Hall of Famer Willie Davis, who starred on five NFL championship teams for Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers during the 1960s, died Wednesday. He was 85.

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On their website, the Packers said Davis died early Wednesday morning at a hospital in Santa Monica, California.

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Starring at defensive end, Davis helped anchor a Green Bay defense for nearly a decade, winning NFL championships in 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966 and 1967. He also played in the first two Super Bowls, also won by Green Bay.

David Baker, president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, called Davis “a man of true character.”

“Willie’s extraordinary athleticism was an undeniable factor in Green Bay’s winning tradition of the 1960s under Coach Lombardi," Davis said in a statement. "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 an inspiration to future generations.”

Davis was born July 24, 1934, in Lisbon, Louisiana. After starring collegiately at Grambling State University, Davis was selected by the Browns in the 15th round of the 1958 NFL draft.

Davis played in 162 regular-season games during his 12-year NFL career from 1958 to 1969, never missing a game. He began his career with the Cleveland Browns. Moving to the Packers in 1960, Davis was an All-Pro for four consecutive seasons. He had two interceptions, recovered 21 fumbles and recorded two safeties.

Davis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981, and was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

“As a pass rusher, he was so quick off the ball,” former teammate Dave Robinson, told Packers.com. “He was a good run player, too. He was so strong in the chest, he could hit the tackle and control them. Throw them or drive them. … His upper body was tremendously strong.”

Davis was named to the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team and was named an Associated Press All-Pro five times.

Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer Willie Davis dead tat 85 Willie Davis (87) was constantly pressuring quarterbacks during his NFL career. The Hall of Famer died Wednesday at the age of 85. ( Focus on Sport/Getty Images)


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