Hall of Fame Packer Davis dies at 85
Willie Davis, a Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive lineman who helped the Packers win each of the first two Super Bowls, died. He was 85.
Davis’ wife, Carol, said her husband had been hospitalized for about a month with kidney failure.
A 15th-round draft pick from Grambling, Davis began his NFL career by playing both offense and defense for the Browns in 1958 and ’59. He had his greatest success after getting traded to the Packers.
He remained with the Packers until finishing his NFL career in 1969 as a five-time All-Pro. Although tackles and sacks weren’t measured at the time Davis played, his 22 career fumble recoveries showcased his dominance and big-play ability.
He was voted to the NFL’s all-decade team for the 1960s and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.
Davis helped the Packers win the NFL championship in 1965 before capping the 1966 and ’67 seasons with titles in the first two Super Bowls.
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