Former Detroit Lion Mel Farr Dies At Age 70
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) -- Former Detroit Lions running back Mel Farr died on Monday at the age of 70, according to multiple reports.
Reports say that Farr died suddenly in his home.
Farr played for the Lions from 1967 to 1973, being named to the Pro Bowl twice. He led the team in rushing yards three times.
Farr was named AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1967 when he rushed for 860 yards and three touchdowns on 206 attempts.
Former Detriot Lions cornerback Lem Barney said that Farr was more that just a teammate, he was a great friend.
"Mel was a dynamic person," Barney told WWJ's Chris Renwick. "I got a chance to meet Mel in 1967. Mel came out of UCLA as a number one draft choice and I was out of Jackson State, number two. The friendship was just a lock from that point on.
"To this day, the friendship still rides high and he is going to sorely be missed," Barney said.
After his playing days, Farr -- who spent his college years playing at UCLA -- remained in the Detroit area. He once owned a Ford dealership at Greenfield and 10 Mile and promoted himself as "Mel Farr Superstar" in TV commercials.
Farr's son, Mike, played wide receiver at Birmingham Brother Rice and UCLA before also playing for the Lions from 1990 to 1992.
