Pro Bowl Running Back Chuck Muncie Passes Away At 60
Published at
Amy Graves/Getty Images for GreenHouse(METAIRIE, La.) — Three-time Pro Bowl running back Chuck Muncie passed away on Monday from a heart attack. He was 60.
Muncie was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 1976 with the third overall pick out of California. He played 4 ½ seasons in the Big Easy, where he rushed for 3,393 yards and 28 touchdowns in 59 games.
“Sadly, we have learned of the untimely passing of Chuck Muncie,” said New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and other loved ones at this difficult time.”
He was traded to the San Diego Chargers midway through the 1980 season, where he compiled 3,309 yards and 43 touchdowns in 51 games.
“Everyone at the Chargers is deeply saddened by the passing of Chuck Muncie, one of the greatest running backs in Chargers history,” the team said in a statement. “We will remember him as a tremendous athlete with a larger-than-life personality. It’s a sad day for all of us and all Chargers fans.”
Five years following retirement in 1989, Muncie was sentenced to 18 months in prison for a cocaine distribution conviction. After his released, he began to work with at-risk youth, creating the Chuck Muncie Youth Foundation.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio