A former NFL running back who represented the Bengals and Oilers over the span of a six-year career is dead at the age of 75, per ProFootballTalk.com.
The publication notes that an obituary published by the family of Fred Willis says he’s survived by his wife, five children, two stepchildren, and nine grandchildren.
The former running back grew up in Massachusetts and set records for touchdowns scored at New England high school records before attending Boston College, where he became the first player in the program’s history to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season.
Willis also played for the hockey team at Boston College.
He would go on to become a fourth-round pick in the NFL, with the Bengals drafting him in 1971 before trading him to the Oilers the following year.
Willis had his best season playing his first full campaign in an Oilers uniform, starting all 14 games for the team and rushing for 579 yards. He also made 57 catches for 371 yards, with said number of catches ranking third in the league that season.
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He retired in 1977 and later sought to help retired players who suffered brain injuries during their careers.
TotalProSports offers condolences to Fred’s family, friends, and loved ones.
R.I.P Fred Willis – 1947 – 2023
